Long exposures using interval timer

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Scott Ramsey

Senior Member
Does anyone know how to get longer than 30 second exposures using the interval timer? I want at least 4 minute exposures for star trails but the only way I can figure out how to do that is manually without using the timer.
Thanks
 
BackdoorArts

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
You're going to need a remote trigger with a time function. I have a Vello ShutterBoss (old version) that's a wired release. It'll self-timer, long exposures and intervalometer functions, but what it doesn't do is the combination of long exposures and intervals. So if you want to take a 4 minute shot, great, it'll do it. But it won't take thirty 4 minute exposures in a row automatically. I'm assuming there may be remotes that can do that, or possibly apps that would require connection to a computer or tablet, but I'd need to hunt them down.
 
S

Scott Ramsey

Senior Member
Teamfour said:
I have the timer below and it works great with my D3100. Not sure why the link says access denied, but it will take you to the product.

Access Denied
Click to expand...

so with this remote, can you take multiple 4 minute exposures for example? It looks like you would set the camera on bulb and let the timer actuate the shutter 4 minutes (or whatever) at regular intervals.
 
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WayneF

Senior Member
FWIW, there are a few of these same timers. One is the Nikon MC-36 timer, for like $150. But there are several inexpensive versions. I don't know if the exact same or just an exact copy (how many such chips can there be?), but like the Neewer for example, about $17
Amazon.com: neewer timer nikon: Electronics

I have this Neewer version, very inexpensive, and it works great. Note that you have to buy the version that includes the correct camera model shutter release cord.



And a different subject, but speaking of the the camera interval timer and 30 second exposures....

All cameras that provide 30 seconds actually must literally do 32 seconds (because full stops are 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32 seconds).

So... if also using the interval timer, 31 second intervals cannot do 32 second exposures. It has to be 33 seconds.
 
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BackdoorArts

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
That Phottix is identical to the ShutterBoss, so you made me break it out, and sure enough, you can do it, though it takes some wrangling (you learn something new every day!!).

Here's the setup...


  1. Plug it into the camera port.
  2. Set the camera on Manual with selected aperture and the shutter speed to Bulb
  3. In the Long set of parameters on the remote set the length of time you want the shutter depressed (4 min)
  4. In the Interval set of parameters, set the length of the interval to 1 second longer than your exposure time (or add whatever you want the gap to be to the amount in #3 making sure you factor in Long Exposure NR if on which doubles your shutter speed), and then set the number of exposures to the number of shots you want to take.
  5. Actuate the remote while in Interval mode

Realize that you need to give the camera time between actuations, so you may need add 2 seconds instead of 1 in #4 above if you don't have LENR on.

And FYI, the NEEWER listed is the same thing as well - likely a single manufacturer rebranded a bunch of ways.
 
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