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LA50 Cable Release

G

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A little esoteric, I know, but when in both 2 second self timer mode and exposure bracketing mode, a single press on the cable release results in 1 2-second self-timer exposure (as expected) but then 2 subsequent continuous drive exposures. So it seems that if you want to use both mirror lock-up and auto-bracketing, you can’t use the LA-50 (or presumably the FE-1 LCD viewfinder which has a shutter release built-in and is connected through the cable release socket) to trigger the camera. Like I said, esoteric, but it took me by surprise whilst taking photos on the Thames riverbank the other day!

Apart from that, it’s a nasty plastic device with really poor feel in the release button and, with the 2-second timer, not as useful as I thought it would be. Although using it is a little less stressful than trying to press the shutter release on the camera without disturbing it.
 
Furthermore it's wildly overpriced. It's nothing but a stereo mini-plug with a switch. You could probably buy the parts for $5.00 at a Radio Shack or somewhere and assemble it yourself.
 
Although I may agree that it is over priced, that is kind of like complaining about the price of gas for a Ferrari. >
 
Ferraris use the same gas as other cars. Would it really be impossible to have the N1 use a standard cable release?

And if it is impossible, how about at least using the same release as the G2? I now have two unnecessarily expensive cable releases.

I think that from Contax' point of view they might recognize that this creates a negative attitude towards their company. It's fine to charge a premium for quality products, but this sort of thing makes me feel ripped off.

Well, it's not the day for complaints.

A happy holiday to you, Gavin.
 
I can understand Bernard's frustration when he has to pay two different types of expensive cable releases. Regular cable release will not work because it will not be able to trigger the auto-focus or wakes the camera up. The LA-50 works with the N system and C645. It also works for the G2 with an adapter. I got passed the expense and enjoy shooting the N1/C645 with the LA-50 very quickly. I have to say that the LA-50 works really smoothly, especially in B mode where you can lock and unlock the shutter easily.
 
Albert,

Thanks for your sympathy and a happy holiday to you also.

Can you explain why it is not possible for Contax to simply put a threaded hole in the shutter release button that would accept a standard cable release? Perhaps stupidly, I don't understand the difference between pressing the button that way and pressing it with my finger.
 
Bernard, good questions. I am also wondering especially the C645 allows regular cable release but only in B mode.
 
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