How can I do a long Bulb exposure on a Canon AE-1 without a cable release?
Asked 8/10/2018
5 views
2 answers
0
I want to photograph the Perseid meteor shower this weekend with a Canon AE-1 film camera. I don’t have a manual cable release, but I need to keep the shutter open in Bulb mode for long exposures lasting minutes. Are there any practical alternatives or hacks for holding the shutter open without causing too much camera movement?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
7y ago
2 Answers
11
You can hold it down with your finger. That's the only other option.
Cable releases are inexpensive and easy to get. Your only issue might be the tight timeline you've left yourself, but if you have local camera stores, there's a very high probability that they will have manual cable releases in stock.
Some cameras have a T or Time setting (your camera has a B or bulb setting, where the shutter is kept open only as long as you hold the button). T will open the shutter with one click and close it with another. However, relatively few modern cameras have this feature, and your camera is not among them.
Originally by user68581. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user68581
7y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For a Canon AE-1 in Bulb mode, the practical solution is a mechanical cable release. The AE-1 does not have a Time (T) mode, so the shutter stays open only while the button is physically held down.
Without a cable release, your options are limited:
- Hold the shutter button with your finger, but this can easily shake the camera.
- Improvise by placing a small object over the shutter button and taping it down so it stays depressed.
Those hacks may work in an emergency, but they’re less reliable and can still risk movement. If possible, check a local camera store, camera club, or another photographer to borrow or buy a manual cable release before the shoot.
Also note that meteor photography on film can be challenging because it usually takes many exposures to catch useful meteor streaks.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI7y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How do I use Bulb mode for long exposures on a Canon EOS 600D?
What interval should I use between frames when shooting a meteor shower composite?
How do long exposures work on a Mamiya RB67 ProS, and what does a dual cable release actually do?
Can rear-curtain sync work in Bulb mode for long-exposure dance photos?
Can very long exposures damage a camera sensor in daylight?