MLU philosophy?

Lenscap · 11-20-2014, 01:55 PM

Another question from the new guy...

I grew up (photographically speaking) on a K1000, which is without all the features found on many other models. Lately, I find myself bonding more and more with my KX, which has, among other things, mirror lockup.

I certainly don't have any hard and fast rules about when I use mirror lockup, but mostly it's on exposures longer than I would handhold (maybe 1/30 out to minutes). I sometimes use it on macro stuff, although not always.
How about you? Do you use it? What are your parameters? Can you tell that it makes a difference in your images?

All advice and opinions are welcome.

Na Horuk · 11-20-2014, 02:09 PM

Do you mean only for film SLRs, or with DSLRs as well?
On DSLRs I use the 2sec timer (which includes MLU) when I take long exposures (astrophotography, night photography) and "product photos", "Studio photos" of still things. So, similar to what you said. Oh, and only if I have a tripod or some other sturdy base. Basically whenever I have the time and want top notch quality.
Don't have an SLR with MLU function, though.

LesDMess · 11-20-2014, 02:14 PM

Mirror shake is most apparent when using long focal length, narrow DOF or macro. However, if you want the most absolutely critically focused shot - and the photographic situation allows it, then use a tripod, MLU and remote cable.

Of course with fabric type shutters, make sure you don't face it to the sun for prolonged periods of time with MLU.

Lenscap · 11-20-2014, 02:18 PM

Hey, I'm open-minded. DSLRs qualify. Can you tell a difference in images with the mirror locked up vs not?

**gofour3** · 11-20-2014, 02:19 PM

Originally posted by LesDMess

Mirror shake is most apparent when using long focal length, narrow DOF or macro. However, if you want the most absolutely critically focused shot - and the photographic situation allows it, then use a tripod, MLU and remote cable.

+1 especially using the larger Pentax 6x7 bodies & lenses.

Phil.

FantasticMrFox · 11-20-2014, 02:21 PM

I use it every time I use a tripod - I don't have a remote release and just choose the 2 sec. self-timer which automatically disables IS and enables mirror lockup.

LesDMess · 11-20-2014, 02:23 PM

Originally posted by gofour3

+1 especially using the larger Pentax 6x7 bodies & lenses.

Phil.

I only have the Mamiya RZ67 but that huge mirror thumps too!

Lenscap · 11-20-2014, 02:24 PM

So if I'm doing something like a 5-second dusk landscape-ish shot with a 50mm, the MLU feature won't make much difference?

LesDMess · 11-20-2014, 02:26 PM

Originally posted by Lenscap

So if I'm doing something like a 5-second dusk landscape-ish shot with a 50mm, the MLU feature won't make much difference?

Mounted on a tripod with a wide angle lens, the tiny amount of mirror shake from most 35mm cameras will hardly be noticeable. Depending on your tripod and how you press the shutter will probably cause more shake and that's why I would recommend a cable release.

**TER-OR** · 11-20-2014, 02:29 PM

With long lenses - moonshots etc. the timer and a remote are your best allies. and cold, dry air of course....

My Dad used to do a lot of bulb mode work in the film day. I should get his negatives and scan them. First I should make a film scan rig with the K5...

With macro, when a set piece, I use the timer instead of remote. Probably I should use both.

Do you have a trigger cable?

Lenscap · 11-20-2014, 02:31 PM

Yes, that's my typical setup: tripod with cable release. I've looked at prints (none bigger than 8x10) and couldn't really tell any difference between locked up and not, but I wasn't sure if my old eyes just weren't seeing it. I haven't done critical tests, used a loupe, etc.

LesDMess · 11-20-2014, 02:32 PM

Originally posted by TER-OR

With long lenses - moonshots etc. the timer and a remote are your best allies. and cold, dry air of course....

And of course a sturdy tripod and mount.

Lenscap · 11-20-2014, 02:34 PM

TER-OR, what benefit does the timer offer? My KX has a self-timer, but I've never used it. I just compose, lock the mirror up, then snap the shutter via the cable.

Edit: i reread your comment. I get it now.

LesDMess · 11-20-2014, 02:37 PM

Originally posted by Lenscap

Yes, that's my typical setup: tripod with cable release. I've looked at prints (none bigger than 8x10) and couldn't really tell any difference between locked up and not, but I wasn't sure if my old eyes just weren't seeing it. I haven't done critical tests, used a loupe, etc.

I scan at 4000dpi so I am a critical focus fanatic. Or you can examine your film with a 40X magnifier setup and lightbox.

LensBeginner · 11-20-2014, 03:16 PM

K-01, problem solved!

Jokes aside, I was using 2s timer for almost all tripod shots with the K100D Super, if only because it automatically excludes SR so I don't risk forgetting it off when I'm done with the tripod...

11-20-2014, 01:55 PM	#1
Lenscap Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 145	MLU philosophy? Another question from the new guy... I grew up (photographically speaking) on a K1000, which is without all the features found on many other models. Lately, I find myself bonding more and more with my KX, which has, among other things, mirror lockup. I certainly don't have any hard and fast rules about when I use mirror lockup, but mostly it's on exposures longer than I would handhold (maybe 1/30 out to minutes). I sometimes use it on macro stuff, although not always. How about you? Do you use it? What are your parameters? Can you tell that it makes a difference in your images? All advice and opinions are welcome.

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11-20-2014, 02:09 PM	#2
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Do you mean only for film SLRs, or with DSLRs as well? On DSLRs I use the 2sec timer (which includes MLU) when I take long exposures (astrophotography, night photography) and "product photos", "Studio photos" of still things. So, similar to what you said. Oh, and only if I have a tripod or some other sturdy base. Basically whenever I have the time and want top notch quality. Don't have an SLR with MLU function, though.

11-20-2014, 02:14 PM	#3
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Mirror shake is most apparent when using long focal length, narrow DOF or macro. However, if you want the most absolutely critically focused shot - and the photographic situation allows it, then use a tripod, MLU and remote cable. Of course with fabric type shutters, make sure you don't face it to the sun for prolonged periods of time with MLU.

11-20-2014, 02:18 PM	#4
Lenscap Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 145 Original Poster	Hey, I'm open-minded. DSLRs qualify. Can you tell a difference in images with the mirror locked up vs not?

11-20-2014, 02:19 PM	#5
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,090	Originally posted by LesDMess Mirror shake is most apparent when using long focal length, narrow DOF or macro. However, if you want the most absolutely critically focused shot - and the photographic situation allows it, then use a tripod, MLU and remote cable. +1 especially using the larger Pentax 6x7 bodies & lenses. Phil.

11-20-2014, 02:21 PM	#6
FantasticMrFox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Munich Posts: 2,339	I use it every time I use a tripod - I don't have a remote release and just choose the 2 sec. self-timer which automatically disables IS and enables mirror lockup.

11-20-2014, 02:23 PM	#7
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by gofour3 +1 especially using the larger Pentax 6x7 bodies & lenses. Phil. I only have the Mamiya RZ67 but that huge mirror thumps too!

11-20-2014, 02:24 PM	#8
Lenscap Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 145 Original Poster	So if I'm doing something like a 5-second dusk landscape-ish shot with a 50mm, the MLU feature won't make much difference?

11-20-2014, 02:26 PM	#9
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by Lenscap So if I'm doing something like a 5-second dusk landscape-ish shot with a 50mm, the MLU feature won't make much difference? Mounted on a tripod with a wide angle lens, the tiny amount of mirror shake from most 35mm cameras will hardly be noticeable. Depending on your tripod and how you press the shutter will probably cause more shake and that's why I would recommend a cable release.

11-20-2014, 02:29 PM	#10
TER-OR Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Dundee, IL Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,699	With long lenses - moonshots etc. the timer and a remote are your best allies. and cold, dry air of course.... My Dad used to do a lot of bulb mode work in the film day. I should get his negatives and scan them. First I should make a film scan rig with the K5... With macro, when a set piece, I use the timer instead of remote. Probably I should use both. Do you have a trigger cable?

11-20-2014, 02:31 PM	#11
Lenscap Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 145 Original Poster	Yes, that's my typical setup: tripod with cable release. I've looked at prints (none bigger than 8x10) and couldn't really tell any difference between locked up and not, but I wasn't sure if my old eyes just weren't seeing it. I haven't done critical tests, used a loupe, etc.

11-20-2014, 02:32 PM	#12
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by TER-OR With long lenses - moonshots etc. the timer and a remote are your best allies. and cold, dry air of course.... And of course a sturdy tripod and mount.

11-20-2014, 02:34 PM	#13
Lenscap Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 145 Original Poster	TER-OR, what benefit does the timer offer? My KX has a self-timer, but I've never used it. I just compose, lock the mirror up, then snap the shutter via the cable. Edit: i reread your comment. I get it now.

11-20-2014, 02:37 PM	#14
LesDMess Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 3,235	Originally posted by Lenscap Yes, that's my typical setup: tripod with cable release. I've looked at prints (none bigger than 8x10) and couldn't really tell any difference between locked up and not, but I wasn't sure if my old eyes just weren't seeing it. I haven't done critical tests, used a loupe, etc. I scan at 4000dpi so I am a critical focus fanatic. Or you can examine your film with a 40X magnifier setup and lightbox.

11-20-2014, 03:16 PM	#15
LensBeginner Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Photos: Albums Posts: 4,696	K-01, problem solved! Jokes aside, I was using 2s timer for almost all tripod shots with the K100D Super, if only because it automatically excludes SR so I don't risk forgetting it off when I'm done with the tripod...