Self-Timer

[codyderek]

Hi all,
I have a Minolta Autocord, and I am planning a self portrait in which I need both hands free. Is there a device I can use that would allow me to set an amount of time before I can pose and get the shot?

Thanks for any links or advice.

Cody Swanson

[iamzip]

There are external self timers for cameras without built in ones. They simply screw into the shutter release, the same way a cable release would. I can't get to my autocord right this minute, so I don't know if it would work on this camera. I believe they are rather cheap and plentiful on ebay, one manufacturer to look for is Kopil.

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Yeah, you can buy a mechanical self-timer that screws into the standard cable release socket. I have an old Canon one that I use with some of my old cameras (since it works with standard cable release socket, it can be used on any brand of camera). I have seen similar ones made by other companies too, as well as off-brand ones at camera stores.

[codyderek]

Thanks for the replies guys,
I found a kopil on ebay, but it looks rather long. I am wondering if it would get in the way of the lens. They look fashioned for shutters that are on top of cameras rather than ones right next to the lens in front.



Cody

[oftheherd]

I seem to recall that I had one that would fit on a cable release, as well as screw into the cable release socket. You might try to look for one of those.

[VictorM.]

I thought Autocords had self timers built in:
http://www.cameramanuals.org/minolta_pdf/minolta_autocord_m.pdf

but some didn't: (look at the accessories page)
http://www.cameramanuals.org/pdf_files/minolta_autocord_l.pdf

[VictorM.]

Here's the Minolta Self Timer-I've never seen one curved like this-although there are cable release adapters that curve at various angles:

[VictorM.]

Here's an adapter-check ebay for others: http://cgi.ebay.ca/2-HASSELBLAD-CABLE-RELEASE-ADAPTERS_W0QQitemZ370051878312QQihZ024QQcategoryZ3 351QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[codyderek]

Thanks guys,

The angled adapter looks good, but ideally I'd like a cable with a timer attached. I have to be around 6 feet away from the camera, and unable to move from my position much. I wish I could just have someone press the shutter, but then I wouldn't have taken the shot technically.

Any more ideas are welcom and appreciated.