Dirt Cheap Canon DSLR remote

So essentially this instructable covers how to make a DSLR wired remote from a soda can tab and a 2.5mm male to male cable. This remote is just a very simple switch made from recycled trash and common items i already owned. I first made this switch as an emergency when i broke my actual remote, and from then on i carry it in my camera bag incase my remote dies again. 
ITEMS NEEDED:
1. Pliers or similar tool
2. 2.5mm male to male cable
3. soda can tab

Step 1: Step one- bending the tab

Using pliers or a similar tool bend the soda can tab in half. A flat surface can help give you leverage with the pliers if needed.

Comments

[Kiteman]

Hey, that's a really neat trick!

[Iridium7]

That is so simple you probably angered a couple DSLR remote makers. Seriously, this i genius.

[Krayzi99]

I would have never thought of that... Very good use of recycled can top... thing... whatever its called. I'm not as genius as you are.

[SMHLonWlf]

This is a good alternative to buying the 'official' release switch for these cameras, and I suggest replacing the pop-tab with a n.o. pushbutton that you'd find in various electronics.

Hope you found my comment to be constructive, I haven't logged on in ages

[bratmamma]

Amazing!

[spyder461]

Thanks for the information. I never would have though that the remote would be a simple switch. Back to the good old days where things are done simply so these kind of emergency solutions are possible. Well done.

[nk dtk]

Wow i didnt expect this to get over 20k views in just a few days. Heres more of a background story: During a shoot i was doing on the roof of an apartment complex i dropped my wireless remote and managed to step on it. Using just the materials i had in my bag i threw this together. I dont mean to advertise but if anyone wants to see the pictures i took with this contraption, you can see on my tumblr at http://www.dtaky.tumblr.com .

[adrenalynn]

Cute!

Wish the prosumer bodies were as simple as an 1/8" plug. Anyone with a Canon 1V, 1D, 1D Mark II, 1Ds, 1Ds Mark III, 5D, 5D Mark II, 7D, 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, D30, D60, ... would be disappointed. We're stuck with a proprietary plug.

[ArtisanEclectic]

Yep. You're right. It won't work on my 60D.

[adrenalynn]

One can find a Pro/Prosumer plug to 1/8" plug adapter cable on fleabay for about $5 from China. Then the remainder of this 'ible (ie. soda tab release) can be followed.

I used the cable, put a mating headphone jack, and a 'PI to build a motion/light trigger/wifi trigger for my 50D. Same plug fits your 60D (and my 20D, 5DmkII, and 7D).

Search fleabay for:

canon shutter release plug

and you should be gold.

[ArtisanEclectic]

Actually I found a "Genuine" Canon wireless remote for only 6 bucks from China the last time I was on feebay. It certainly looked genuine (Box, case, instructions) and it worked fine until I lost the tiny little bugger. I know it's around here somewhere and I will find it one day. (sigh.....wanders off to turn apartment upside down again)

[adrenalynn]

Sure, there's lots of cheapies on there (great batteries. Only way to fly!), but if you want to Make something, having the correct little plug with a convenient "headphone plug" on the other end is a steal for $5.

[onemoroni1]

Thanks for sharing your ingenuity. My wife just bought a T3. I haven't looked at the remote release socket, but I bet it is the same and If it is I would like to do the upgrade you suggested. Beats laying out money for such a simple trip circuit device.

[chasebockman]

THAT'S RIDICULOUS

[jessyratfink]

This is amazing! You're awesome. I just got a DLSR and this is perfect for me. :D

[hasha2000]

Definitely using this.... Just tried it, works great!

[obviousgenius]

The simplest things are the best. Exceptional observation on your part. I did something similar in terms of simplicity. Check my Instructable.

[tankmom]

Cool.

[darksb3r]

Great idea - thanks!

[Green Silver]

This is pure genius, I've just bought a 4 pack of lager so I can make one for my EOS550D. I love to use the bulb setting for night time shots, and generally have to take 10+ photos to get a blur free shot.
Many thanks for this! 12 out of 10 for this indble!

[stackerjack]

Wel done. A simple solution to a problem. Not everything in the world has to be sooooo complicated that you cannot/don't want to/ don't know how to/ daren't use it.
"Merry Christmas"

[AdamVanMeter]

This is like an instructables haiku. Beautiful, minimal, simple.

[yoyology]

Love this!

[HeavyC]

I use this trick all the time! It's very clever. It's the same principle as firing a flash with a sync cord and a pen knife. MacGuyvering is the first technique every photographer should embrace.

[Tomdf]

Absolutely brilliant in its simplicity.