Posted by John W. Wall on June 9, 2007 at 12:01 PM
One of the main reasons I've stuck with my F3 film camera is its ease of use in mirror lock-up, which I use a great deal. MLU and a simple mechanical cable release -- oh the joy. But I'm finally thinking seriously about saying goodbye to film and getting a D200, and I'm looking for some clarity about remote cords.
Nikon's web site lists the MC-36 and ML-3, but I believe some older (simpler?) cords might also work with the D200. I'm intrigued by the ML-3's ability to let me set a camera trap for wildlife but can't tell if it would be cumbersome to use that as a simple remote trigger as well. OTOH, even the "simpler" MC-36 cord seems somewhat cumbersome compared with an 8-inch cable release.
So anyway, what do you all use and/or recommend to trigger your D200 when you're using MLU?
Posted by Alan Olander on June 9, 2007 at 10:10 PM
I don't believe there is anything available that's quite as simple as the cable release. The MC-30 is another option for the D200, and it's a little "simpler" and less expensive than the MC-36. They're both about 30" long, though.
I tried an MC-30 "clone" that I bought on eBay for cheap. It worked OK, but the connection to the 10-pin terminal on the camera body was only a press fit, and it would come loose easily. I made a release for my D200 out of an MC-25 (which is a 10-pin to 2-pin adapter cord) and an MC-12A. I shortened the MC-12A so the whole thing is about 2 feet long, but you could make it shorter. This setup gives you half press meter and focus along with a trigger lock for bulb exposures. I also use the MC-25 with an MR-3, 2-pin button release. It lacks the half press feature, but it's more compact to carry than the other setup. Some of these items are not available new anymore, but you can get them on the used market easily.
I use the MC-30 with my D200 and although its a little long, I like it because the 10 pin terminal is a secure connection, to say the least. With my old F3, I don't know how many simple mechanical cable releases I lost off of that camera. I could not keep them connected.
I got a link-delight radio remote release from ebay - a fraction of the cost of the nikon one. It works fine but can't do the camera trap thing. only problem is it swings around all over the place when you move the camera so I made a little clamp to hold it to my L-bracket.
Hi J. W I use an MC.30 it works fine on my D200 as it did on both my F90Xs which it was first purchased for, seems most of the others tend to agree and its never let me down so it is certainly worth a look.
Discussion
5 repliesNikon's web site lists the MC-36 and ML-3, but I believe some older (simpler?) cords might also work with the D200. I'm intrigued by the ML-3's ability to let me set a camera trap for wildlife but can't tell if it would be cumbersome to use that as a simple remote trigger as well. OTOH, even the "simpler" MC-36 cord seems somewhat cumbersome compared with an 8-inch cable release.
So anyway, what do you all use and/or recommend to trigger your D200 when you're using MLU?
I tried an MC-30 "clone" that I bought on eBay for cheap. It worked OK, but the connection to the 10-pin terminal on the camera body was only a press fit, and it would come loose easily. I made a release for my D200 out of an MC-25 (which is a 10-pin to 2-pin adapter cord) and an MC-12A. I shortened the MC-12A so the whole thing is about 2 feet long, but you could make it shorter. This setup gives you half press meter and focus along with a trigger lock for bulb exposures. I also use the MC-25 with an MR-3, 2-pin button release. It lacks the half press feature, but it's more compact to carry than the other setup. Some of these items are not available new anymore, but you can get them on the used market easily.
Graham