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01-24-2012, 01:39 PM   #16
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I occasionally use an R72 filter on my K100 and have noticed problems with not covering the viewfinder. Don't have any examples though.

01-24-2012, 03:19 PM   #17
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So many interesting responses - thanks everybody! I'm really pleased that I found this wonderful site - heck people here tend to be helpful and positive - what more could I wish for?

I actually have three of these little things - presumably K10, K20 and K5 - hubby should have a couple too but I wouldn't want to have to hold my breath while he finds 'em. (grinning).

Guess I'll try to some long exposures with it and without it - if the aurora shows up around here. If everyone crosses their fingers for a good showing tonight perhaps I'll have some comparison shots to post.
01-24-2012, 03:27 PM   #18
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I forgot - I meant to ask what settings you would recommend for northern light shots? Depending on brightness I've mainly used shutter speeds between 10 and 30s. Sigma 10-20mm wide open. 200 ISO - unless I don't seem to be getting anything when I up that to 400. I think the K5 might be ok with a higher ISO but I haven't actually tried it. Anything else I should try or do I just keep experimenting while freezing my toes?
01-24-2012, 03:58 PM   #19
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According to the Pentax K-5 manual the proper use of the ME Viewfinder Cap is an issue of avoiding false exposure light reading:

The use of the ME Viewfinder Cap is explained on page 145 and 148 in the English edition :

The cap should be used in conjunction with self-timer and remote release. Alternatively, the manual says, one may push the AE-L button. Finally, there should be no need to cover the viewfinder when operating the camera in M-mode.

It's all about proper exposure meterering. There is not (at least I have not found) any words in the manual about false light possibly leaking to the sensor.

But then we have sussexphotos example above........

01-24-2012, 04:44 PM   #20
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wait a minute.. are you shining a flashlight into your viewfinder? The mirror flips up during an exposure blocking the pentaprism
01-24-2012, 04:59 PM   #21
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QuoteOriginally posted by canajuneh Quote
if the aurora shows up around here
I'll be watching for them for the next couple of days too.
01-25-2012, 11:51 AM   #22
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QuoteOriginally posted by smigol Quote
Some of the patterns I've seen that are on the right hand side of the image are identical.
Yes, it just depends which way you orientate the camera. I think this was 'shutter button up'. I was a bit annoyed when I saw this on my Kx (I don't think I ever saw it on the K100d) and had hoped it would go away with the better built K5

01-26-2012, 08:45 PM   #23
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i swear by the viewfinder cover and have ruined enough long exposures to know to use it every time. especially when you are using strong ND filters, there can be as much as 10x more light coming in through the VF than the lens. The bands are exactly what someone posted in his example, those dreaded bands...
01-28-2012, 02:00 AM   #24
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Me, Too!

I normally use the VF cover when making time exposures also, although I can't recall seeing the vertical bands appear on the few times I've forgotten it.
It was SOP with film cameras, many times magazine articles mentioned the use of a cover.
As far as losing the cover, the factory Pentax neck straps (the ones with gray lettering) have two little pockets built in. One is for the VF cover, the other is for the hot shoe cover. Both have snap closures.
Ron
01-28-2012, 03:51 AM   #25
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Note to Pentax - an inbuild viewfinder shutter would be nice.
01-28-2012, 10:32 AM   #26
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i too wish they would create a little sliding door built into the body because that cover is so small and easy to drop into the ocean...i've done that. these days, before i even go out night shooting, i remove the eyepiece and put the cover on so i don't have to deal with it in the dark.

keep in mind not everyone will see light leaks, particularly if your body is blocking the rear of the camera or there are no sources of light behind you. i tend to open shutter and walk away for a minute or two to do light painting or what have you and dont want the leaks.
01-28-2012, 01:27 PM   #27
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On another digital camera that I used to own, the cover is designed to slip onto the neck strap. That way it is always with you and you should not misplace it. It was made out of rubber and had slots in the ends for the strap to go through. Simple design, Pentax please copy it.
01-28-2012, 03:11 PM   #28
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This combined item was delivered as standard with the Super A.

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I think they skipped it when they introduced built-in flashes.

Edit: And of course, with the SF series the hotshoe was not in line with the VF.

Last edited by RKKS08; 01-28-2012 at 03:17 PM.
01-28-2012, 03:48 PM - 1 Like   #29
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I wish they'd have a cover you can actually use. IMHO having to remove the rubber eyepiece to put the little cover on is unacceptable...
02-15-2012, 02:38 PM   #30
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little foam plug....

I made a little plug using some craft foam . 2 layers make the 'cork' one the lid . This sits in the well of the rubber viewfinder surround.
Makes a massive difference to the metering with long exposures....
( I have a K-r which comes without a cover and my exposure problems were driving me up the wall till I realised the viewfinder metering issues )
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