Mamiya RZ67 Electronic Cable Release

[kbrede]

I've been researching this item and haven't found much on it. What benefit does the electronic cable release have over a mechanical one?
Thanks,

 

[MattKing]

First, there is a place to plug them into on the cameras.

The electronic cable releases work on both the RZ67 Pro II and the 645 Pro or Super models. There is no direct connection for a mechanical cable release on the 645 Pro or Super models, so an auxiliary adapter needs to be used with those cameras in order to use a mechanical cable release. I think (but am not sure) that the situation is the same for the RZ67 Pro II.

I don't know what the situation is with the RZ67 Pro II D.

Long electronic releases work much better than long mechanical releases. And radio remotes are much easier to implement with electronic cameras.

 

[kbrede]

I've got a RZ67 Pro II on the way. I guess I should have specified the model. The mechanical cable release I was referring to is the one on the lens.

For mirror lockup, using a mechanical cable on the lens, these are the steps, according to the manual:

1. After screwing a cable release firmly into the Mirror Lock-up Socket of the lens, the socket will elevate slightly and the camera will be ready for mirror lock-up operation.

2. Press the Cocking Lever as far as it will go. Step 2 may either follow or precede step 1.

3. Depress the Shutter Release Button and the mirror will rise, but the shutter will remain closed.

4. Press the plunger of the cable release and the shutter will operate.

Is there any advantage to purchasing the more expensive electronic cable? Are the steps outlined for the mechanical cable on the lens, basically the same for the electronic cable attached to the body?
Thanks,

 

[CGW]

I've got a RZ67 Pro II on the way. I guess I should have specified the model. The mechanical cable release I was referring to is the one on the lens.

For mirror lockup, using a mechanical cable on the lens, these are the steps, according to the manual:

1. After screwing a cable release firmly into the Mirror Lock-up Socket of the lens, the socket will elevate slightly and the camera will be ready for mirror lock-up operation.

2. Press the Cocking Lever as far as it will go. Step 2 may either follow or precede step 1.

3. Depress the Shutter Release Button and the mirror will rise, but the shutter will remain closed.

4. Press the plunger of the cable release and the shutter will operate.

Is there any advantage to purchasing the more expensive electronic cable? Are the steps outlined for the mechanical cable on the lens, basically the same for the electronic cable attached to the body?
Thanks,

You can't see what you're shooting since the mirror is up with the mechanical release. With the electronic release, you can since the mirror is down till you press the button. It's useful for studio work, especially portraiture.

Believe there are two versions of these that differ in their connectors: a 4-pin for the manual 645 models and RZ and a round connector for the 645AF. Sellers often confuse them.

 

[MattKing]

This is subject to correction but ....

The electronic cable release won't give you a photograph using mirror lock-up on it's own - you will need a mechanical shutter release connected to the lens.

The electronic cable release is intended to be used with the camera in standard operation.

And it won't work with the "T" function.

 

[landscapepics]

I posted a similar question a year ago and got a few responses which can be seen at:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[polyglot]

This is subject to correction but ....

The electronic cable release won't give you a photograph using mirror lock-up on it's own - you will need a mechanical shutter release connected to the lens.

The electronic cable release is intended to be used with the camera in standard operation.

And it won't work with the "T" function.

I believe you are right except for half of the T bit. I believe that the electronic release can initiate a T exposure but (obviously) not end it because T involves a mechanical latch in the lens.

 

[awty]

Hi
These are great, just got one, a lot easier than fumbling around trying to fire the camera button........but on the button is a orange dot marked "LT" any one know what its for and how use it?

 

[WilmarcoImaging]

According to the manual it is a "Long Time" collar.

 

[awty]

According to the manual it is a "Long Time" collar.

Thanks and what would you use that for and how do you twist the dial to set to LT? The dial on mine seems to be fixed by a couple of screws.

 

[Alan Gales]

I had both shutter releases for the RZ. I assumed the electronic release was for shooting portraits and the mechanical one was for locking up the shutter for landscape photography.

I bought a Contax 139 Q new back in the 80's. It had an electronic cable release. I remember reading that the electronic cable release caused less vibration than mechanical ones. How much I don't know. It may be a moot point.

 

[WilmarcoImaging]

Paul, according to the manual:

Using the Electromagnetic Cable Release
The Electromagnetic Cable Release’s Release Button (4) has a two-part operation, similar to the camera’s
Shutter Release Button:
- A half-press of the Release Button (4) enables the camera to collect photometric data.
- Fully depressing the Release Button (4) fires the camera’s shutter.
To enable the Electromagnetic Cable Release to collect photometric data and fire the shutter, turn its Long
Time Collar (1) so that the index mark is aligned with the white circle.
For long exposures, set the camera’s Shutter Speed Dial to ‘B’ (Bulb), and then:
1. Fully depress the Release Button (4).
2. While holding down the Release Button (4), turn the Long Time Collar (1) to so that the index mark
aligns with the orange dot. This will lock the Release Button.
3. To end the long exposure, turn the Long Time Collar (1) so that the index mark is aligned with the
white circle.

 

[awty]

Paul, according to the manual:
.

Thank you very much. Looks like a useful function I wouldn't of worked out without your help.