New cable release

The 99p cable releases suffered from one problem. The plugs had a habit of coming loose or falling out of the cameras. So I've splashed out on £12 versions (from China again) which have locking plugs of the type found on genuine Canon products.

I've spliced 2 together as I did before (see below) so that both cameras can be fired from a single trigger.

New lenses

Have replaced the 28-80's with better built 24-85's. The latter have the advantage of being;

1. wider - particularly important with my vertically mounted 10D's
2. easier to control focus with focussing window
3. both focussing and zoom are less susceptible to accidental movement

The disadvantage is that they're quite a bit heavier. I'd be happiest with fixed 24mm lenses but they're too pricey. My set-up - including the monopod which I always use -  now weighs in at a hefty 5.5kg! Have just ordered a 'holster' to attach to my belt to help support the monopod.

Synchronisation



SLR Shepherd


Synchronisation of the 2 shutters remains a problem even with my twin cable release - with a small but sometimes significant random time delay. I seem to get a better sync. by pressing either of the camera body shutter releases (with the twin cable release attached of course). I understand now that there is no perfect solution to this problem. I could purchase an 'SLR Shepherd' which claims to achieve optimal shutter sync. but at $630 this is a luxury I am forced to live without - for now.

Flickr

Just created flickr account onto which I've begun uploading my 3D images.

Ready for Action

My Canon 10D's fronted by cheap 28-80mm lenses (remember great depth of field required for effective stereo photography so aperture will typically be set smaller than f11) and attached to vertical mount with my twin shutter release connected. All sat atop a Manfrotto 222 joystick mount.

twin cable release for £2

To release shutters simultaneously on two Canon EOS's;
1. buy 2 cheap cable releases (RS-80N3 for 10D, 5D, 1D costs just 99p on ebay from China!).

2. remove 3 connecting wires from one switch box and solder onto the corresponding contacts in the other (wires are colour coordinated and the 'Shoot' release I purchased even had spare contacts to solder onto).

3. use a craft knife or file to extend the opening to accomodate the second cable.

4. put back together after ensuring that the 3 new wires will not slip between the switch contacts (I used sticky tape to keep them to one side of the box).

That's it!

£400? £10? no - best solution 99p!

The Yongnuo 128's did not work well. 2 problems;
Firstly there is often a delay of a second or two before the shutters released. Secondly - and more serious for stereo photography - the cameras did not always fire simultaneously. There seemed to be a random time difference.
Now using RS-80N3 remote cable release. 

99p from China! (plus 99p postage) - How do they do that?!
Bought two. Simple task to remove cable from one and solder wires into the other - there's even a spare set of contacts to solder onto! Used craft knife to extend hole at top end to accomodate second cable. Now one switch really does control two cameras simultaneously.