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A friend has the DMC-FZ40. Discussing Lightpainting, he was interested in buying a wireless control. Looking around for one we found out none exists, and after researching Itai's neocamera and dpreview (for the FZ30 and FZ50), we concluded that the FZ40 is not designed for remote shooting.

Has anyone overcome this problem? Any alternative (mod?) for remote - wired or wireless?

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2 Answers 2

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The simplest option is to use the camera's timer mode to trigger the shutter, so you have, say 10 seconds to get into position to start light painting.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ Yes, this seems to be the general advice I could find on the net. \$\endgroup\$
    – ysap
    Jun 23, 2011 at 21:11
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If you're not going to use a timer, you can fashion a remote with a old mechanical, plunge style, shutter cable, a U shaped bracket, a servo, and a microcontroller. But its probably MUCH easier to use a timer.

  • Get a U shaped bracket that fits approximately from the tripod camera mount to the shutter button.
  • Drill a hole and screw it into the tripod mount.
  • Drill a hole in the bracket on top and mount a shutter release cable so that it plunges on to the shutter release button.
  • On the other end of the cable, have a servo that plunges and releases the cable.
  • Control the servo with your microcontroller.
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  • \$\begingroup\$ LOL... better replace your camera... Anyway, if you're going mechanical, then you may be able to avoid the servo/MC part by using an old-school shutter release cable. \$\endgroup\$
    – ysap
    Jun 23, 2011 at 21:31
  • \$\begingroup\$ Well, with a MC you can also make it an intervalometer or wireless remote. This answer was intended less as a 'You should do it this way.' and more for 'It is possible, especially if you're already handy with that kind of tech.'. I've seen this setup done before. \$\endgroup\$
    – rfusca
    Jun 23, 2011 at 21:41
  • \$\begingroup\$ Yeah, I've seen some crazy DIY stuff in my life... \$\endgroup\$
    – ysap
    Jun 23, 2011 at 21:54

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