Lost shots and lens caps

[thomsonrc]

I recently switched to rangefinders after 20 years of using slrs, and I keep forgetting to remove the lens cap. Almost every film used has two or three shots lost because in my haste to get a good shot I forget that I havent removed the cap. I wish there was a warning in the viewfinder. My wife keeps muttering 'photographer? Or film waster?' Tell me I'm not the only one who does this?

 

[copake_ham]

Welcome to the "lens cap anonymous club". I use both SLR and RF. I'm getting better with RF to remember to remove the lens cap - but it still happens once in a while.

It's like anything else, as time goes by the "duhs" will diminish as it becomes second nature to either:
1) remember to check the lens first or,
2) take it off and leave it off when you're out shooting (this is easier in nice weather)

Good luck. RF is fun and remember - some the best composed shots are the backs of lens caps!

 

[Lee Shively]

Lens caps are for storing lenses away when not being used. If a lens is on a camera, even if the camera is in the camera bag, I don't have a cap on it. I use UV filters and lens hoods. I've done this with SLRs as well as rangefinders as long as I can remember and it's a great way to prevent taking a picture of the inside of a lens cap.

 

[Jim Jones]

Thomsonrc, don't feel bad. I've only been using rangefinder cameras for about 55 years, and still occasionally forget to remove the lens cap. At least it's not as complicated as the count-down procedure for shooting a Speed Graphic.

 

[John Koehrer]

You need to remove the cap to install a hood. Use the proper lenshood.

 

[canuhead]

Just remember if you go topless with your rangefinder and you're outside in bright sun and stop for some wobbly pop, keep the lens pointed down so the sun doesn't fry a hole in your shutter.

 

[panastasia]

Lens caps are for storing lenses away when not being used. If a lens is on a camera, even if the camera is in the camera bag, I don't have a cap on it. I use UV filters and lens hoods. I've done this with SLRs as well as rangefinders as long as I can remember and it's a great way to prevent taking a picture of the inside of a lens cap.

I keep a cap on to prevent dust. Constantly cleaning dust off of any glass surface can't be good for the glass (especially expensive glass, filters included) - fine scratches will appear before long - good for lowering contrast by diffusion, though.

On some dry days the filter is like a dust magnet.

 

[Woolliscroft]

Been there, done that, but depending on the camera there can be a viewfinder warning: the light meter stops working.

David.

 

[John Koehrer]

If you insist on using the hood you can put a piece of masking tape & put it on the cap extending into the finder area.

 

[Donald Boyd]

I never used caps. The filter and hood offer enough lens protection.

 

[Murray Kelly]

In an effort to avoid the problem I have put a 'tag' of electrical tape sticking out the side of the cap. The idea is that you will see it when you look thru the viewfinder. Only proviso is the cap has to be put back on so it lines up with the viewfider. I do find however, that it helps me notice the cap even before sighting up and especially as I adjust the f stop

Murray
Brisbane, Oz.

 

[polaski]

Same as Jim, I've been leaving caps on rangefinders for 48 years. I put red tape around the edge of the cap, and then instead of complaining that the lens barrel protrudes into my viewfinder frame, most of the time I see my little red warning that the cap is still on the lens.

 

[thomsonrc]

Thanks all.

I have a voigtlander, which is OK as David pointed out the meter doesnt work. My big problem is my Mamiya 6 where the meter works fine. I like Jeffs idea but the lens hood wouldnt let me see the edge of the cap. NOt keen about leaving the cap off as I dont like cleaning the front element much. Maybe I'll stick a note to myself on the top of the camera, might help.

Ritchie