Canon EOS 3 -- How to fire with the back open?

TimVermont

Member
Joined
Mar 8, 2005
Messages
468
Location
Boston
Format
Multi Format
I'd like to visually check sync on this camera. Is there a way to get the shutter to fire with the film door open/off? Thanks!
 

Theo Sulphate

Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2014
Messages
6,489
Location
Gig Harbor
Format
Multi Format
Try setting CF-2 to 1 ("leave film leader out after rewind"). It may not let you choose a variety of shutter speeds though.
 

John Koehrer

Subscriber
Joined
Apr 3, 2004
Messages
8,277
Location
Aurora, Il
Format
Multi Format
Some cameras had to be fooled into thinking the back's closed. If the back itself has a small finger on the upper, inside edge carefully* put a toothpick
into the hole in the upper light trap of the body.
Don't know if this will work with an electronic counter system that counts
sprocket holes with infrared

*the tooth pick needs to be lightly wedged to hold the sensing switch in place
but breaking it can be a PITA if the tip ends up falling into the top cover.
 

Theo Sulphate

Member
Joined
Jul 3, 2014
Messages
6,489
Location
Gig Harbor
Format
Multi Format
The CF-2 trick has been known to work with EOS cameras, though logically it doesn't make sense. I think it's a sort of "back door" Canon needed to create for repair personnel.

I thought of the back interlock switch as well, but googling the topic shows at least some people didn't have luck. Doesn't hurt to try, though.

I can't imagine why Canon thought they were doing anyone a favor by refusing to trip the shutter with the back open.
 
Joined
Jul 1, 2008
Messages
5,462
Location
.
Format
Digital
The device that plugs into the hot shoe and options the camera for a complete over ride at the system level is what is needed, rather than poking about the rear. This is a Canon proprietary device used during servicing and assessing shutter timing accuracy (among a host of system reporting lines). The EOS 1, 1N, 1NRS, 3 and 1V variants have this (the 1V has a different interface).

The annoying infrared film advance mechanism of the 3 has an interlock that prevents the shutter firing, and this is already known. If you break or damage the interlock, you will be in for a service anyway where a technician can properly and safely check this "sync" thing being mentioned.

Other than being effective for its native function (leaving the film leader out) CF-2 "trick" does not work with the EOS 1N (a sprocket-driven drive system which can be fired with no film in it, and which I have only done probably once in 23 years of ownership!), so I cannot see it working with the EOS 3 with the IR advance.
 
OP
OP

TimVermont

Member
Joined
Mar 8, 2005
Messages
468
Location
Boston
Format
Multi Format
Thanks everyone. CF-2 trick does not work, so will test with film.
 
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…