Bulb Mode

SpikeK6

SpikeK6

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Spike
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When out the other night shooting fireworks I was following MWHCVT(Matt's) Great tutorial on how to shoot them. having the camera in bulb mode and a bit of black card to take the shot.

Only to find I stick my camera in bulb mode and it will only keep the shutter open as long as I press the release button. I thought bulb mode you pressed the shutter release to open the shutter and then had to press it again to end the time you wanted to allow for the picture.

This to me was a bit pointless as having the camera on the tri pod and then finding I have to hold the camera to press the button makes it shake so pointless for a long exposure or am I doing something wrong??

Camera is a 50D and I turned the wheel all the way to the left till bulb was in viewer.

Thanks

spike
 
You need a remote shutter release ;)

Then you won't have to keep hold of your camera and you'll get nice, sharp shots :thumbs:
 
This is why you need a shutter release.

So the camera remains steady but you can hold the "shutter" open.
 
From what I have seen most modern DSLRs aren't equipped to take a cable shutter release so I assume I have to invest in a remote shutter release. Are they a standard fit for all cameras or do I have to find one to fit my specific camera (Samsung NX11)?
 
Ah right ok guys, never even thought about my shutter release, to be honest I thought it would have just worked with the release button.

Ok next year will be different lol

Thanks

spike
 
Tony R said:
From what I have seen most modern DSLRs aren't equipped to take a cable shutter release so I assume I have to invest in a remote shutter release. Are they a standard fit for all cameras or do I have to find one to fit my specific camera (Samsung NX11)?
Click to expand...

They will only fit your specific make of camera (well, it may fit others)
Go for a wired remote if you dont want to spend too much.
 
Back in the old days, bulb meant just that, you could (and still can, I think) but long shutter releases that worked on a pneumatic principle rather than using a stiff cable. One squeezed the bulb to open the shutter, locked the pressure in the tube (and hence the pressure on the shutter release) and left it alone for the required time. These days though, precious few cameras have the required threaded hole to accept any of the old fashionned releases - manufacturers (or marketing departments) prefer to sell specific remote releases for their brand or even a particular model. a quick read of the manual will tell you how to use the bulb mode and which model of cable (or wireless) release you need. It may be shared by Pentax.
 
I just bought one of Ebay for my 550D was less than £3 literally just came. Seems to work just fine.
 
I have a cheapo on from ebay that works wired without batteries and wireless with batteries. Its a timer as well and will do multiple shots with timed delays, cracking bit of kit.
 
robj20 said:
I have a cheapo on from ebay that works wired without batteries and wireless with batteries. Its a timer as well and will do multiple shots with timed delays, cracking bit of kit.
Click to expand...

your link only takes you to ebay, do you hav the item number please?
 
Hi Spike really pleased that you found the guide useful though I'm also sorry that I wasn't clearer on the set up, for future reference I've not added a further line to the guide "Don't forget your shutter release/trigger, you'll need this to keep your shutter open when in bulb mode"

Matt
 
MWHCVT said:
Hi Spike really pleased that you found the guide useful though I'm also sorry that I wasn't clearer on the set up, for future reference I've not added a further line to the guide "Don't forget your shutter release/trigger, you'll need this to keep your shutter open when in bulb mode"

Matt
Click to expand...

Ha ha No worries Matt, there is always next year :lol:

Your write up was really useful and I did get some shots but just used a 2-3 second shutter speed and released the shutter just as the firework went up.
 
SpikeK6 said:
Only to find I stick my camera in bulb mode and it will only keep the shutter open as long as I press the release button. I thought bulb mode you pressed the shutter release to open the shutter and then had to press it again to end the time you wanted to allow for the picture.

Thanks

spike
Click to expand...

thats how it works using a remote with my ancient d50 ,you dont have to hold your finger on the button to keep it ( shutter ) open , i assume the 50d is a lot more advanced
 
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