Mirror Lock-up with remote shutter release: I just bought a remote shutter release. A friend of mine told me to take it one step further by using the mirror lock-up function along with...

skingfong Loc: Sacramento

I just bought a remote shutter release. A friend of mine told me to take it one step further by using the mirror lock-up function along with the remote shutter release. I didn't think of that but it sure makes a lot of sense in theory. Do you do this? Can you actually see the difference? All this with a tripod of course.

Kuzano

skingfong wrote:

I just bought a remote shutter release. A friend of mine told me to take it one step further by using the mirror lock-up function along with the remote shutter release. I didn't think of that but it sure makes a lot of sense in theory. Do you do this? Can you actually see the difference? All this with a tripod of course.

Under controlled tests, the answer to that would be yes. Learned that in the NYIP correspondence courses in the seventies. (Yes, film camera's also had MLU in Many SLR models).

Also as a result of that course you can see the difference if you hang 8-15 pounds of weight from the bottom of the center post of your tripod. That's why I always make sure my tripods have a hook at the bottom of the center post, and I carry a small net shopping bag in my camera bag. Fill the bag with stones or rubble on site and hang it on the hook. This will add a positive steadiness to a tripod that may not be as sturdy as you like.

None of these are new revelations, but existed long before digital. Good to bring them back up now and then.

Thanks.

:thumbup:

skingfong Loc: Sacramento

That's even another step further reducing vibration and wind. I do have a hook on the bottom of my center post.
Thanks.

Kuzano wrote:

Under controlled tests, the answer to that would b... (show quote)

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

photocat Loc: Atlanta, Ga

Yes I frequently use mirror lock up along with a wireless remote
It remains me of the days I did LF work :)

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

According to John Shaw if your camera has a mirror up feature you should use it for your landscape and architectural photography.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

When my camera is on a tripod I always use MLU. You can then use a battery powered remote, a cable release or the self timer to activate the shutter. Personally, I like a cable release since there is no battery to worry about. ;)

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Many DSLR's (particularly base models) only have a mirror lock up function for assistance in cleaning the sensor, not for taking images

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

skingfong wrote:

I just bought a remote shutter release. A friend of mine told me to take it one step further by using the mirror lock-up function along with the remote shutter release. I didn't think of that but it sure makes a lot of sense in theory. Do you do this? Can you actually see the difference? All this with a tripod of course.

Yes but it depends on what you are shooting. You can't use it with continuous shots.

Jim D

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

skingfong wrote:

I just bought a remote shutter release. A friend of mine told me to take it one step further by using the mirror lock-up function along with the remote shutter release. I didn't think of that but it sure makes a lot of sense in theory. Do you do this? Can you actually see the difference? All this with a tripod of course.

Also remember that if you are using a lens that has vibration reduction with a tripod to turn off VR. Earlier VR lenses can actually cause motion blur as is searches for motion to compensate for when there isn't any.

GeorgeH Loc: Jonesboro, GA

Much of the vibration reduction using mirror lock up MLU depends on the design of the camera mirror "box." For example, the Pentax 6945n lacks MLU, but the Pentax 645nii has it. In comparative tests using each camera tripod mounted, using the same long lens, same film, subject, and examining the same portion of each negative The Luminous Landscape found that using MLU yielded no benefit, for these essentially otherwise indentical cameras. Here's the link: http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/645-mlu.shtml Of course, YMMV depending on the camera! Nevertheless, I use MLU when available and using the camera on a tripod.

skingfong Loc: Sacramento

I use a wired remote also because it works for both of my cameras. No battery like you said and no wireless interference signal.

Db7423 wrote:

When my camera is on a tripod I always use MLU. You can then use a battery powered remote, a cable release or the self timer to activate the shutter. Personally, I like a cable release since there is no battery to worry about. ;)

skingfong Loc: Sacramento

Certainly, MLU can't hurt. I'll take any slight advantage I can get. Why not? I need all the help I can get.

GeorgeH wrote:

Much of the vibration reduction using mirror lock ... (show quote)

skingfong Loc: Sacramento

I forgot about that too. I'm going to have to mount my camera on a tripod using the same body, lens, and subject. Shoot without MLU, without remote shutter release, and VR or IS on. The I'll go the other extreme using MLU, remote shutter release and VR or IS off while hanging some weight on the center post of the tripod. This will be a fun experiment.

Erik_H wrote:

Also remember that if you are using a lens that has vibration reduction with a tripod to turn off VR. Earlier VR lenses can actually cause motion blur as is searches for motion to compensate for when there isn't any.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

What camera model are you using ?

skingfong wrote:

I forgot about that too. I'm going to have to mount my camera on a tripod using the same body, lens, and subject. Shoot without MLU, without remote shutter release, and VR or IS on. The I'll go the other extreme using MLU, remote shutter release and VR or IS off while hanging some weight on the center post of the tripod. This will be a fun experiment.

skingfong Loc: Sacramento

I'm using a Canon 6D. I just did the experiment. There definitely is a difference.

Screamin Scott wrote:

What camera model are you using ?

No MLU, no remote shutter release, IS on

(Download)

MLU, remote shutter release, IS off, weight down tripod

(Download)