27 Remote shutter release techniques

Firing SLR cameras by remote control brings many possibilities for getting shots that would otherwise be un-obtainable either due to the camera being in an inaccessible position or simply being mounted somewhere that a human could not survive (for example under an aeroplane).

The D-1 range is fitted with the standard 10-pin remote connector which with the MC-21 remote cord allows the shutter to be released by a simple electrical contact closure which can be extended to several hundreds of metres.

However, to set up for remote shooting, an understanding of the power saving modes of the camera is required. The D-1 series cameras can be set to drop into power save mode after a period of 16 seconds maximum. To return the camera to shooting mode, a half press on the shutter button is required.
In a remote mounted situation, the camera will drop into power save mode and the half-press/full press operation must be replicated via the remote cable before a shot is taken. (Note that this does not apply if the camera is connected by a  Firewire connection with Nikon Capture running* or AC power adapter)

This is possible by wiring together the two leads (Yellow and Blue) from the MC-21 which extend the AF start and Shutter release to the remote control device.

The remote contact is simply wired across the Yellow and Blue (joined) and the Black (common) lead.

Note that for sports events when the camera is likely to be set to continuous mode, a short delay occurs whilst the AF start activates. In single shot mode, which may have application for example in nature photography, the photographer might benefit from leaving the two contacts separate and wiring two switches, one between the Blue and Black to activate the AF system silently and one between the Yellow and Black for shutter release.

*The preferences setting
General: While Nikon Capture is Running Keep Camera Awake: must be set to Always