Essential accessories
From Nikonians Wiki
ML-3 IR Remote Release
The ML-3 is an Infra Red (IR) remote release for cameras with a 10 pin accessory socket. It consists of 2 pieces:
- A receiver that plugs into the 10 Pin socket.
- A hand held transmitter.
Because of similar product names, then ML-3 is often confused with the ML-L3 that is a remote IR transmitter that works with the D70 and other Dxx cameras that have a built in IR receiver.
The ML-3 operates in 2 modes:
- Normal release mode: the push button on the transmitter acts just like the shutter release button on the camera. Push part way to activate the meter and push all the way to release the shutter.
- Intruder mode: the transmitter sends a continuous beam to the receiver. The camera is triggered when the beam is broken.
To use the ML-3 the 10 pin plug of the receiver must be connected to the socket in the camera. The receiver may be mounted in the flash shoe for convenience, but it is not necessary. The receiver must be positioned so that the end with the black lens and red LED face the transmitter. The receiver is powered from the camera through the 10 pin socket, so it should be turned off when not in use.
For normal release mode:
- Set the receiver to CH1 or CH2. Two channels are provided to prevent interference between 2 ML-3 setups in the same area.
- Turn the transmitter on and set it to CH1 or CH2 to match the receiver.
- Set the camera release mode to CL or CH. Then you can select Single or Continuous mode with the S-C switch position on the transmitter.
- In S the transmitter will trigger only a single shot regardless of how long you press the button. The LED on the receiver shows receipt of the signal.
- In C the transmitter will trigger shots as long as you hold the button. The LED on the receiver shows receipt of the signal.
- If you move the S-C switch to DELAY, the transmitter sends a single shot trigger but the receiver delays triggering the camera for 3 seconds. This allows you hide the transmitter when taking a self portrait. The LED on the receiver shows receipt of the signal and then flashes during the delay.
For Intruder mode:
- Set the receiver to either CH1 or CH2, the channel setting does not matter.
- Set the camera release mode to CL or CH.
- Set the transmitter channel switch to A TRIG
- First set the S-C switch to TEST. Note that the LED on the transmitter blinks at about a 1 second interval. Position the transmitter so that it points at the receiver. Test the position by blocking the beam between the transmitter and receiver. If the transmitter is properly aligned with the receiver, the red LED on the receiver will light when the beam is broken.
- Now switch the S-C switch to S or C as you prefer. The camera will now take an image when the beam is interrupted.
- In the S position one image will be made each time the beam is interrupted, regardless of the duration of the interruption.
- In the C position continuous images will be made as long as the beam is interrupted.
Note the the transmitter seems to have a very long battery life in this mode. I have used it on one pair of batteries all night for 3 nights to get pictures a a raccoon raiding my bird feeder.
Ikea S-Bend Hex Key
Hex or Allen Keys are a staple tool for any camera bag. Most dovetail quick release systems require the availability of a hex key to chnge out plates in the field.
Hex keys are one of those little devices that you rarely worry about until you desperately need one. On the face of it they all look the same.... well that's not entirely true. One hex key design stands out head and shoulders from the crowd.The Ikea S-Bend Hex Key.
These are a normal hex key with an extra bend to turn the shape from a regular L-shape into an S-Shape. That exta bend make the key more compact and provides a lot of extra leverage to unscrew stiff connections. The best thing is that they are free. Pretty much every item of Ikea furniture comes with at least one of these keys. Buy a suite of furniture and you will have a plague of them. And even if you don;t need to buy any furniture there are so many cluttering up their wearehouse that an Ikea staff member will gladly give you a couple of spare ones if you ask them nicely.
- This page was last modified on 20 April 2009, at 17:25.
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