to the desired length of time. Self-timers are particularly useful if you are using a cheap, unstable, miniature tripod or taking extreme close-ups.
There are several things to keep in mind if you are looking for a self-timer. Try to get one with an instruction manual. These are useful in learning all of the settings of your timer and taking advantage of all of its features. Timers are often also in need of lubrication. Try to buy one that is still working well. To lubricate a self-timer, either take it to a camera repair shop or try it yourself by applying the method for lubricating shutters described in Chapter 7.
New Lens Cap
You need a lens cap or your lens will get dirty and scratched. Even casual dust will lower the quality of your photograph. Lens caps also prevent accidental exposures. Follow the instructions below to make a lens cap.
If you have a slip-on filter that is damaged or unnecessary, you can paint the outside of the filter surface flat black. This is the easiest method to make a lens cap, but it is rather wasteful.
Another lens cap can be made out of items commonly available at a hardware store: a plastic leg-tip, a razor, and some duct tape. A plastic leg-tip is a cup that fits on the bottom of the leg of a chair and prevents the chair from scratching up the floor. Make sure you purchase a plastic one, not a rubber one, and try to find a black one so that it matches the color of the Body. Use a leg-tip with a diameter of 1 inch unless you are making a lens cap for the AA, in which case you should use a diameter of 7/8ths of an inch.
Fig. 6-4: A Lens Cap in various stages of production.
Use the razor to trim the edge of the leg-tip until it is about 3/8ths of an inch tall. The depth of the “cup” should now be slightly more than the height of the lens mount and should be able to cover it loosely. Cut a strip of duct tape so that it will be slightly wider than the inside edge of the cup. Wrap this tape along the inside edge of the leg-tip, going around four or five times. Push the tape so that it stick directly to the inside edge of the leg-tip; cut it with a razor if it “bubbles” away from the wall. Trim the duct tape that is sticking out of the cup with the razor.
The inside of the leg-tip should now be too small to fit the lens mount. If the lens mount still fits inside, add more duct tape until its too tight. Now unwrap the tape one
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