EPL1 – remote release questions

I believe everything you said about the remote shutter release is true - not gonna happen. I hadn't thought of some of those mechanical options - I would think that first option (your link isn't to the right spot by the way - likely that website though as it is rather dated!) might work quite well - there are some on ebay from other makers too, search mechanical shutter release (some camera-specific ones that should work fine on the e-pl1 as well).

It certainly is a rather puzzling omission on olympus' part - I can understand dumbing down the camera abit, but that is probably the one thing that really irks me about the camera (1/2000 I can live with!). Anyway, you may be the pioneer on this one, so good luck in your quest!

 

Nick, thanks for your planned follow up, I knew this had been discussed before a bit, but just couldn't remember where.

When you have a chance stop by the Welcomes and Introductions forum, for the official "welcome". Glad to have you here.

 

That looked like the best one to me as well (maybe because they had the best product shots!). I am thinking about buying one, and modifying the arm portion to have 3 arms coming off the pole part - the one they have on there already for the shutter mechanism, then a top and bottom pole that can act as clamps on the top and bottom panels of the camera, which would then eliminate the need to use the tripod screw. It would also be easier to attach and release that way. If I ever find the time that might be a fun project!

 

That looks interesting, please let us know how it goes!

 

any update?

Nick,

very interested to hear your results with that ebay purchase! thanks

-ils

 

can it lock?

 

watching the video on the ebay link, it looks to me as though the camera moves every time the button is pressed? It surely would be better if the cable were to be vertically positioned over the shutter button?

 

I think I will make my own so it is 1- perfectly aligned and 2- uses a locking cable. I think I smell another DIY project blog!  

 

Very interesting, I have that cable release from my film cameras ! They didn't have remotes long time ago  . Good idea, but cumbersome indeed for implementing in digital cameras. Anyway, one can always set anti-shake timer on the E-PL1 to 2 seconds or more to fire only after the camera stopped shaking.

 

Here is my home made version.

Cost about 2$ to make + the release cable and glue.
As promised, a remote shutter release DIY solution for the E-PL1 - Micro Four Thirds User Forum

 

Hello all:
I don't understand Olympus's decision in this one. I'd think if they wanted to, a firmware release could provide a bit of a workaround, even if not wired for it. They could enable 'bulb' triggering via the timer, and closing the shutter via pushing the shutter button when the exposure was done. At least a person wouldn't have to sit with their finger on the button for a long exposure... Until then I'm going to try and make something myself  

 

If one was being cynical one might think that Olympus left off an easily implemenateble feature so they could put in their next model to make that model a more tempting upgrade for existing users.

 

Here are a couple of links on the subject, with some solutions:

https://www.mu-43.com/f67/custom-mechanical-cable-release-adapter-olympus-pens-7158/

https://www.mu-43.com/f67/home-made-remote-shutter-release-diy-solution-e-pl1-4972/

The one I got from eBay works for my needs although it would be nice if it was all-metal construction. Of course, it wouldn't be available shipped worldwide for about $20 if it was.

Hope this helps,
Otto...