NIKON MC-36 Multi-Function Remote Cord ( 33.5 inches )

Does not work with Nikon D80 :( I am now returning it - the actual product though looks great

I find myself using the MC-36 quite a bit more than I thought I would, and I'm sure anyone contemplating purchasing one knows what they're all about.

I originally purchased it because I like the idea of using it during long exposures or awkwardly placed shots when the camera is mounted on a tripod. I'd rather preview the scene with Live View and use the MC-36 than bend, look in the eyepiece and risk jarring the camera or otherwise upsetting the shot. The MC 36 gives you all the essential functions in your hand, but a few feet from the camera.

But it doesn't end there.

You can take longer exposures than the camera normally permits (my D300 is limited to 30 seconds without the MC-36, but it can take virtually any duration with the cord attached). You can also do repeating time lapse and so on with it.

Only complaints are that there's no ON/OFF switch, so the display is always running. I'm sure it doesn't use much power (haven't been through a set of batteries yet), but I'm sure it would run longer if there were a way to turn it off altogether. Still, I believe the manual says that the basic remote shutter operation continues to work, even without batteries, so there's at least some fail-safe in here.

The other thing I don't love about it is that it's more complicated than it needs to be. Ideally, it would be integrated into the camera's excellent menuing system so you could use all the functions without memorizing the manual, but this isn't the case. It does a lot - you just have to read the manual to figure it out.

Otherwise, great product.

I bought mine sometime last year, before august. I put the AAA batteries in. The unit has been displaying information nonstop since I took it out of the package and I have not changed the batteries yet. The manual says battery life in this unit hovers around three months. I've been running mine for almost a year, and it has never given me problems. It is a must if you're interested in any kind of long exposure imaging.

Well I am a brand kinda guy. This unit is very nice but it's big and somewhat awkward for me. It does have many functions but I don't use them. I may use the elapsed time mode some day... This is a good unit but there are many cheaper choices out there that will work just fine as long as you can avoid the brand name game!

The MC-36 Multi-Function Remote Cord provides redundancies, just as it's title indicates. It is more than a remote shutter release. Since camera's such as the D300 and D700 from Nikon offer their own internal Intervalameters, this accessory is used when the photographer wants to be somewhat close to the work, but chooses not to touch the camera for releasing the shutter, or chooses to set up shots, bursts and bracketing with a remote unit. Handling the cord, at times, can be more convenient than handling the camera itself in lab, studio and field situations, when the camera has already been set up. Further, changes in the sequence and timing can be done without touching the camera unit, during the cold, night, or in situations where the camera is mounted on a low-pod or a tripod and other situations where touching the camera might interfere with measurements. Many of the functions can be handled within the camera, or with other less expensive remote releases. This is sort of a do all release, where distance from the camera for the photographer is not the major requirement or issue. Timing factors, as the manual states, are limited by the recycle times and the shutter speed and intermediate factors. Be sure to understand the unit and one's reasons for obtaining it, prior to obtaining it.