LANC shutter release for still cameras

[billvon 3,116]

I did a quick search and didn't see anything about this, so -

Anyone know of a small LANC shutter release that will fire continuously? As far as I can tell, the protocol is radically different than the LANC protocol used to turn on Sony camcorders, so I can't use one of those. I hacked together a controller using an off-the-shelf shutter release, a 555 timer and a relay, but it's klugy and large. (Pictures taken by that are here if anyone is interested.)

I may have to go off and build one, but if I can save myself a few weekends with a scope and a compiler it would be nice.

[StefB 0]

Check the Sony RM VD1 specifications. This remote cable control works at least with some Sony Cybershot Digicams.

e.g. http://www.costcentral.com/proddetail/Sony_RM_VD1/RMVD1/D35947/

When you build one for yourself, this might be useful
http://www.boehmel.de/protocl.htm
http://home.tiscali.cz:8080/~cz056018/lanc_a.htm
http://www.keene.co.uk/pages/downloads/dnl_control.htm

[billvon 3,116]

>RM VD1

Yeah, I got one of those, but it's sorta big. I figure I can build one to be much smaller. Does anyone else need one of these things while I'm making them?

[AndyMan 7]

The switches on Canon and Nikon DSLRs are simple switches with a simple 1/8 inch stereo jack. If the camera is in multiple-shot mode, then holding the switch closed will cause the camera to shoot continuously.

You could just rig a simple on-off toggle switch, or hack a tongue-switch.

I didn't know Sony was putting Lanc ports on their stills... Not sure I see the point.

_Am

__

You put the fun in "funnel" - craichead.

[billvon 3,116]

> The switches on Canon and Nikon DSLRs . . . .

Too big! This thing is intended to mount on my chest, or my leg, or my foot. Heck, the only reason I'd get an SLR at all is for the lenses. No reason for the mirror assembly in a digital camera.

[StefB 0]

Nope, i got a Ricoh GX8 (8 Megapixel, "28mm" wide) in August and there is a USB remote cable (CA-1) available which i could "modify" for a blow switch.

Attached is a photo from our last club scramble. 12 o'clock Danny, 2 Steffi, 5 Helmut, 8 Michael and 10 Martina. Slightly cropped and very compressed for web usage of course.

[EricTheRed 0]

Bill,

You've probably said elsewhere but what sony model are you using?

illegible usually

[cj1150gs 0]

Quote

...i got a Ricoh GX8 ...and there is a USB remote cable (CA-1) available which i could "modify" for a blow switch.

Hello Stef,

Does the CA-1 cable operates as a simple shutter release? I mean, by shorting to pins of the USB conector you can fire the camera? Do you know if this aplies to the 5 MPix GX also?

Thanks,

Carlos
PS: Helmut's main flap is open

Carlos Martins
Portugal www.cj.smugmug.com

[StefB 0]

Yes, i saw the flap too ;-)

Seems the CA-1 option is for GX8 and GR
http://www.ricoh.com/r_dc/option/
(conversion lens is wrong entry in table)

And for the R2 there exists a firmware update, which adds CA-1 support e.g. http://www.ricoh.com/r_dc/download/firmware/r2/mac.html

I don't know another GX user and can not try my CA-1 with a GX. Better you ask Ricoh.

The CA-1 has a switch, a USB microcontroller, a AAA battery for the µC and a cable/plug. The input from the switch (open, 1. stage trigger AF, 2. stage trigger shutter) is translated by the µC in serial commands and these are transfered to the camera.

I shortened the two trigger signals (focus is manual and fixed infinity) and added a blow switch parallel to the original switch. The µC thing is original.

The function is nice: Pressing the switch awakens the camera, when it is off.

[cj1150gs 0]

Stef,

Thanks for your input. I use an SLR myself, but people keep asking me "can I fly my digi cam?". A lot of skydivers would be doing very nice pics if more compact digital cameras had the option of cable control like these Ricoh's...

Thanks again!

Carlos Martins
Portugal www.cj.smugmug.com