Mechanical timer for bulb exposure?

markaudacity · Oct 8, 2014

I find myself doing a decent bit of long-exposure work with my M3 sitting on a table/ledge/shelf/etc. Wondering if there's anything like the mechanical self-timers that thread into the release that will hold the shutter open for a prescribed amount of time?

Bill Burk · Oct 8, 2014

There is a Prontor release that you can dial in anywhere from 2 to about 35 seconds.

markaudacity · Oct 8, 2014

Sounds ideal, I'll be on the lookout for one.

AgX · Oct 8, 2014

Bolex too made something of that kind: 5-20sec duration, with delay of release.

But a cable release and a stop watch would be more versatile, as long you don't typically use these exposure times.

RalphLambrecht · Oct 8, 2014

Bill Burk said:
There is a Prontor release that you can dial in anywhere from 2 to about 35 seconds.

My Dad gave me his,goes from 2-32sbut only fits the standard conical thread,and comes with a littleshutter release extension cable.I heard, it's very expensive unfortunately.

AgX · Oct 8, 2014

RalphLambrecht said:
...but only fits the standard conical thread

So far I only came across shutters with the conical thread.
But I assume the conical one would still lock into the cylindrical thread. Otherwise one can DIY an adapter and adjust the extention of the plunger.

benjiboy · Oct 8, 2014

I use this mechanical device called a watch and a cable release.

markaudacity · Oct 8, 2014

Funny, I have one of those too.

Bill Burk · Oct 8, 2014

Then you need the cheat sheet that Vaughn gives out in his classes based on Michael Kenna's notes regarding reciprocity law failure.

Because once your light meter says 10 seconds... Reciprocity law failure likely puts your necessary exposure at 32 seconds already.

This unit is only good for a very short range of your overall exposure needs.

Peltigera · Oct 9, 2014

One of these? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AUTOKNIPS...y_VintagePhotoAccessories&hash=item1c47310d4b

AgX · Oct 9, 2014

Yes. The worldwide most sold model (though I still do not have one...)

It combines a delay setting of 1-15sec with a exposure duration of 0.5-10sec .

baachitraka · Oct 9, 2014

Just a cable release and start counting in the head. +/- one or two seconds may not add much to the long exposure.

AgX · Oct 9, 2014

Would not work for me as I only can count up to three...

(But this is a pun only working in German, I guess.)

E. von Hoegh · Oct 9, 2014

benjiboy said:
I use this mechanical device called a watch and a cable release.

Me too - a mechanical watch, with springs and gears inside from the latter part of the previous millennium. A bonus is that when people ask the time, I just look at my wrist while the others are usually digging for their cellphones or I-thingys.

M Carter · Oct 9, 2014

I really have a thing for old watches you have to wind. If I had the $$, I'd be on eBay all day...

RalphLambrecht · Oct 10, 2014

If I had the$$,I would buy eBay.

Mechanical timer for bulb exposure?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency