Viewfinder cover for 5D2

[tvphotog]

For use when taking bulb shots or long exposures. Where can I find a replacement to purchase?

Actually, I realize that I now have an extender on the eyepiece. Is there a kind of tape I can use to cover it that won't sticky up the rubber?

[Lowner]

On the Canon strap. I assume if you no longer have the original it means buying another complete strap.

[gooble]

As far as I know the only reason the cover is needed is to keep out ambient light that will affect the meter. If you meter with your eye to the viewfinder or are "guessing" for long bulb exposures there is no point to using a cover. If you feel it's really necessary when using liveview for instance just cover it with your thumb or something while you meter. Of course I use M most of the time if you're doing multiple liveview shots in Av or Tv with significant light on the viewfinder then a cover may be more necessary.

Painters masking tape is low tack and leaves no residue. You could sandwich something opaque between two pieces of it and cut it to size.

[Jon]

You don't need one while actually taking a long or bulb exposure or in LiveView. The meter reading is taken before the shutter actually opens, and the cover is intended for use then (like, for instance, when you're using the camera on a tripod with self-timer so you're not behind the viewfinder while taking the shot).

If you're in LiveView, your mirror is cutting off the "normal" metering cells, which are housed in the pentaprism, and the camera uses the main (image) sensor to meter.

You can call Canon Parts at 732-521-7230; they'll probably be able to sell you one (and most other components, including replacement LCD covers, etc.). Alternatively, if you carry a microfiber lens cleaning cloth, you could just drape that over the viewfinder.

[gooble]

You don't need one while actually taking a long or bulb exposure or in LiveView. The meter reading is taken before the shutter actually opens, and the cover is intended for use then (like, for instance, when you're using the camera on a tripod with self-timer so you're not behind the viewfinder while taking the shot).

If you're in LiveView, your mirror is cutting off the "normal" metering cells, which are housed in the pentaprism, and the camera uses the main (image) sensor to meter.

You can call Canon Parts at 732-521-7230; they'll probably be able to sell you one (and most other components, including replacement LCD covers, etc.). Alternatively, if you carry a microfiber lens cleaning cloth, you could just drape that over the viewfinder.

Ah, yes, so true about liveview. Was not thinking about the fact that the light path to the meter is blocked.

I'm not sure why they don't make a cover that is sort of a plug that pops into the viewfinder opening. The current implementation is a pain having to pull off the eyepiece and all not to mention that if you do it enough chances are that the eyepiece will fall off and get lost.

[tvphotog]

Alternatively, if you carry a microfiber lens cleaning cloth, you could just drape that over the viewfinder.

Thanks. I thought about simply using a microfiber lens cloth, that sounds like the most simple solution.

[JWright]

if you're using the view finder instead of Live View, or have an older non-Live View camera, shoot in manual. Once you set the exposure, it's not going to be effected by light coming in through the eye piece. That would only be case when using Av or Tv. Draping a cloth or your hat over the eye piece is a good solution.

[Lowner]

The rubber (30D) or plastic (Eos-3) slide on covers are a poor substitute for the little metal shutters that I grew up using on my early Nikon SLR's. It's a shame that its always the simple solutions that seem to be forgotten in the continual updating/modernising/marketing battle.

I have to admit I have only ever bothered with the things once or twice. I cannot say I've ever noticed a problem with the images because of my lazyness.

[Jon]

Well, the 1D series have that still. My T90 had those as well; they were a relatively late innovation though. Neither my old nor my new model F-1 had them. For that matter, I don't recall if the A-1 had one.