John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Here in the U.K. we will be experiencing a partial eclipse next Friday, around about 82% at 09:30 in the Buckinghamshire / Oxfordshire area. We may be lucky and get a clear day in which case I'll try my hand at capturing it.

My initial plan was to just set the camera & lens (Canon 60D + 15-85 EFS) on a tripod and photograph the changing light on the Thames flood plain in front of me looking South. At present I only have a CPL but as I've taken shots into sunlight (though not directly) I didn't see this as a problem. It seems this might not be such a good idea. I also have a Sigma 105mm macro and a Canon 400 'L' F5.6.

I would welcome any advice on what combination might be best and what I need to make it safe, or even if said advice is to leave well alone at such short notice and just enjoy the spectacle.

jkoar Loc: The Gunks, NY

Here are two options for direct sun photography that I know of.

Google Baader filter,

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0068V25JE/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=TXDIF156MU6J&coliid=I3DOLSOK9KS85U

JK

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

I had read about this. I will look into it and see if it's feasible to get one on my side before Friday.

jkoar Loc: The Gunks, NY

As far as I know these are safe. I have used the Baader filters.

Venus Transit 6-5-12

(Download)

CraigFair Loc: Santa Maria, CA.

I don't think I would recommend shooting the Sun directly without an appropriate Filters. I use a Badder Solar Filter on my telescope with my Camera. You can do the same with your Canon 400mm L Lens.
Craig

dlmorris Loc: Loma Linda, Ca

That Baader material is good. You can buy it in sheets then cut it and make an adapter for your own lens. It is a then mylar type of material. Don't buy anything at the hardware store that may look the same, because it isn't as optically good.
I don't think you'd see much change of light by taking landscape pictures. Some, maybe, but not enough to be really interesting. I'd use your 400mm lens with that Baader material if you can get some in time, and shoot the sun directly.
If you have a cell phone camera (or any other camera) shoot the images of the sun shining through tree branches or something. You'll see lots of images of the eclipsed sun on the ground or the side of your house or wall. The leaves of the tree form a pin hole camera.