I'm after a shutter release cable for my D700. Anybody know where I can get a cheap one from in the uk please? I don't need it to be a Nikon one. Also, where do shutter release cables plug into the camera?

Ideally I actually wanted to find a way of triggering my camera by using my Elinchrom skyport, but there doesn't seem to be a way. I tried a 10 pin to 3.5mm lead which does allow me to take the shots but unfortunately the menu and LCD screen does not work when using this - so not much use

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I would suggest looking for a used MC-20 or MC-30 Nikon release maybe on one of the auction sites or at a local shop. They are well built. An MC-20 saved a D100 with battery grip from a fall off a tripod at a wedding some years ago for me. It was a heavy pull on the connection at the 10-pin plug, but it kept on working. Incidentally, the release plugs into the 10-pin plug on the front of the D700 body-just under the PC terminal.

I would assume that Jessop's or Gray's would probably have some used releases, but not being in the UK, I really can't address that part of your question very well. You might also try the "want to buy" forum on Nikonians. The price of a used MC-20 or MC-30 should certainly be less than the more current electronic cable release, the MC-36/MC-36A. I'm not familiar with the Elinchrom skyport, so I can't help you there.

Sam

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I use an MC-30 release by Nikon that I've had since I bought my F100. I would go Nikon and not worry about compatibility issues. The MC-30 is a basic release having a handle with thumb depressed button, 1/2 depress turns on the meter and the AF; full depress releases the shutter.

The MC-20 release is more feature packed, includes an intervalvometer, LCD light and shutter release.

Both releases have 2' leads; Nikon have the MC-21 extension cable that adds 10' between the camera and the release.

Being Nikon products, they are expensive. I have no experience with the MC-20 or inexpensive 3rd party release.

Anthony

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The important things in life are simple; the simple things are hard.

I buy used MC-30's by the sack from KEH. I break them in the cold weather.

Mike in Alaska

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Hi Guy,

The Skyport must have the pre-release feature (pressing the shutter release button half way) built-in which disables the menu and LCD display.
Like the others, I use and recommend the Nikon MC-30.
I have been using mine for years and it continues to work perfectly.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

I've been using a cheaper MC-30 clone for some time now. I bought it for use with my F5's and I still use it with both my one remaining F5 and my D700. It was so cheep that I bought several in case of failure but have never had to use the backup.

I also have a Vello wireless shutterboss which uses a cable with a 10 pin connector for the camera and a 2.5mm stereo connector for the shutterboss side. In either case they have the 1/2 depress / full depress button functions work as they should.

I'm not familiar with Elinchrom skyport but in order for the 1/2 depress / full depress button functions work you would need stereo connector on the 10 pin cable and the Elinchrom skyport would need to support the stereo plug connector. If the 3.5mm connector on either the cord or the Elinchrom skyport is a mono type it can't support full functionality for the camera focus / shutter release.

Vello does sell their cables separately, if you need a 3.5mm you would need a 3.5mm to 2.5mm adapter. I'm not sure where you would buy one in the U.K.

Vello 10 pin cable catalog #RCC-N1 / MSRP $10.00US. Also I would think Elinchrom would sell their cables separately.

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Thanks everyone for your replies. I'm sorry I've not replied earlier - the graphics card went on my Mac Pro so computer has been out of order for a while. No sorted and back online!

I think I'll either look at the MC-30 or possibly change my Skyport for Pocket Wizards which will give me what I need and some flash new reliable remotes for many uses. I then know that if I've got the PW I'm set up for everything. What do you guys think? I presume they can be used on Bulb mode if needed?

£70 goes a long way to purchasing one PW.

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Hi Guy,

I use PW to trigger remote cameras as well as Strobes and Speedlights.
They have been very reliable. That said, I am not sure if they will work with the shutter speed set to bulb since I have never tried it.

Best Regards,
Marty

Anyone happen to know if I could also use a PW plus III to trigger my Elinchrom BRXI 500's that have inbuilt skyport? That would probably clinch the deal for me so I'd only ever need to carry the PW for everything!

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Hi Guy,

Yes!
You just have to connect the PW to the Elinchrom BRXI 500 using a 3.5mm (1/8") to 3.5mm (1/8") sync cord plugged into the sync port of the strobe.

Best Regards,
Marty

Thanks Marty - do you know if that will still allow me to adjust the power of the lights remotely in 1/10ths as per the skyport?

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Hi Guy,

The PW Plus III's do not have the capability to remotely adjust the power level of any strobe or Speedlight.

The PW FlexTT5's combined with the AC3 Controller and ST4 will allow you to adjust Elinchrome strobes in 1/3rd stop increments.

I don't know if you can use the skyports to adjust the power together with the PW Plus III's to trigger the flash.

Best Regards,
Marty

This may no longer apply but to go back to the original question you may be able to get a Hama remote control release Ni-1<00005348. I bought one for a modest price for use with my D300 - it would work with a D700. I still have it as a spare for my MC 30 which is more robust and can be locked into the socket.
The Hama product can be seen on their website www.hama.co.uk for £33.99 but you should be able to get it for less via Amazon. I think I paid about £20.

Iain

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Thats for that - that's a really good alternative!

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