photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
Judhi Prasetyo | profile | all galleries >> Articles >> DIY Remote Control for Canon EOS tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

DIY Remote Control for Canon EOS





DIY Remote Control for Canon EOS
by Judhi Prasetyo (judhi_prasetyo@yahoo.com), January 2004


FOREWORD

Remote Control (or some call it as cable release) in the world of photography is very useful to take picture using slow shutter speed.
If the camera shakes during when you press the shutter release button, the picture result might turn out to be blurry. Usually this remote control is used to take night shots or macro pictures with the camera put on the tripod or static stand.

While the photographic equipment in Singapore are relatively cheaper than in any other place, the price for original Canon EOS like RS-60E3 is still considered expensive. We can get a second hand part at around S$50. So I decided to make my own remote control with as minimal budget as possible.

THEORY

Before you start, please make sure that your EOS camera has a socket for remote control cable. At EOS 500, the socket is located at the right hand side nearby the shutter button. Careful not to lose the plastic cover.




Below is the schematic diagram of 2.5mm stereo plug to the EOS socket (re-visualised from http://www.chantalcurrid.com/Remote/Theory.html )


The jack used here is the same as those popular in audio use.






Below is the schematic for button wiring. Black button is for Auto Focus control, Red button is the shutter release.


 


PREPARATION


Parts needed (from left to right):

  • Stereo plug 3.5mm female (optional).

  • Used film canister, I used the Kodak Gold canister.

  • Push button normally open black and red.

  • Ready made cable with 2.5mm stereo jack at one end and 3.5mm jack at the other end.

  • Some small wires (not shown on the picture)

Everything cost me for less than S$10.


Tools

  • Scissors with sharp tip (to punch holes on film canister

  • Cutting plier

  • Long nose plier

PUTTING ALL TOGETHER


Connect the buttons using wire according to above diagram.


I've decided to use stereo 3.5mm socket to allow me using longer cable if needed in the future.

Inside:

 





Bottom view of the canister.
 








Buttons fitted on the canister top cover.






If everything is ready, plug the jack into your camera.








TESTING


For testing, turn you shooting dial mode to "P". Then press the Black button and aim the lens to different directions. If the aperture/speed indicator show different numbers and the lens focus is turning accordingly, means the auto focus button is working properly. Pressing the Black button is similar to half-pressing your shutter button in the camera.




Now press the Red button while still holding the Black button, if the shutter is released means your remote control is working properly.


Now your DIY remote control is ready to use.







WHAT NEXT?


This remote control is just an alternative on using used materials. If you don't like to solder 3.5mm jack you may cut it from a used mini headphone. Just wire it according to the above diagram.




Since the headphone usually use 3.5mm jack (especially for walkman), you will need converter from 3.5mm to 2.5mm stereo jack like shown below.





If this remote control will be used for long shutter opening (such for night shots) you may change the button to a switch.



For future expansion, you may change the button into electronic circuit with phototransistor (for capturing lightning, photo finish on racing, etc.), sound sensitive circuit (for capturing glass breaking picture) or connected to a wireless remote control receiver.


.(EoF)



Should you need to copy this article please write me at judhi_prasetyo@yahoo.com . Indonesian version of this article is available at www.fotografer.net.

8_r_top.jpeg
8_r_top.jpeg
click on thumbnails for full image