Sunday, December 29, 2002, 1:07:27 PM, Boris wrote: BL> Hi! BL> Thanks for the advise. From what you say it follows that MX is indeed BL> the right choice of a camera. As for the focusing screen, I will deal BL> with that too. At least MX unlike ME Super allows to change focusing BL> screens.
`Which is good as there aren't much universal screens. The MZ-M screen works greatly with slow lenses of 5.6 or even slower, offering an unobstructed view with focusing aids still working. That's why I install it in the MX or LX if I use a 5.6/400 lens or something similar. However, it doesn't work so well with a 1.4 or 2 fast prime, so for these I use the default screen. So the option of changing screens is I think very useful. Now on the MLU trick: it surely can be find in the archives by searching for MLU TRICK. It is really easy to master, works on all manual Pentaxes and Spotmatics, because of the way the shutter release is connected by a long rod to the mirror and shutter mechanisms. It might even work in few other cameras which use similar internal arrangement. How to do it: flick a finger at the shutter release quickly but lightly, in other words, tap it very quickly but very lightly. It will release the mirror but the shutter will stay closed. Now you can press the button normally or screw in a remote release and release the shutter. After release of the shutter the mirror returns down. So it's not a full MLU where you can keep the mirror up indefinitely like with KX,K2 or LX, but still is very useful for tripod shots. With some practice, you will be able to do it every time or 19 out of 20 tries. With practice, you can even do it while handholding the camera (for example, when trying to hold a very long shutter speed like 1/4s or slower, leaning on a wall, thus becoming "human tripod". But I don't have such a high success rate when handholding it and using the MLU trick. Hope this helps Best regards, Frantisek Vlcek
