View finder cap

[Bigfoot1966]

I wish to use my tripod to take a photo with my Digital slr
Self portrait!!!
Do I need to put the little cap on the view finder ?
If not, Why do the instructions say to do so ?
And Why do they supply a little cap for the view finder anyway ?
Is that to stop additional light getting in...
That is normally covered by your eye ? ?

Thanks in advance...

[the foto fanatic]

And Why do they supply a little cap for the view finder anyway ?
Is that to stop additional light getting in...
That is normally covered by your eye ? ?

Thanks in advance...

Yes, that's the reason. However, it is really only on long exposures that the extra light would be an issue. For a normal self-portrait on a tripod, it is not necesary to put the cap on.

[Yi-P]

I took my self portrait on my photo site below (sig), didnt have to put on the cap.

[Laurie]

OOOOOOOh1!!!
thats what that useless thing is for!!!!!

never the less i clipped it on my camera neck strap

[Bigfoot1966]

Thanks for the reply,
So what would you class long exposures ?
Would I have to use the cap on a Night shot where I may have the shutter open for 30 seconds to 1 minute,
or does it only apply to daytime shots only ?

[Yi-P]

It applies when there is a strong light through the finder.

Say the sun is shining straight into it, or at night time long exposure, you have a strong street or car light shining into it...

[gstark]

never the less i clipped it on my camera neck strap

You're the one!



Its purpose is to stop light coming in through the viewfinder and affecting your exposure readings. Normally your eye does this job, but if you're taking a self portrait (or just using a camera on a tripod) then your eye might not be available for this task.

Mostly, it's not something that affects the images that you're taking, but there are times when it might - long exposures typically, as mentioned by Trevor.

On cameras like the D2X, there's an eyepiece blind built into the body, and the external unit isn''t needed.

[Bigfoot1966]

Thanks for all your replies,
I shall now try it..

Thank-you