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Camara remotes revisted

Conrad Farlow said:
Hi I've been contemplating getting a G5/G6 because of the IR remote facility but to be honest I can't see how a hand held remote is much use when holding a fish with both hands. I seem to recall that someone mentioned a mechanical or air operated remote foot switch that could be adapted to fit any digital camera. I think that it was an air operated plunger or something similar. Can anyone point me to a link please?

I am quite happy with my Canon A620 so maybe I should go down this route?

For those with a hand-held IR remote it is possible to put a foot switch in parallel with the switch membrane if you have the right soldering equipment. It would be fiddly as hell but do-able.

Conrad
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Nathan Walter said:
Hi Conrad. I've got a G6 with infra red remote. Very difficult to press the button whilst holding a fish. I wouldn't say impossible, but definitely not ideal.

If someone comes up with a solution, I'd be very interested to hear it.
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Dont understand?? If you got the G6 just set the wireless delay for 10 secs,press remote, then you have 10 secs to pick up fish and strike the pose.
 
Been thinking about this.

Obviously it is possible to use a remote with a delay timer, it is also possible to use a timer alone - but - surely neither of these solutions are as good as a manual control with an air release. It is an inherently intuitive process where the person posing makes the decision as to when they are ready to take the shot. An air release allows a partial amount of pressure to refocus the shot immediately prior to it being taken thus ensuring that the shot is good first time and that the fish can be released quickly. I personally can see why Nathan does not like the 10 second delay option. I don't like a timer dictating to me when I am ready. It may be only 5 seconds, it could be 10.5 or even 12 seconds - it will vary depending on whether the fish is cooperative.

Just because someone is successful with a method does not mean that it will suit everyone.

Personally I don't have a remote facility on my Canon A620 so I have ordered the air release system recommended by Ian. I'll let you all know how I get on when I catch a few decent fish worthy of photographing. I am sure that it will be versatile and easy to use.

Conrad
 
Has anyone bought/used the equipment Crooky mentioned? I'd be interested in a few reviews before buying one. Thanks.
 
Nathan, I have obviously with 3 different cameras, A Canon Powershot 3is, a small casio exilm and a fuji. All work a treat.
 
And the results Crooky? Does it take good quality pictures? How does it cope with the 2 stage button compression for taking digital photos?

Sorry for all the questions. I value your advice on this and if you say it's good I'm sure it will be.
 
Nathan, the photo results depend upon the camera, regarding two stage buttons, my Cameras have auto focus if that's what you mean, when I press the shutter it first focusses and then if I keep pressed will take the shot...............

you can control how hard or how fast you press with the air ball, the pressure on the shutter is directly proportionate to how you squeeze the ball. You can be very gently or very hard, it is up to you.
 
I am happy with a timer facility on my camera, that suits me fine - its not too often i get a fish to photo, maybe 10 times a year.
Take no offence here guys, but a lot of what your doing sounds like a load of hassle to me:).
 
Fair comment Jon. Have alot of experience self taking photo's. When working on a lake in France for a season I was catching alot of big fish taking self took photo's on a very cheap compact digital camera. The only fish that caused me problems were fish in excess of 50lb.

For those, I needed probably 13-15s as it requires 4-5 stages of getting the fish off the mat to a composed shot whereas a high forty one could manage 3 stages of gradual lift in 10s.

Now for a fish 25% of the size its a little easier. I have a Canon EOS 400D which again has a 10s delay. Leaving the fish in the water, mount camera on tripod, place bankstick approx 1m away from camera, compose shot using slightly greater depth of field, focus on stick, take off autofocus, set timer, take a tester shot to check composition, focus & exposure. Get & place fish where stick is, kneel next to fish reaching for shutter, depress, hold fish, put back on mat, wipe hand with towel to repeat. Use a dedicated flash to get better results especially at night.

Its a matter of practise & familiarity with the camera. Try a few shots in the lounge or garden - to your mrs' amusement. Probably be a few years when we can get voice activated shutters.

Cheers, Jon
 
I bought the stuff Crooky recommended and it does indeed work a treat. Like the idea of voice activated shutters, don't fancy the MkI which never work right. I can see it now, 'Take - now' nothing happens, 'Take now!' still nothing, 'I said take now you piece of (insert expletives)!' Nope the simple device that Crooky recommends is the one for me. I couldn't lift a 50lb fish Jon, remind me to show more respect when I address you, you must have scary arms!

Conrad
 
If anyone is interested in the air release that Crooky recommended have a look in the classified section on page 7. Still for sale.Brand new.
Terry.
 
Camera remote's revisited

This is a good article & reference to air release & mount. I bought my 1st SLR (practika) in the 80s. Focused manually & a nice controlled shot taken with bulb - still had to lower the fish to wind the film on. Those were the days...

Re voice activated shutters - one would have to mime the command otherwise it would capture the mouthing or as you put it Conrad, expletives & frowns attached!

Bulb release are good for those who want that perfect photo - the dorsal fin high, good holding giving time capture the fish's profile, time to correct the anglers grimace of aches & pains from a sleepless night & get the background right. For a classic of how not to take a shot look at the Warks Avon bottom of page 14 - horrendous.

Re the scary arms & fatter fish - its lifting a slippery sack of spuds!!

Cheers, Jon

PS when it does not quite go as planned - a few shots framing, one abort & one final. Ermm the pink shot for comedy value - all I can say was that for a pink skin it was a bit on the warm side & Conrad, arms not that scary (nor pretty!)

I am sure that we all have a few shots where one would rather keep them to oneselves. We ought to have a gallery dedicated to these alone. What do you reckon admin...?
 
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Thanks Crooky. Sounds ideal then. I've got a G6, with a swivel screen, so self takes are made that much easier. Avoids loads of practice runs with empty hands!!

Weelo I think you just like to pose in front of a camera mate lol.
 
Like it Nathan - me with my imaginary fish - it was in my hands just a second ago & it was that big!! lol

Cheers, Jon
 
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