Mamiya 16 - Tripod + Cable Release for long exposures

cannotShootStraight

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The Mamiya 16 has a tripod mount as well as a thread for a cable release on the shutter release button.
I bought a cable release from amazon but unfortunately screwing the cable into the release button (top right on this image: https://www.subcompactcam.com/jpg/16_mamiya_16_automatic_IMG_4676.JPG ) already puts enough pressure on the button that it releases the shutter even without using the cable release. Is this a common issue and how do I get around this? I wanted to use a cable release because holding the shutter button in bulb mode by hand makes the image blurry if I don't pay the utmost attention to my finger.

Additionally, I am looking for a tripod that is lightweight, small and flexible to make a good fit with the Mamiya 16. Anyone with a recommendation?
 

MattKing

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You just need to find a cable release with either an adjustable throw or a shorter throw - they do vary a bit. The "throw" is a measure of how far the plunger protrudes.
The best source would probably be all those people who have cable releases whose throw is too short for their cameras.
In old den times we would just take the camera into a camera store and try out what they had, until we found one that would work with our moderately unusual camera - most cameras aren't that demanding.
I'd suggest looking for shorter cable releases, as they are slightly more likely to have a short throw.
Can the release you use work when it isn't tightened all the way? If so, that might be a temporary solution.
 

xkaes

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There are lots of tiny tripods -- and clamps, etc. -- that are perfect. I'm no talking about table-top tripods which are usually too big. I'm not sure if Mamiya made a tiny tripod, but you'll probably never find one. Do a search for GIOTTOs tripods -- I think that's the name. Here's some material from over at the SUBCLUB:

http://www.subclub.org/field/tripod.htm

Cable releases often have plungers that are too long or short. There are lots of short cable releases, but they are are hard to find as well. Mine is only three inches long.

And for long exposures, get a cable release that LOCKS -- so you don't have to hold the plunger in.
 
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OP

cannotShootStraight

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MattKing said:
I'd suggest looking for shorter cable releases, as they are slightly more likely to have a short throw.
Can the release you use work when it isn't tightened all the way? If so, that might be a temporary solution.
Click to expand...

Hi Matt and thank you for your reply.
The problem is not necessarily the length of the protruding metal rod but the weight of the cable release as a whole puts enough pressure on the button to release the shutter.

xkaes said:
Do a search for GIOTTOs tripods -- I think that's the name. Here's some material from over at the SUBCLUB:
Click to expand...

I thought about a GorillaPod
 

MattKing

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cannotShootStraight said:
The problem is not necessarily the length of the protruding metal rod but the weight of the cable release as a whole puts enough pressure on the button to release the shutter.
Click to expand...

Look for a short release that is very flexible, and make sure that it is always curved.
 

250swb

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Sometimes with old cameras old cable releases work best, look on eBay for a vintage Gitzo cable release which come in many lengths and are very flexible. Talking of flexible the last thing you want is a flexible tripod but nowadays it's hard to buy a tripod that is out and out rubbish, so just look for one with the average three leg extension and a ball head on top. The problem with Gorilla Pods or table top tripods is that you don't always have a table or a pole in the exact spot you choose to compose your photo.
 

xkaes

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Kino

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Using a regular cable release, locate a stack of washers sized to just fit around the cable release and just clear the top of the release button. Find one more that just admits the tip of the cable release and glue them in a stack to make a "cup" that allows you to screw the cable release through the washers, but not allow the weight to trip the shutter.

If you can source the right size, you could also make the adapter out of a simple plastic cap for some tube or bottle.

The cable release has to tighten the cup down to the surface of of the camera just enough to not allow movement of the release button, but the cable sliding through the center will still trip the shutter.

Conversely...

ARAX sells a small cable release for $7 that should work.

Universal mechanical cable release for analog cameras

Buy mechanical cable release with shipping to any country worldwide.
araxfoto.com

Here's a $4 FSU variant; very small --


Otherwise, look for the tiny vintage cable releases that came on folding plate cameras; they are about 4 inches long and very light weight.

Ultrapod: There are many variations on this type of tripod;

I find these regularly at thrift stores, but the new price is not terrible. They are very lightweight and rigid for small cameras.
 
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xkaes

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250swb said:
I still maintain a rigid tripod is far better that one that flexes.
Click to expand...

Fortunately for submini users, there are lots of tiny, pocketable, lightweight, rigid tripods.

The ULTRAPOD, mentioned above (which comes in several varieties) is a bare-bones model -- but I doubt the six-POUND weight limit listed on Amazon. There are better models, like some GIOTTOS that have expandable, metal legs that will rise up to about a foot or so. Anything over that increases the weight markedly -- and well as the pocket-ability.
 

xkaes

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Lucky for you, the Mamiya has a built-in cable release connection & tripod socket. For the Minox -- being so tiny -- these are added on with an attachment. Here is a Minox IIIs with tripod attachment on a collapsible Giotto MICRO-tripod (with adjustable head). Notice the difference in the tripod -- collapsed vs extended -- and it all fits in a pocket.



 

250swb

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It's a genius idea, except you need to take a table along with you to put it on. Any recommendations for lightweight tables that are suitable for mini tripods?
 

xkaes

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You are more than welcome to drag along your three pound tripod to support the three ounce camera you have in your shirt pocket. No one is stopping you.

Last time I was at the Grand Canyon there was no shortage of rocks to use.
 
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xkaes

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When folded that sucker is two feet long!!! However, much smaller versions of this PUNK Monopod have been around for decades and are only about 4-5 inches long. They don't extend at all, but the feet pop out of the bottom -- kinda, sorta like the PUNK -- but they are much bigger than my tiny, much-more-flexible, GIOTTO's MINI tripod.

However, that PUNK Monopod might be appealing to a lot of shutterbugs who like to hike/walk with a stick/cane -- not matter what size camera they use. Walking sticks & canes seem to be making a comeback, and not just because the population is aging. I see young people, all the time, who otherwise appear well-balanced, using them on hiking trails. The PUNK extends to 80 inches, and has a nice hand grip on the top end -- just the thing for the off-balance photographer.
 
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xkaes

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I've never seen one of those tripods before. It sure is flat. Why not just put the camera on a book?
 

xkaes

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I was wondering if the head "adjusted" at all. I don't see a "lock" on it.

The Giotoo's MINI tripod (above) has a head lock and folds up under the camera bottom -- if the tripod socket is on the bottom of the camera. On the Minox it isn't.
 

xkaes

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Cable release in the leg -- pretty cool. I think I'll stick with my Giotto. Except for the Minox it folds under my subminis -- is extendable & and only cost around $10.
 

tjwspm

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The Giotto tripod looks interesting because you can swivel it 90 degrees and lock it. That doesn't work with mine. In my case the setting only holds via friction (which works well up to a camera weight of 250 g).
 

tjwspm

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cannotShootStraight said:
Additionally, I am looking for a tripod that is lightweight, small and flexible to make a good fit with the Mamiya 16. Anyone with a recommendation?
Click to expand...
This is the Mamiya 16 automatic with the JOBY GorillaPod Micro 250. When you're on the go, it can stay folded up on the camera.


But there is also another option known as string tripod. I attach the end of the chain to my belt and hold the chain tight while taking photos. Then no vertical movements are possible and you hold the camera much more still.
 
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