Request Shoot the Moon

[Sailor]

Hi All,
I took a shot of the Moon last night and I think clearer and sharper shots with my equipment can be achieved. One instance of advice is to 'Mirror Lock' the camera.
I do not know how to do this and there isn't any directions in my manual, at least not under 'mirror lock'.
Thanks for any advice.
Sailor
here's the pic.

[Chevvyf1]

Re: Shoot the Moon

Great shot - the Moon is one I keep trying, but have failed to get something like this to post Well captured

[Sailor]

Re: Shoot the Moon

Thanks Chevvyf1, maybe someone will help us both to get a better shot.
Sailor

[David M]

Re: Shoot the Moon

It's called anti-shock on the 4/3 bodies I've used.

It looks like you either had condensation on the front element or you didn't remove your protective filter.

[Sailor]

Re: Shoot the Moon

Thanks for the advice, David. It was cold and misty last night and I took the camera and lens outside from a warm indoors. I also have a B+W UV filter on the front of the 50 X 200. So your observations are accurate.
However, I would still like to know the settings for Mirror Lock on the E620.
Sailor

[David M]

Re: Shoot the Moon

Olympus call mirror lock anti-shock. I've no idea how to set it on a 620. It will probably be in one of the camera menus.

[Imageryone]

Re: Shoot the Moon

Usually at the end of the first menu. Not so much a mirror lock as a timed delay to allow everything to settle still before the shutter fires. Up to 30 secs, I think.

Leave your gear outside for 10 mins before you start, allows condensation etc to dissipate fully.

Set to f4 - 1/250th or faster. Surprising the light from a full moon.

[PeterBirder]

Re: Shoot the Moon

Hi Sailor.
Anti shock is in one of the "coggs" menu sections, probably grouped with the "Exp/ISO" settings.Can't remember exactly as I no longer have an E-600.

However, you shouldn't need to use anti shock for moon pics as it is only needed for long exposures. The moon is actually very bright (and moving) and you should be able to get a good shutter speed.

The following was taken with my E-M5 and Panasonic 100-300 but I have taken similar shots with the E-600 and E-510 all hand held.

The EXIF is;
FL 300mm
ISO 400
f 8
1/250 sec
-0.7 exp comp
Spot metered.


I agree with David it looks as if you had condensation and/or filter problems, could also be matrix/ centre weighted metering.

Hope this helps.

[Andrew Riddell]

Re: Shoot the Moon

Sailor,

You may find this link helpful: http://www.wrotniak.net/photo/moon/index.html

Andrew

[David M]

Re: Shoot the Moon

You get condensation going from cold to warm, the moisture forms on cold surfaces in warm air. It can be a problem in the winter in Canada, it was -9C with a wind chill of -15 this morning.

[Sailor]

Re: Shoot the Moon

Thanks to all for the response. I will take your advice and the next time I see a moon (heavenly body) I'll shoot it.

Pretty cold in Canada then, David.
Sailor

[Imageryone]

Re: Shoot the Moon

Old trick, but worth remembering, keep a carrier bag in your pocket and put the gear in it before you come in, that way, all consensation goes on the bag, not you camera/lens.

[David M]

Re: Shoot the Moon

I use either a zipper seal plastic bag and squeeze as much air out a possible before sealing it. For bigger or more equipment I use a Pelican case.

-9C isn't that cold, I've shot digital at -20C and film at -40C in Canada.

[Jim Ford]

Re: Shoot the Moon

I've shot digital at -20C and film at -40C in Canada.

Roasting!

I've been reading Aplsey Cherry Garrard's "The Worst Journey in The World", where they had temperatures of -70C, which caused his teeth to shatter!

Jim

[David M]

Re: Shoot the Moon

When I lived in Saskatchewan, Canada (where -40C can be the daytime high) I heard all sorts of stories of things shattering with the cold, steering wheels, door handles and various other things. I had my truck windscreen crack one day when it was -40C outside and I had the cruise control set at 110km/h.