Wireless shutter release.

Allan Swindles · Mar 1, 2009

I need a radio type release with minature (2.5mm.) jack at receiver end. Any ideas anyone?

Pinholemaster · Mar 1, 2009

http://www.pocketwizard.com/

BobNewYork · Mar 2, 2009

I'm guessing you're talking about a wireless remote shutter release here - like a wireless cable release. There was an outfit out of China on ebay that was selling these for about $50.00. I bought one and subsequently the items were removed by Ebay. I assumed I'd lost my money. But no - the item arrived, (registered mail from China no less) and it works a treat. I got the one with a Nikon plug but they did seem to advertise a range with different end plugs. Can't tell you why eBay pulled it and I was very surprised when it showed up.

If it's wireless strobe triggers you're talking about I think pocket wizard or quantum are probably the best. However, fotodiox out of Illinois have very good 16 channel triggers with two receivers for around $150. These have 1/4" connectors but come with two 1/8' adapters. I have one of these sets and it works very well. The two receivers are useful as with some lighting set-ups the light from the main strobe often doesn't trigger a "hidden" secondary fill. The second wireless receiver takes care of this.

Hope this helps.

Bob H

Q.G. · Mar 2, 2009

There are still several sellers from China offering radio (camera) remotes. Depending on which seller you find, they go for as low as approx. US$15 - 20, inclusing shipping.

People generally are wary of Chinese goods and sellers, but i have bought several, from different sellers too, and only found very fast and trustworthy sellers. And the units work perfectly fine.

People in the US and Europe have found these thingies too, and often offer them for anything from 5x the price you can get them for in China.
So before spending too much money, first search eBay and see where you can get the same items for much less.

bobwith2bees · Mar 3, 2009

I purchased two of these from Ebay from this vendor

http://cgi.ebay.com/Wireless-Remote...4|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

one for my G10 which uses the 2.5mm plug, and another for my D-80 which uses the 4 pin nikon proprietary plug. I would say that they work as advertised. I have nothing to do with this vendor (just FYI).

Here is a quick impression, from my motorcycle/scooter BLOG:

http://wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com/2009/01/wireless-shutter-release-freexwire.html

I also have Quantum FreeXwire's and made up the 2.5mm MD cable for my G10. so instead of paying $89. from B&H, it only cost less than $10. for parts and solder. Upon my recommendation, my cousin also purchased one for his XSi, and I must say that they work perfectly for only US$35. The MD cable for the FreeXwire can also be used with the PocketWizard, same pin/focus configuration.

BobNewYork · Mar 3, 2009

Yes - mine's fine. I'm not sure why Ebay pulled the listing. I've seen other things on there with far more reason for intervention.

Allan Swindles · Mar 3, 2009

Thanks for the replies and links folks. I am investigating further. I'm slightly puzzled, these gadgets appear to be aimed at digital gear. All I need is a simple wireless trigger to trip the shutter via a power winder, (OM system) hence the 2.5mm jack, no auto-focus required. I will study further, just as soon as I can get some time.

bobwith2bees · Mar 3, 2009

Allan:

no problem, this cable will work with a manual camera without autofocus. On a 2 step MD cable, first would be to autofocus, then it trips the shutter but it happens in milliseconds. On a camera such as yours where you only have to "cross" two wires together, then this unit should work.

Q.G. · Mar 4, 2009

Indeed.
The advertising may mention all kinds of 'sophisticated' cameras, the thingies themselves only perform a very simple task, and will do exactly what you are looking for.

The simplest, and cheapest, model of the chinese radio remotes (same manufacturer, same electronics inside) is the one in eBay #250374159205 (and others). Again, shop around a bit to find the lowest price.

Pupfish · Mar 4, 2009

I found the Phottix Cleon to be a real bargain at ~$37 with shipping off eBay from China. I got one with a molded 10-pin Nikon plug that has the locknut retainer, and would have gladly paid as much for the plug end alone. I modified mine by splicing in a 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo in line jack and plug so that I can use it with any and all of my electrically triggered cameras. One issue to note however, is the slight but noticeable time lag with this Cleon release, perhaps on the order of a 1/8 sec. If this is critical you may want to investigate using a Pocket Wizard transceiver pair instead.

The two-stage triggers do a nice job of waking up your camera's metering from sleep as would a half depress of the shutter release-- but you may not even have to use it with your OM-1.

bobwysiwyg · Mar 4, 2009

I take it none of these work, or could be modified to trip an older, manual Nikon such as an FM or FE? Seems like they only support electronic interfaces on more 'modern' cameras.

BobNewYork · Mar 4, 2009

The motordrive, (MD-12 if I recall) for these camera does use an electronic trigger. I'm pretty sure that the plug is different from the current range of cameras, but I'm sure it could be somehow configured.

bobwysiwyg · Mar 4, 2009

Hadn't thought about the motor drive. Hadn't used one in the past because of the added weight and bulk to the kit, but I guess I might have to reconsider it if I want to go this route for remote tripping I guess.

bobwith2bees · Mar 4, 2009

bob:

i just went here:

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fefmshared/md12/md12basic5.htm

it would seem that you have to use a proprietary Nikon connector for the cable (3 pin configuration) . Perhaps you could swap out the Nikon connector for a 3.5 mm stereo plug instead, then you could make your own cable. Once you get the MD-12 in your possession it is easy to identify the pin operation

bobwysiwyg · Mar 4, 2009

Thanks Bob with 2 B's.

BobNewYork · Mar 4, 2009

It's getting confusing 'round here. A little like the Monty Python Australian skit. Let's all switch to Bruce !!

Bob H!!!

Wireless shutter release.

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