Customer Reviews

NIKON MC30 Remote Cable Release (31.5 in)

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I have yet to use the new Nikon MC-36 10-pin Camera Remote, but I have used the more simple MC-30 10-pin Camera Remote, both of which are listed as compatible with the new Nikon D200 Digital SLR (a departure from the strictly cable release D100 - for better and worse).

The MC-30 is simple and straight forward to use - it is essentially an electrical version of a cable release. I did find it to stick occasionally, but I got used to its feel and minimized it.

The MC-36 is the electronic remote with control capabilities such as timed Bulb shots. VERY HANDY!

Here's the REAL TIP of this review: with both the MC-30 and MC-36 out of stock everywhere, what does a new D200 owner have to do to get cable release? Well, I am using my MC-20 from my F100! I don't know if the MC-36 has more bells and whistles or some fancy digital specific functions, but I have tested my MC-20 and everything works as expected! I did some timed shots in Bulb with no problems.

Though the MC-20 has been discontinued, it is still available used through eBay or possibly your local camera shop. And, probably at a better overall bargain than the MC-30 or MC-36 new (especially with some vendors who do have them charging 50-100% above retail!).

I bought the MC-30 in Japan. It cost me about $20 and was worth it to me. I had recently purchased the D-200 and I've always had problems trying to do long exposure photos with the D-70 so, I bought the MC-30 hoping to have some fun with it.
Out of the box it does three things. First, it works just like the button on the camera; half way down to focus and all the way down to shoot. Second, holding the trigger down will (with continuous on the shooting mode) make the camera keep taking photos again just like the button on the camera. Third, the trigger has a lock on it to keep the button depressed for however long you feel.
There are two things that this remote doesn't do. First, it can't change your camera settings without going back to the camera and changing them there. ( I consider this moot. After I take a long exposure I always look at it on the back of the camera anyways.) Second, it is still wired to the camera. While this will keep you from searching for batteries so you can use it, the cord can still be bumped or pulled and that with ruin your shot.
Overall, I like it very much and it does exactly what I wanted it to do.

I recently upgraded from a Nikon D100 to a D700 and was shocked to see that my fancy new camera does not accept a mechanical shutter release. I do a lot of close-up and long exposure work, so I consider a shutter release very important. I tried to get by on the cheap with a $10 third party substitute for the Nikon MC30, but it fell apart after only a couple of days of light shooting. So, with gritted teeth, I parted with $60 for this model. It is heavy duty, with a solid feel and sure action. This baby is the way to go if you need one. Is it actually worth the cost? For $60 there really should be more to it, like an interval timer or LED flashlight. However, it is a simple, heavy duty mechanical swith, no batteries required, that should last a lifetime.

Dont waste your time and money on the cheap ones. The one I bought on Ebay for cheap was just too cheap! It worked for one shoot, and the next time part of the cable went bad. I even opened, cut and re-connected, but the wire in the cable was so bad it broke inside a second time.

This is heavy and solid and easy to use on my D300.

This is an excellent cable release for the D300. I find it to be invaluable, especially when using "Mirror Lock-up." Macro work is improved significantly with a cable release.

it is a Nikon product - it does what it should and is very well made.

I wish Amazon had an attribute to rate Value. Almost everything about this shutter release cable is well done. The button feels solid, it's very ergonomic, and the threaded connector instills confidence that the cable won't inadvertently become unplugged. My only gripe about the cable is it's too short. Two and half feet is just shy of being long enough. A four foot cord would be perfect. The only option is to buy this release cable, then get Nikon's MC-21 extension cord. The extension and remote cable hooked together makes it too long since the extension cord is 10 feet, for a combined total of over 12 feet of cord.

Last thing I am very unsatisfied with is the price. Almost $60 for a button on a cord is nothing short of ridiculous. This probably costs Nikon about $8 in parts, and that's being aggressive in my estimation. I would have given it 5 stars if it hadn't been for the insane price. This item should cost no more than $20.

A remote cable is an important camera accessory. When taking low-light time-exposure photos using a tripod, it's important to use mirror lockup and a remote shutter release cable. Why? Because even though you have mounted the camera on a tripod, when the shutter is open for a long time, even a tiny amount of shaking will cause blurring.

Another use for the Nikon MC-30 cable is to lock the shutter open while cleaning the digital sensor.

Finally, many portrait photographers use a remote cable shutter release so they can get closer to the subject, especially when taking photos of infants or small pets.

The Nikon MC-30 cable release is built by Nikon to the same quality standards as their cameras. Before the MC-30, I used an "ADIDT" cable release, purchased from an internet auction site. The ADIDT release failed during an important assignment, making it appear that the camera itself was malfunctioning. After a few minutes of panic, I removed the ADIDT cable release and the problem immediately went away.

The Nikon MC30 is an important accessory that is always in my camera bag.

If you are serious in any fashion in photography, you seriously need a cable release. Whether it is this one or a different one, you need a cable release. This one was simple and easy to use on the Nikon D200. Plug and play practically. No battery required, no special instruction required. The only thing is it would be nice to be a bit cheaper. But neitherless, was helpful on numerous occassion

I bought an alternative Chinese-made brand on a popular auction site for $9. It does the same thing and is flawless on my D300. I do not see the purpose of paying $50 more for a piece of plastic that triggers a shutter. While I am willing to pay for quality products when necessary (hence, the D300), I don't see the need for a Nikon branded product in this case.