David Mann wrote:
On Oct 17, 2005, at 4:31 PM, William Robb wrote:
Put the camera on a tripod and level it. Balance an American nickel
on edge on the focusing screen and release the shutter.
Don't bother with mirror lock.
If your camera is normal, the nickel won't fall over.
I decided I might as well try this for myself as it's such a nice day
outside. Unfortunately I don't have an American nickel handy so I
used an NZ 5 cent coin.
These coins aren't that easy to balance on edge at the best of times
- the edge is serrated and the corner tends to round.
We do have some foreign coins somewhere, but I have no idea where.
With a cable release the trick worked 3 times out of 4 attempts,
provided the tripod was on a solid surface. It may have been
affected by the light breeze we have outside (what a stunning day -
what am I doing in here?). I think a better tripod might help as
well (I used an 055 at minimum height, with 029 head). There were a
few other factors, most notably the need for the focussing screen to
be perfectly level.
Without a cable release it didn't work so well, probably because my
hands were a little shaky. This may be due to either lack of alcohol
or the neighbour's noisy kids. I got it to work once out of 2 or 3
attempts. I gave up after that because the coin was extremely
difficult to balance.
Cheers,
- Brother Dave (do I get my badge?)
Brother Dave,
By carrying out that experiment, you already earn your mark of honour.
Check for a birthmark 2in under your hairline.
The blasphemous rumour about the 67 mirror shake comes from people like
MIchael Reichmann over at Luminous Landscape. He put a 300mm lens on a
lightweight tripod. Well derrrrrr. Of course he gets camera shake.
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/pentax67ii.shtml
Then when he tests the 600mm lens, he supports it properly. Lo, what
does he behold? A "stunningly sharp lens"!
http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/lenses/600mm.shtml
Go steadily in peace, Brother Dave. Heed not wavering doubters. Partake
more of that calming brew.
Brother D.
--
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