This page offers information concerning a remote actuator (shutter exposure cable /

release) for activating the shutter exposure for Olympus D-600L digital cameras.

 

As you know by now the Olympus digital camera is one fantastic camera, the color

saturation, density and clarity exceeds the capability of most films ( Kodak, Fuji, etc.)

For the serious photographer it's only shortcoming is it's current resolution. Because of

it's image excellence it achieves in distance to 6 feet I prefer it over most megapixel

cameras available today.

 

Where it really has no equals is in it's ability to capture close up subjects and

portraiture photography. It's only really drawback is that is has no remote control

or shutter cable release capabilities. It timer feature is a poor substitute.

 

Having a remote shutter actuator would allow the the owner of either the Olympus D-600L

digital cameras to be able to:

• Actively position subject or object and take photograph at same time.
• Place photographer in photograph for portrait or action photography.
• Remove camera shake compared to hand held.
• Set up camera for shot where subject photo could not be taken otherwise
  examples: children who become camera wary; nature photography ( birds at
  feeder )

After spending considerable and valuable time combing the web in an attempt to

locate a shutter cable attachment for the Olympus, finding no acceptable offerings,

I decided to use my engineering & design background to create an elegantly simple

but quite functional prototype.

It also incorporates a depress actuator so that the unit can also engage the quick focus

buttons ( 3 feet & 8 feet) allowing photograph to be taken on actuation. As an owner

you undoubtedly realize how useful these little buttons become in less than idea lighting

situations.

Photograph of the Olympus D-600L taking a photograph of itself.

The above prototype has the following features:

• Shutter actuator range allows you to be up to 6' from camera,
  distances up to 15 feet may be possible.
• Shutter actuator can trip shutter by either hand or foot.
• Cradle protects camera from bumps.
• Cradle has female screw mount for tripod.
• Cradle has positioners to facilitate quick mounting to cradle.
• Camera mounts and dismounts from cradle in 6 seconds
• Cradle can engage 1.3 & 8 foot quick focus buttons
  this is a great feature when you want the picture taken
  at the moment of actuation, whatever the lighting situation.
• All camera controls can be accessed while in cradle as well
  as easy access for removing and replacing memory card.
• Camera can be hand held & operated while in cradle.
• Built in recess allow for storage of tools ( dime ) for mounting.

I was so extremely satisfied with the results and realized there most be others that

want to extend the capabilities of there Olympus D-600L cameras.

 

So for those photographers out there that want to expand the capabilities of there

Olympus D-600L digital cameras and have a access to a few simple wood

working machines, you can order my detailed plans and build your own.

 

The above unit can be built in about 2hrs. (depending on your or your friends ability )

with a few dollars of wood and about 15 dollars of hardware

 

For price and or placing and order click here, For those who place and order you will receive by email a set of plans with images, along with a materials and hardware list including retailers for same.

Update: January 14, 2000

I've been receiving a quite a bit of mail of the following nature:

"do you know who makes this machine ?"

"how does it work ?"

" can you refer me to some one who can make the unit for me ?"

"how much will you charge to make me one ?"

"can I buy it a amazon.com?"

"how do you build one ?"

Please, don't send any more mail. Though I appreciate the interest I really don't have

the time to reply.

 

I will try to answer pertinent questions below.

"Will the above unit work for the Olympus D-500L digital cameras"

This is a good question that I myself was wondering about. There is a good possibility that

the bodies and controls are identical in both cameras but since I don't currently have access

to one I can't guarantee it.

 

Because of the substantial amount of mail I've been receiving, concerning purchasing

a ready made unit, I am currently consulting with individuals who be willing to manufacture and distribute the above prototype. We haven't settled on cost and delivery. The problem lies in generating enough orders so that manufacturing and shipping units would be worth anyone's time to get involved.

 

For those interested in ordering a ready mail unit, email me, let me know of your interest.