please explain mirror lock

[KvPhoto]

I was trying to take some pictures of the moon last night, unsuccesful of course. I had read about mirror lock but am not sure how to go about executing it. I realize it is supposed to prevent camera shake when taking the shot.

[KvPhoto]

well, just discovered that the 300d canon does not have mirror lock-up capability.

[Andy]

I was trying to take some pictures of the moon last night, unsuccesful of course. I had read about mirror lock but am not sure how to go about executing it. I realize it is supposed to prevent camera shake when taking the shot.

http://dgrin.smugmug.com/gallery/2319310

It's a setting on your camera. Tell us what you have and we can try and help.
:thumb

[KvPhoto]

I have the canon digital rebel

[wxwax]

If you're feeling brave, there's a software hack (http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/digital_rebel_firmware_hack.html) that enables mirror lock up on the 300D.

Either that, or hold it upside down and shake it until the mirror flops out of the way, then caaaarefullly bring it right side up and take you shot.

Or not. :lol3

[Nikolai]

You don't really need to use MLU feature.

Moon is a fairly brightly lit object. You can safely apply "Cloudy Eight" rule and set your camera for ISO100, f/8 and 1/100s (or whatever shutter speed is around, like 1/90 or 1/125). If tyou weak any of those parameters simply adjut others accordingly.
Also, if you shoot RAW you'd be able to safely correct minor exposure mistakes later.

I shot moon handheld and with tripod, with ISO ranging from 100 to 3200... Trust me, you very rarely need mirror lockup...:deal

HTH