Long exposure and the viewfinder

Not a Number · 10-14-2019, 01:02 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Kevin B123

Fair enough, I know it is a thing it's just that there will be users who never need it.

And should they ever need it they'll be glad it's there - rather wondering what they did with the cover and in the heat of the moment not being clever enough to think of an improvised alternative.

Roadboat24 · 10-14-2019, 01:12 PM

Yes, I have one of those OVF eye caps in my bag. Have never used it. Gaffers tape or a cleaning towel.

stevebrot · 10-14-2019, 01:25 PM

Originally posted by Kevin B123

to placate a marginal use case.

Originally posted by Kevin B123

there will be users who never need it

Those users who always shoot hand-held and/or always use live view when on tripod? I get your point, but considering the number of marginal use cases supported by my K-3 and at least 2X more on your K-1ii, the case for a better viewfinder blind solution may be somewhat less marginal than supporting cross-process custom image, for example.

Steve

MJKoski · 10-14-2019, 02:12 PM

The OVF of my K-1 mk2 has been taped shut since I bought it in April 2018. The problems are rather massive when one does not blind the irritating little peeping hole.

troenaas · 10-14-2019, 11:56 PM

Originally posted by Kevin B123

Fair enough, I know it is a thing it's just that there will be users who never need it.

There will always be features that some people never use.

slartibartfast01 · 10-15-2019, 12:13 AM

Originally posted by troenaas

There will always be features that some people never use.

When a piece of cardboard performs the same function it is hard to justify adding the feature to a camera. My K-50 didn't even come with a plastic cover so I had to improvise.

troenaas · 10-15-2019, 12:44 AM

Originally posted by slartibartfast01

When a piece of cardboard performs the same function it is hard to justify adding the feature to a camera. My K-50 didn't even come with a plastic cover so I had to improvise.

I disagree.

That can be said about other camera features as well.

When photographers actually use gaffer tape or cardboard, it clearly shows that this is a missing feature for some of us.

slartibartfast01 · 10-15-2019, 12:54 AM

Originally posted by troenaas

I disagree.

That can be said about other camera features as well.

Which other features where you thinking of?

troenaas · 10-15-2019, 01:17 AM

Originally posted by slartibartfast01

Which other features where you thinking of?

I have never use handheld pixel shift or astrotracer. But I understand and accept it is useful for other users.

A built in curtain to block the viewfinder would be useful for me.

slartibartfast01 · 10-15-2019, 01:22 AM

Originally posted by troenaas

I have never use handheld pixel shift or astrotracer. But I understand and accept it is useful for other users.

A built in curtain to block the viewfinder would be useful for me.

You can't achieve pixel shift or astrotracer with a piece of cardboard though.

troenaas · 10-15-2019, 03:24 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by slartibartfast01

You can't achieve pixel shift or astrotracer with a piece of cardboard though.

You can always try, but I can't vouch for the outcome...

HoutHans · 10-15-2019, 08:34 AM

It would be a great feature to add, but the black cloth works fine for me, to be honest.

MJKoski · 10-15-2019, 08:39 AM - **1 Like**

All kinds of tapes (if not permanent), plastic pieces and boards are always missing in action and cause serious headache. So, ovf blinder please and quick!

3D-printed blinder which fits current ovf rails? I think I will make one and share the model.

**RKKS08** · 10-15-2019, 09:00 AM

There was a time when lots of old, but unused Pentax straps were frequently offered on eBay.
The ones with 2 compartments, for the viewfinder cover and the flash shoe cover.

I bought these for all my many Pentax cameras.
I also think these straps were the best Pentax ever sold, not only for the compartments.

torashi · 10-18-2019, 05:13 AM

Originally posted by RKKS08

There was a time when lots of old, but unused Pentax straps were frequently offered on eBay.
The ones with 2 compartments, for the viewfinder cover and the flash shoe cover.

I bought these for all my many Pentax cameras.
I also think these straps were the best Pentax ever sold, not only for the compartments.

I use those too on my cameras. They even stand the test of time a lot better. Some even come with an eyepiece blind in one of the pockets.
If new cameras came with a wider strap and these pockets, you could even store an extra SD card inside a protective case.
Now, if the next generation comes with a hybrid viewfinder (optical/electronic) that would kill two birds with one stone.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Long exposure looks like multi-exposure	Paul the Sunman	General Photography	13	01-03-2017 09:43 PM
Long exposure shots, ND filters and multi-exposure averaging	rrstuff	Photographic Technique	17	10-19-2013 12:50 PM
Long exposure / provia 200 : how to know the good exposure compensation ?	aurele	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	3	02-18-2012 06:58 PM
How long will fresh batteries last in long exposure?	tnis0612	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	6	05-18-2010 09:11 AM
Night photography with K10D - High ISO short exposure VS Low ISO long exposure	pw-pix	Pentax DSLR Discussion	10	02-03-2008 01:37 AM

10-14-2019, 01:02 PM - 1 Like	#16
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by Kevin B123 Fair enough, I know it is a thing it's just that there will be users who never need it. And should they ever need it they'll be glad it's there - rather wondering what they did with the cover and in the heat of the moment not being clever enough to think of an improvised alternative.

10-14-2019, 01:12 PM	#17
Roadboat24 Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Posts: 490	Yes, I have one of those OVF eye caps in my bag. Have never used it. Gaffers tape or a cleaning towel.

10-14-2019, 01:25 PM	#18
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Kevin B123 to placate a marginal use case. Originally posted by Kevin B123 there will be users who never need it Those users who always shoot hand-held and/or always use live view when on tripod? I get your point, but considering the number of marginal use cases supported by my K-3 and at least 2X more on your K-1ii, the case for a better viewfinder blind solution may be somewhat less marginal than supporting cross-process custom image, for example. Steve

10-14-2019, 02:12 PM	#19
MJKoski Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 1,784	The OVF of my K-1 mk2 has been taped shut since I bought it in April 2018. The problems are rather massive when one does not blind the irritating little peeping hole.

10-14-2019, 11:56 PM	#20
troenaas Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 668 Original Poster	Originally posted by Kevin B123 Fair enough, I know it is a thing it's just that there will be users who never need it. There will always be features that some people never use.

10-15-2019, 12:13 AM	#21
slartibartfast01 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,931	Originally posted by troenaas There will always be features that some people never use. When a piece of cardboard performs the same function it is hard to justify adding the feature to a camera. My K-50 didn't even come with a plastic cover so I had to improvise.

10-15-2019, 12:44 AM	#22
troenaas Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 668 Original Poster	Originally posted by slartibartfast01 When a piece of cardboard performs the same function it is hard to justify adding the feature to a camera. My K-50 didn't even come with a plastic cover so I had to improvise. I disagree. That can be said about other camera features as well. When photographers actually use gaffer tape or cardboard, it clearly shows that this is a missing feature for some of us.

10-15-2019, 12:54 AM	#23
slartibartfast01 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,931	Originally posted by troenaas I disagree. That can be said about other camera features as well. Which other features where you thinking of?

10-15-2019, 01:17 AM	#24
troenaas Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 668 Original Poster	Originally posted by slartibartfast01 Which other features where you thinking of? I have never use handheld pixel shift or astrotracer. But I understand and accept it is useful for other users. A built in curtain to block the viewfinder would be useful for me.

10-15-2019, 01:22 AM	#25
slartibartfast01 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2015 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,931	Originally posted by troenaas I have never use handheld pixel shift or astrotracer. But I understand and accept it is useful for other users. A built in curtain to block the viewfinder would be useful for me. You can't achieve pixel shift or astrotracer with a piece of cardboard though.

10-15-2019, 03:24 AM - 1 Like	#26
troenaas Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Norway Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 668 Original Poster	Originally posted by slartibartfast01 You can't achieve pixel shift or astrotracer with a piece of cardboard though. You can always try, but I can't vouch for the outcome...

10-15-2019, 08:34 AM	#27
HoutHans Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Appingedam Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,123	It would be a great feature to add, but the black cloth works fine for me, to be honest.

10-15-2019, 08:39 AM - 1 Like	#28
MJKoski Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 1,784	All kinds of tapes (if not permanent), plastic pieces and boards are always missing in action and cause serious headache. So, ovf blinder please and quick! 3D-printed blinder which fits current ovf rails? I think I will make one and share the model.

10-15-2019, 09:00 AM	#29
RKKS08 Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Frankfurt am Main Posts: 1,241	There was a time when lots of old, but unused Pentax straps were frequently offered on eBay. The ones with 2 compartments, for the viewfinder cover and the flash shoe cover. I bought these for all my many Pentax cameras. I also think these straps were the best Pentax ever sold, not only for the compartments.

10-18-2019, 05:13 AM	#30
torashi Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Medellín Posts: 1,322	Originally posted by RKKS08 There was a time when lots of old, but unused Pentax straps were frequently offered on eBay. The ones with 2 compartments, for the viewfinder cover and the flash shoe cover. I bought these for all my many Pentax cameras. I also think these straps were the best Pentax ever sold, not only for the compartments. I use those too on my cameras. They even stand the test of time a lot better. Some even come with an eyepiece blind in one of the pockets. If new cameras came with a wider strap and these pockets, you could even store an extra SD card inside a protective case. Now, if the next generation comes with a hybrid viewfinder (optical/electronic) that would kill two birds with one stone.