Using a remote shutter trigger (Page 2): I have seen it done for shooting long exposures...star trails etc.

ggttc Loc: TN

I have seen it done for shooting long exposures...star trails etc.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

Gifted One wrote:

I have seen photographers use gaffers tape (less sticky) to cover the eye piece to take longer exposures and night shots. I have yet to ask Canon if this is a valid practice.

Canon normally supplies a cover for the viewfinder on the camera strap they give you for this reason. I keep forgetting it is there because I don't use that strap, it is too thin.

Another thing, no need to cover the viewfinder when using a remote. Most manufactures recommend doing this when using live view so unless you are using LV with your remote don't even worry about it.

Jim D

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

I'm always on manual so no need. :D :thumbup:

jdventer Loc: Wallingford, CT, USA

Gifted One wrote:

I have seen photographers use gaffers tape (less sticky) to cover the eye piece to take longer exposures and night shots. I have yet to ask Canon if this is a valid practice.

When I bought my Canon DSLR they provided a cover for this purpose so I'm guessing they think it matters.

gopiqpp Loc: SAUDI ARABIA

My Sony A 390, a regular DSLR had an eyepiece cover supplied by Sony, but my A57 didn't have it in the box. Guess it means Sony doesn't think its necessary for SLT - DSLR.

RDH

big-guy wrote:

I'm always on manual so no need. :D :thumbup:

What does Manual have to do with it?

minustide Loc: San Francisco

NiagaraJim wrote:

I just wonder if the Gurus here ever cover the eyepiece when using a remote shutter trigger?
I remember reading that it should be covered to keep light from going in and causing the settings to be wrong.

New here.
No cover. 20 minute exposure with 6d and 50 mm 1.4 at f16, iso 100 --but it's night of course.

Terrymac Loc: LONDON U.K.

Some Nikons have a mechanical flap incorporated in the eyepiece, so the problem must arise on occasions.

NiagaraJim wrote:

I just wonder if the Gurus here ever cover the eyepiece when using a remote shutter trigger?
I remember reading that it should be covered to keep light from going in and causing the settings to be wrong.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

NiagaraJim wrote:

I just wonder if the Gurus here ever cover the eyepiece when using a remote shutter trigger?
I remember reading that it should be covered to keep light from going in and causing the settings to be wrong.

For a long exposure with light at the rear, yes, I'd cover the eyepiece. And, for long exposures with direct sun on the back of the camera I'd cover it.

coco1964 Loc: Winsted Mn

Nikon supplies one with their DSLRs and suggests using one when shooting long exposures at night. I have shot the moon and low light sunsets but have never used one.......

DaveHam Loc: Reading UK

The reason the manufacturers build in the mechanism to close off the viewer is to prevent egress of light when using a remote trigger. If there was no risk of this then they would not bother with it.
On long exposures the risk is opening and closing the mirror when the seal against light is not made as the mirror is in motion. The length of the exposure is not key to this; if the light gets in as the shutter is closing the risk of flare exists.
99.9% of the time there is little or no risk but with sunlight behind the camera and low on the horizon so light is approaching vertical there is a very definite risk.
After all remembering to seal the viewfinder is not a big issue; rather do that than ruin a good shot.

Brian in Whitby Loc: Whitby, Ontario, Canada

canon provided a nifty little piece of plastic for just that purpose but I lost it before I even used it once. I don't think my photos suffered much. Most of the time when I use my remote release it is because I am using a long exposure in low light levels.

NormPR

oldtool2 wrote:

Canon normally supplies a cover for the viewfinder on the camera strap they give you for this reason. I keep forgetting it is there because I don't use that strap, it is too thin.

Another thing, no need to cover the viewfinder when using a remote. Most manufactures recommend doing this when using live view so unless you are using LV with your remote don't even worry about it.

Jim D

As oldtool said, this has nothing to do with remote shooting, it is to be used when using Live View because it lets the light into the sensor when Live View is turned on..

big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada

RDH wrote:

What does Manual have to do with it?

Are you serious? The reason for covering the eye peice is so erroneous light doesn't change your automatic settings away from proper exposure. If you're on manual then no changes can be made to the exposure unless the photographer makes them. Yes, your meter will swing wildly but that is all it can do.

wierdphotoguy Loc: the snow belt in Michigan

gopiqpp wrote:

How about in the SLT fixed mirror cameras like the Sony a57?

In the Sony SLTs the viewfinder is electronic. Think of it as a little TV. Light cannot make its way back down the wires to mess up your settings. Those of us with SLTs never have to worry about this issue; I only read this thread to find out what kind of problems other kinds of cameras have.