April 6, 2010

4

Simple solution to Hands-Free BULB exposures – Rubber Band and Eraser – DIY

The majority of DSLR Cameras only have long hands-Free shutter speeds of 30 or 60 seconds, but as you know these shutter times are not always enough especially if your attempting a star trails shot. So, the solution is to buy a shutter release cable, however for such a simple task it shouldn’t require a shutter release cable costing $50 – $100, which is the going price these days! So, instead of paying ~$50 just grab a 10 cent rubber-band and an old eraser!

simple-solution-to-long-exposures-rubber-band-and-eraser-1.jpg

Rubber Band and Eraser!

All you’ll need:

  • Your Camera
  • Cheap Rubber Band
  • Old Eraser
  • (Scissors)

1. Preparation

  • Get your eraser and cut it up so it is just smaller/thinner than your shutter button
  • Grab your rubber band
https://www.images.scottphotographics.com/simple-solution-to-hands-free-bulb-long-exposures-rubber-band-and-eraser/simple-solution-to-long-exposures-rubber-band-and-eraser.jpg

Eraser - Rubber Band

2. Setup

  • Make sure the rubber band fits over your camera grip completely and it is tight.
  • If you have a neck strap – put the rubber band around it, just undo the strap.
https://www.images.scottphotographics.com/simple-solution-to-hands-free-bulb-long-exposures-rubber-band-and-eraser/simple-solution-to-long-exposures-rubber-band-and-eraser-2.jpg

Layout

3. How to use

  • Set your camera to BULB mode.
  • As simple as the idea – just place your eraser on the shutter button.
  • Then when you want to make an exposure lift it up off the button then place it back down and the exposure should begin!
  • Start timing with your Watch!
  • When you’d like to end your exposure gentle lift the eraser up, or any way to best minimise shake.
https://www.images.scottphotographics.com/simple-solution-to-hands-free-bulb-long-exposures-rubber-band-and-eraser/simple-solution-to-long-exposures-rubber-band-and-eraser-3.jpg

Apply pressure on sides - Then lift upwards

This is a really basic solution and a cable release is a little more practical and probably much more accurate in its readings, but this will save you money :)

If you’d like to use these photographs please Contact Me!

Please comment below if you have any questions and I’ll answer them ASAP!

All images on this site are copyrighted© – All Rights Reserved.

Written by Mike


Deprecated: Function the_author_description is deprecated since version 2.8.0! Use the_author_meta('description') instead. in /home/scottp12/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 5453
Michael Scott is the publisher and photographer behind Scott Photographics! He is very passionate about his photography and enjoys sharing the best of his experiences for others to enjoy too! Contact Mike via email!
Read more from DIY, Photography, Tutorials
4 Comments Post a comment

    Deprecated: Function get_users_of_blog is deprecated since version 3.1.0! Use get_users() instead. in /home/scottp12/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 5453
  1. Jan 17 2013

    Haha you are completely right!

    Although, a few years back they were stupidly overpriced and this bazaar rubberband trick worked for me:) Also you can always put the 2sec timer on to reduce vibrations.

    Thank you for your comment!


  2. Deprecated: Function get_users_of_blog is deprecated since version 3.1.0! Use get_users() instead. in /home/scottp12/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 5453
  3. Bob Smith
    Jan 17 2013

    You can’t be serious about this. Grabbing the eraser to close the shutter would definitely create enough shake to make your long exposure photos look like crap.

    I paid $3 for an after market shutter release cable, and it’s been going strong for 3+ years. You definitely don’t need to spend $50 – $100.


  4. Deprecated: Function get_users_of_blog is deprecated since version 3.1.0! Use get_users() instead. in /home/scottp12/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 5453
  5. Sep 12 2012

    I LIKE YOUR ARTICLE AND PHOTOS

Trackbacks & Pingbacks

  1. My star trail is ugly :(...

Share your thoughts, post a comment.


Notice: Undefined variable: user_ID in /home/scottp12/public_html/wp-content/themes/traction/comments.php on line 53
(required)
(required)

Note: HTML is allowed. Your email address will never be published.

Subscribe to comments

22 queries 0.289secs