> From: "Anil Advani" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Subject: Re: Longer exposure in the A mode on F3. [v04.n145/4]
> Message: 4
>
> The F3 CANNOT be set to any exposure longer than 8 seconds -
> regardless if in "A" or "M" mode! The only way to shoot longer
> exposures than 8 seconds [for the F3] is
> to use the "B" [bulb] setting and physically hold down the shutter
> release button, with your finger or with a cable release, for as long
> an exposure you need.
>
> If you set the F3 on "A" and the LCD reads - 8-
> That is an indication that the exposure is BEYOND the maximum of 8
> seconds that the F3 is capable of handling in the "A" [auto] mode. So
> what you must do is to change the f/stop setting so that in low light
> conditions you get at least a reading of 8 seconds or less; OR - use
> the "B" setting and count off [one-thousand-and-one,
> one-thousand-and-two,.....] or use a watch to time the exposure. To
> arrive at the correct exposure time for such a low light level - you
> will need the use of a light meter or you need to get SOME sort of a
> reading [open up the aperture, get a reading, then count off the
> f-stops in SECONDS to correspond with the f-stop that you plan to
> use], and the shoot on "B".
>
> Hope this helps
> Anil
> 12/2/1998
You are correct in saying the F3 cannot be "set" to a exposure
longer than 8 seconds however it certainly will accurately expose for
much longer than 8 seconds in the "A" mode. I've taken many pictures
which were exposed for over 45 seconds when used in low light conditions
in the "A" mode. I don't remember what the actual "accurate" limit is
though.
In addition, the "T" setting is much easier to use for that purpose
than the "B" setting, in most situations that call for longer exposures.
(with a hand held meter)
Neither the "T" or "B" setting drain the battery while keeping the
shutter open. The "T" setting will keep the shutter open until you turn
the shutter speed dial off of that position. You won't need a cable
release with the "T" but you would with the "B". H.G.
