Mechanical Remote for 'bulb' on Film Cameras

[Polar Bear]

Ever the one to try new ideas, I have a cunning plan.

I am about to try some very long exposure ( 3 hour + ) star trail captures on film. I will be taking the camera (or several) to a remote spot and leaving them there till the morning. I will be using inexpensive manual cameras so i am not bothered if it rains or they get attacked by wild beasts.

The problem will be closing the shutter after 3 hours on the bulb setting as I will not be there. Is there anything available commercially for this or will I have to retreat to the shed and conjure something up ?

I do not want to use any camera with an electronic shutter so the programmable jobbies are out of the question.

Paul

[garethmob]

I had one on my Pentax it screwed into the shutter button and poked something down middle and then it had a screw to keep it there. What camera is it?

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[Polar Bear]

I had one on my Pentax it screwed into the shutter button and poked something down middle and then it had a screw to keep it there. What camera is it?

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Thanks for that but I have plenty of remote releases. What I am after is a mechanism that will release the shutter after 3 hours as I will not be there with the camera.

Paul

[garethmob]

My apologies PB lol I'm rarer tired and hungry (my first made stew is coking down now as we speek for dumplings)

What about a clockwork something? Is there any clockwork remotes for manual camera?

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[Polar Bear]

Hi Gaz

I can build one using a battery, a Light Dependant Resistor and a solenoid mechanism but it would be easier to find one ready made, clockwork or otherwise.

cheers Paul

[Polar Bear]

Solved the problem.

I have found that the EOS 10 has an ingenious feature that means it does not use battery power up when used on 'bulb'

I can combine this with an inexpensive TC80-N3 programmable remote.

Paul

[garethmob]

thats pretty cool would you place the remote in a waterproof sealed box?

[Polar Bear]

thats pretty cool would you place the remote in a waterproof sealed box?

Hi Gaz

I'm thinking of using a simple ABS box to house both the camera and remote, mounted on a ground spike with a pan and tilt head on it. I can paint the box camouflage so the wee beasties will leave it alone.

I am amazed at the low price of non collectable film cameras. My estimate is that I can buy the EOS10 / remote / box / paint etc for less than £50.00 ( the price of a reasonable EP ) and Poundland are selling Kodak 200ASA print film for £1.00 a roll.

Paul

[garethmob]

are they? i can see me going to poundland later today to get some!

thanks paul

[Polar Bear]

are they? i can see me going to poundland later today to get some!

thanks paul

I am going to stock up on them at that price . It was Poundland as opposed to the other bargain store Poundsavers and the expiry on them is 02/14. Whether they are any good for star trails remains to be seen.

Paul

[Polar Bear]

Just in case anyone is reading this the TC-80N3 is NOT compatible with the EOS10

It can be used with the EOS-3, 1V HS, 1V, 1D, 1D Mark II, 1Ds, 1Ds Mark III, 5D, 5D Mark II, 7D, 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, D30, D60 and D2000 cameras.

Whoops

Still just bought a EOS10 for £9.00 with postage !

Paul