Anyone use Nikon ML L3 Remote release?

[Lancashire Lad]

I'm considering purchasing a Nikon ML L3 remote release for my D80, but can't seem to find anything on Nikon's site or elswhere, that confirms if the release's functions include focussing the camera - i.e. do you need to focus the camera before using the release?

My intended use is for tripod based long exposures, to avoid camera shake, and as an alternative to using the camera's self timer function.

Regards
Mike.

[NickCantle]

Well I've had a quick look online for you Mike and I see that people's main qualm is that it's quite difficult to activate the shutter with the remote either a) Through clothing or B) From behind the camera due to the IR receiver being on the front of the camera. Lots of reviews here but couldn't see anything about half depression of the button for focussing;

Nikon ML-L3 Remote

Hope that helps a little mate,

Nick

[Lancashire Lad]

Thanks Nick

It certainly does help - to confirm that this little gizmo is not going to be of much use to me .

I was considering it for fungi pics etc. where I would be behind the camera, but if I would need to keep going round the front to trigger it, I don't think it would be of much benefit.

I don't want to go down the avenue of wired remote etc., so I think I'll just stick with the camera's self timer.

Regards
Mike.

[NickCantle]

Seems like a wise choice mate. Seems like a pretty illogical and ill-thought out device from where I'm sitting

Unless you're a self portrait photographer

[momji1971]

It does autofocus and will fire whilst you are behind the camera. You do have to have the remote around the side and slightly infront of the camera. A stretch of three inches. Though still not ideal!!!!

regards.
Stu.

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by momji1971

It does autofocus and will fire whilst you are behind the camera. You do have to have the remote around the side and slightly infront of the camera. A stretch of three inches. Though still not ideal!!!!

regards.
Stu.

Thanks for that momji1971 - I would always "pre-focus" anyway, from a compositional and exposure preview point of view, but I wanted to make sure that this device would retain the focus settings or if necessary re-tweak.

If it does that, and will trigger the camera from such close quarters, then it will be worth giving a try.

(I'm not averse to stretching the whole of 3 inches in the name of my art. )

Regards
Mike.

[Pundamalia]

Hello Mike,
I hope that you have acquired a Nikon ML-L3 and are enjoying using it.
If not , I recommend getting one as I find it invaluable when I don’t wish to risk jogging the camera by pressing the shutter release, especially when taking photographs for applications such as 360° panoramas.
Using the Nikon ML-L3 is exactly the same as pressing the shutter release so if the camera is set to autofocus the lens will autofocus when the Nikon ML-L3 is used and I it is set to manual focus then autofocus will not be used, etc.
The Nikon ML-L3 can be used right next to the camera or any distance up to at least 10m away. The maximum I have used it at is 15m and I had to point it quite accurately at the sensor.
Best regards, Hugh.

[Maccattack1]

I've found it really useful, used it on my d70 , yes its hard to work it from behind the camera but thats easily got round and for the price very good value.As above ,if you're on autofocus it will do that before triggering the shutter. Other cameras you have to use expensive cable releases (unlike the old days where simple cable releases were easy on film cameras)

Malcolm

[Lancashire Lad]

Originally Posted by Pundamalia

Hello Mike,
I hope that you have acquired a Nikon ML-L3....

Must admit, I haven't got round to getting one as yet.

I photograph wild flowers & fungi more than any other subjects, and mostly have the camera on a tripod.

This forces the mind to give some thought to composition, and, since the subjects are (subject to wind conditions) static, it's become second nature for me to trigger the camera using self timer mode.

But I will get around to buying one of these at some stage - For approximately £15.00, it is one of Nikon's few bargain accessories.

Regards
Mike.

[pressld2]

Like Maccattack, I used one with my D70. Personally I found it far easier to use than the cable release that I have for my D300, which is fiddly to connect and vastly over-complicated for my needs, not to mention it cost £85!

Dave P.