Here are some tips on using the EOS camera. I discovered some of them on
my own. The rest are culled from the
Canon EOS FAQ.
Extending multiple exposures
The EOS can give you a maximum of 9 multiple exposures (ME) each time. So what if you need more?
The trick is that when the counter reaches to the last exposure, do not
shoot anymore. Instead, turn to the ME mode and increase more exposures
as required. Isn't this some kind of creativeness in the design of the EOS?
Exposing at more than 30 seconds
The EOS can give slowest shutter speeds of 30 seconds and the "Bulb" mode. But pressing the shutter at the "bulb" mode can introduce shakes to the camera, even on a tripod. Of course an alternative is to get a remote. But not all EOS models come with a remote. And not all EOS can take the traditional shutter plunger.
The trick therefore is to make use the slowest shutter speed combined with the multiple exposure (ME) mode. For example you need to expose for 4 minutes. Set the ME to 8 exposures, then set your exposure to 30s and at the aperture you require. Click once for each 30s block. By the 8th click, you would have got 4 minutes! You can vary the times too. Say you need 45s, then set ME to 2 and shoot once at 30s and once at 15s. Or any combination you prefer. Neat, eh?
For best results, your camera should be on a tripod, needless to say. There are some third party gadgets that can attach a frame to your EOS and you can use the traditional shutter plunger. I saw one brand called SwitchBack in the EOS magazine
For a list of EOS cameras that can use a remotes, check out the
WWW Photo Zone
Preventing light leakage during long exposure
Do you know you can use the rear lens cap over the view finder during long
exposures? It fit just nicely to prevent stray light into the camera from the
view finder window during long exposure.
The solution - use ZipLock(tm) bags and cookie jars filled with silica-gel! These items are readily available in supermarkets.
ZipLock(tm) bags: I keep my cameras and some lenses in them. I don't just pour the silica-gel into the bags. I placed them in the plastic film containers punctured with holes at the cap. This way things are kept neat and I can notice when the silica-gel turn pink. For added protection, use two bags. Rememer to change to new bags when the old ones seem leaking.
Cookie jars: I used these to store lenses. A good cookie jar can be so tight that I only change my silica-gel twice or three times a year! To begin, pour a layer of the silica-gel into the bottom of the jar. Then place a piece of paper over it before puting in the lens. This is just to prevent direct contact with the silica-gel.
Silica-gel: A note on recycling them in the oven - are you sure it is safe to use the oven later? I normally throw away the gel. They are so cheap that a bottle (costing $4) last me a year.
Warning: Remember to monitor the silical-gel and replace them immediately when they turn pink. I forgot to do that once and I had to clean the fungus in one lens for $65.
Afternote: The above method has worked for me for years. Until my
wife bought me a electric dry cabinet for my birthday last year. :)