DIY Shutter Release Cable

Since the time I've been trying my hand at astrophotography, I've felt the need to have a shutter release cable. These relatively simple cables sell for anything between $20 to $100 (and probably even more!) online depending upon whether you want to have just a plain 'auto-focus and shutter release' function, all the way up to ones with digital intervalometrs and time lapse options.

However, luckily my camera (Canon 350D or popularly known as Digital Rebel XT) features a 2.5 mm audio female socket for plugging in the shutter release cable. Below are steps with photos describing how to make the simplest cable, inspired by many others who have made similar ones.

1)

You'll need one switch (the red one above is called a rocker switch), one spring switch (the black switch in the photo with a square head), one 2.5 mm stereo audio male connector (in the photo above the black sleeve has been removed to expose the metallic pins behind the connector), a plastic box to house the switches, some wire (depending on how long you intend to make the cable) and a hobby knife (or a swiss knife).

2)

Cut a slot in the lid of the box such that the rocker switch fits in snugly. I preferred to place it horizontally (if the box is held like a TV remote) but you can place it anyhow.

3)

To make the plug that connects to the camera, you need to keep in mind the following-

a) the longest pin is the 'common pin'

b) the shortest pin is the 'full depress pin'

c) the medium pin is the 'half depress pin'

So to just auto-focus (i.e. half depress the shutter button) you need to connect the medium pin with the common pin. To release the shutter (i.e. full depress the shutter button) you need to connect the shortest pin with the common pin.

Now since I'm going to use the cable release mainly when long exposures on 'bulb' mode are called for, I decided to use a toggle switch for the shutter release. Also since auto-focus is rarely required in astrophotography, I've not provided a corresponding switch for that. However, if you wish to provide an auto-focus switch as well, simply connect a third wire to the medium pin and through the spring switch connect it to the common wire.

Remember to wrap insulation tape after connecting the wires to the pins.

4)

So coming back to our cable, once you connect the appropriate wires, put the sleeve back on the connector. Tape the wires to the sleeve as shown to prevent them from snapping off inside the sleeve.

5)

Connect the other ends of the wires to the switch and wrap insulation tape. Now guide the wires as shown and tape them up; this is to prevent accidental snap off as for the connector wires.

Also make a small cut in the box for the wire to come out through, when the lid is closed.

6)

Looks cool!

7)

The best part is, the wires can be just folded and placed inside the box for a neat and compact look!

PS: Taking orders for the above if you don't have the time to make one or are just plain lazy! lol!