Thanks Was..., so with my 450D (and 1000d) I should set my mirror lock to off in the camera, and anti viration pause to 0?(in APT).
I can't find the rubber patch for the view finder and I suspect I am getting gradient issues both from this and the LCD monitor even though it is turned down as low as possible- I noticed on friday night when I took this series that there was a dull glow coming frrom the LCD.
I will tape the view finder up I think.
Thanks for extensive reply.
Graham