A Remote Shutter Release for the 6x7

I looked all over the place to find a remote release for my 6x7. There

were plenty of air-bulb releases but I have found those to be only

somewhat reliable. So, not having any luck, I decided to build one. <p>

The unit I constructed uses a battery operated 24VDC solenoid. I

fitted the solenoid into a die-cast aluminum box and adapted a 40 inch

standard shutter release cable to it. Thre is also an eye-hook used

for hanging the box from my tripod. A second box contains three 9 volt

batteries and a pushbutton switch on a 5 foot cord. The two boxes are

connected by a length of 8218 coax cable using BNC video connectors.<p>

I have tested the unit so far with 50 feet of cable and it works with

100% reliabilty. I adimit that it is a bit on the heavy side and that

the solenoid sounds like a shotgun. But hey, who ever said the 6x7 was

a stealth camera anyway? The next step is to convert this setup so

that it will be wireless.<div></div>

Here is one more view of the solenoid box with the cover off.<div></div>

<p>What are the specs on the solenoid you used for this - how long a throw, push force, duty cycle? Even better, how about a model #?</p>

<p>Well, if memory serves, the solenoid was purchased from Jameco Electronics, part number 262191. It is a 24VDC job with an 18mm (0.7 ins.) stroke and consumes 13W for a holding force of 6.80 lbs at 20 degrees C. This is a rather beefy solenoid and is certainly overkill but I tried a smaller one and it did not work. The power is supplied by 9V Lithium batteries in series. Three work but you can use four (for 32VDC) as long as you only pulse the solenoid and not hold it. It can take the higher voltage momentarily (at least mine does). The higher voltage helps with long cable runs.</p>

<p>The hardest part of this project was determining how long of a stroke was needed for both my 6x7 and 67II, plus a couple of leaf shutter lenses that I use on my 4x5. I wanted this device to be a universal fit. That was not possible using the current design. The problem arose with the shutter on my 210mm APO Symmar which needed a longer stroke than either of the Pentax cameras. I solved that issue with a small removable brass clip adapter that is fitted to the shutter release lever of the APO lens and effectively shortens the distance needed to trip the shutter.</p>

<p>Good luck with<em> your </em>project! Sorry for the late response. Regards.</p>

<p>The box looks great, nice craftsmanship. </p>

<p>I recently built a similar unit that is wireless, here is the link to the instructions for the build. <br>

http://www.instructables.com/id/Remote-Mechanical-Shutter-Release/</p>