EoS_User Loc: Oshawa, Ontario Canada

I have a Vivitar 500mm mirror lens and after learning some photo tips here I have a question. When I first got this lense I went out to try it's capabilities. To say the least I was disappointed. But now I have made a big move forward in going from almost always using full auto to using Av and Tv priority. My question is this. My photos using this lense were not very sharp and contrast was seriously lacking. I used my camera on full auto. Now I wonder since this lens is fixed f8 should I set my aperature to f8 and let the camera set the shutter speed? Would this help improve the photos? The camera I used is a EOS 630, yes I like film.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

I recommend that you use Manual setting with your 500-mm mirror reflex camera. Start with ISO 200, 1/500-sec at f/8. You can view your capture on the LCD screen to check exposure. Increase or decrease your shutter duration as needed.

How to obtain good focus with a mirror reflex lens:
1.) Mount lens directly to a very sturdy tripod;
2.) Arrange your composition, using view finder;
3.) Select "Live View" on camera;
4.) Digitally enlarge LCD "Live View" by clicking "+" button several times;
5.) Critically focus lens using enlarged "Live View" image;
6.) Press shutter release;
7.) Using LCD, review captured image.

If camera movement is noticeable, increase ISO to 400 (or higher), which will allow shorter shutter duration, reducing camera movement.

Film camera? Never mind!

EoS_User Loc: Oshawa, Ontario Canada

Thanks Nikonian72, I did try setting my aperture to 8.0 and let the camera set the shutter speed. I focused manually and did get a marked improvement over the initial shots using this lens. I recently bought a DSLR and am able to follow the rest of your instruction to experiment further.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

This old thread may be of interest to you: http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-15588-1.html

One correction: My Nikkor 500-mm Reflex (mirror) lens is f/8, not f/10 as stated in old thread.

gwong1 Loc: Tampa, FL

EoS User, Condsidering purchasing a Vivitar 800 mm Mirror Lens, would you recommend it? I own a Canon 7D and realize it may mostly be Manual set-up. Your opinions please. Can you post anything? Thanks, Gary