Homemade Remote Control (Cable Release) Canon Rebel XT

[FocusingOnFlorida]

I know, I know..... You spent this much on a camera and you build your own remote etc....*

I built it so I could get exactly what I wanted and because "I can". I can attach any size cable I can find or create. I was able to get all parts from Radio Shack and It cost about $22.00 USD.

This works with the Rebel XT (350D) not sure about the 300 (never owned one).

I saw plans similar to this about a year ago, but couldn't find them again. Here is what I came up with. I created the wiring diagram in a hurry so let me know if it is a bit confusing.

Does this work with any other camera?* Not sure. You would have to check what your remote connection is and how it is wired.





Hope this helps those "Do It Yourself'ers" out there.

[FocusingOnFlorida]

I would have shown a photo of the connections inside, but I epoxy'd the inside to make it more water resistant and to stop the top from opening and possibly getting lost.

[FocusingOnFlorida]

One last thing, the last connector on the toggle switch for "bulb" is not used.

[dc2]

Very pro looking and I guess a shop bought one will be a lot more expensive.

[FocusingOnFlorida]

Originally Posted by dc2

Very pro looking and I guess a shop bought one will be a lot more expensive.

Thank you for the compliment. I took my time and tried to make it look as good as possible

Canon's version didn't impress me and yes it is more expensive. There are some 3rd party choices but was afraid to try them. I figured I could build my own and be quite happy.

*** Best of all, it was fun to make. ***

[dc2]

Originally Posted by FocusingOnFlorida

Thank you for the compliment. I took my time and tried to make it look as good as possible

Canon's version didn't impress me and yes it is more expensive. There are some 3rd party choices but was afraid to try them. I figured I could build my own and be quite happy.

*** Best of all, it was fun to make. ***

Now have you a diagram for one to use on a 1Ds2

[FocusingOnFlorida]

I'll have to see if I can find the appropriate information (Schematic Diagram). Does it plug in the same as the Rebel?

[dc2]

Originally Posted by FocusingOnFlorida

I'll have to see if I can find the appropriate information (Schematic Diagram). Does it plug in the same as the Rebel?

Sorry I was kidding really. But it has a round male 3 pin socket in the camera body.
If you can get the imfo I would appreciate it,

[FocusingOnFlorida]

GEE THANKS, I just researched it and found that it has a different connection. >

I couldn't find a view to see the connections. Three pins with the connector that I saw seems proprietary. That sucks! It seems to work the same, but Canon appears to have wanted more money and changed the connectors. I'll bet one pin is Ground, one is Focus, and the last is probably shutter. I could test that theory if I had one. (hint; hint)

The only problem would be creating the perfect size connector.

[dc2]

Originally Posted by FocusingOnFlorida

GEE THANKS, I just researched it and found that it has a different connection. >

I couldn't find a view to see the connections. Three pins with the connector that I saw seems proprietary. That sucks! It seems to work the same, but Canon appears to have wanted more money and changed the connectors. I'll bet one pin is Ground, one is Focus, and the last is probably shutter. I could test that theory if I had one. (hint; hint)

The only problem would be creating the perfect size connector.

Lol Sorry
My local shop sells them for about £40 [$ 60 / $70] for one with a* 80 centimeter cord.
not really cheap for what it but what is in this game.

[FocusingOnFlorida]

What gets me is how short they make the cord. In my favorite type of photography (wildlife) a longer cord can make getting the shot of that shy creature a reality.

It is possible to hand hold from within the blind and better to do so if you didn't know from what direction you would shoot. I typically take the risks to get closer but would love to put the camera on a tripod, set up a blind, and get the shot from 30 feet away. Even with a good zoom it would make it nice especially if you could bate them up.

It would be difficult (but not impossible to make it to where you could extend it. I would by one, see it it operates the same, them cut the connector off. I would then build a switch similar to this with the Stereo type connection and put another stereo type connector on the other end I cut off. Then I would just need a cable with dual male ends (your desired length).

[dc2]

Originally Posted by FocusingOnFlorida

What gets me is how short they make the cord. In my favorite type of photography (wildlife) a longer cord can make getting the shot of that shy creature a reality.

It is possible to hand hold from within the blind and better to do so if you didn't know from what direction you would shoot. I typically take the risks to get closer but would love to put the camera on a tripod, set up a blind, and get the shot from 30 feet away. Even with a good zoom it would make it nice especially if you could bate them up.

It would be difficult (but not impossible to make it to where you could extend it. I would by one, see it it operates the same, them cut the connector off. I would then build a switch similar to this with the Stereo type connection and put another stereo type connector on the other end I cut off. Then I would just need a cable with dual male ends (your desired length).

There is an extension lead available for the 1ds2 remote [10 meters only. Price about $80]
not sure for the rebels remote.

[FocusingOnFlorida]

It should be included with the remote. JMO

[dc2]

Originally Posted by FocusingOnFlorida

It should be included with the remote. JMO

Ya not wrong .
Just looked up there is a wireless remote for the rebel sounds a bit iffy though , range 16 feet.
One for the 1DS2 range 100 meters but $340

[FocusingOnFlorida]

The wireless remote for the Rebel only operates from the front and then from what I understand it shows the red light in the photo. I'll bet I could use the remote from two remote control cars to operate with my current remote to operate the focus and the shutter separately. Thanks for the idea ( like I didn't have enough to do) :-\

[dc2]

Originally Posted by FocusingOnFlorida

The wireless remote for the Rebel only operates from the front and then from what I understand it shows the red light in the photo. I'll bet I could use the remote from two remote control cars to operate with my current remote to operate the focus and the shutter separately. Thanks for the idea ( like I didn't have enough to do) :-\

Now you got something else to do . You will have to post the diagram when its built to keep you busy

[Stormdancing]

I asked for it and I got it.
Thanks FOF.
Maybe I'm really showing my ignorance here, but,....
I have a 20D
I have a Canon Remote.
All I need is the extension cord.

For my Sony I was able to buy online 50 foot extensions for my remote. I have 200 feet of extension cord for the remote. Works beautifully.
Then I wanted to mount my Sony flash on a Stroboframe. Not going to happen. No cord available. I even talked to http://www.paramountcords.com/ and they said they couldn't get the adapter. I found another Sony user on another forum who put up specs for the Sony flash cord. He even listed parts and where to buy them. Seems the Sony flash cord is a 4 connector plug and proprietary to Sony. Anyway I got it done. Then I bought my 20D LOL

So I guess I'm off to research exactly what I need to extend the reach of my Canon remote. Yeah I know wireless.................
I know I need the Canon Off Shoe Cord 2 to use a flash on my Stroboframe and I'll just have to buck up and get that one.

[FocusingOnFlorida]

Sorry about that. I misunderstood. What type of connector does the 20d have. Is it like mine (stereo connector), like dc2's (an odd looking 3-pin connector), or did they create a new connector for it?

Take a photo of your connector and post it.

[Stormdancing]

No need to apologize at all. I'm sure many can use this information and that's what is great about this post.
Once I wake up here, I'll get that pic. It's a funky square looking plug. Not even like a 3 or 4 connector stereo plug.

[FocusingOnFlorida]

Doesn't that just figure. :-\

If it is a 3 or 4 conductor, you could "slpice the cable" :-X and add telephone cable to the center. If you actually usde phone type connectors (male and female), you could then pick cables up any size you like. You would also have a few color choices.