Daylight long exposures with small film Nikons

[ferider]

When doing landscapes in daylight with 10-stop ND filter and with my Nikon F3, I'm happy that I can close the eye piece.

Using my OM-2, I need to cover the eye piece, otherwise I get light leaks.

What's the verdict on the smaller Nikons, FM, FM2, FE, FE2, etc. ? Does the eye piece need to be covered or are they leak proof ?

Thanks.

 

[Dwig]

The primary reason for covering the eyepiece is to prevent light entering the eyepiece from influencing the meter. A properly made SLR in good condition with not leak light into the mirror box or film chamber during an exposure.

As long as the cameras are in good working order, none of the Nikons you mention need to have their eyepieces covered to prevent light leaks.

 

[Jonathan]

I would be inclined to agree with Dwig.
Don't forget that the mirror is locked up during the exposure and therefore blacking out the prism.
Regards, Jonathan

 

[Rob-F]

My FA, one of the small Nikons, does have the eyepiece shutter blind.

 

[ferider]

Great. Should try my FM then. Your comment doesn't help my GAS, Rob 🙂

Dwig: the OM-2 behavior was confirmed to me as normal by JohnH. I'm now using a Pentax eye-piece cover on it, made for the same problem on Pentax film cameras.

All, thanks a lot for the replies !

 

[kshapero]

No Problem on my FE.

 

[Landshark]

Though the mirror may be up on a long exposure, the "mirror bumper" actually a light seal may leak if they're older.

 

[Steve M.]

1" piece of electrical tape over the eyepiece will do the job on any camera.