How to use a remote shutter release?

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huxleypiggles

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Another one of my dozy questions...

I have just bought a remote shutter release for my 20d. It states:"release button can be pressed halfway or all the way, halfway activates the autofocus and sets the shutter speed and aperture. Pressing completely takes the picture."

I have tried the above but nothing happens.

Could anybody offer any advice?
 
A common problem is that you have to have focus configured to use the shutter release button and not the * button on the back of the body.

Bob
 
Thanks for the replies but I am even more confused.

The unit in question is a Meike Remote Switch and it is cabled.

Could anybody advise on the set-up procedure?
 
How do you activate focus when using your 20D without a remote cord?
It's either a half press of the shutter release or by using the * button on the back of the body.

Bob
 
Bob, I do not understand your post.

I have tried 'google' but I still cannot find an answer.

I have plugged the cable into the camera. What is the next step?
 
The next step is to press the remote to take a shot. Whether this works or not will depend on how your 20D is set up tp operate without the remote cord.

There are two options available to initiate focus.....
1) A half press of the shutter release button.
2) Pressing the * button on the back of the camera body

You can select one of the two options in the Custom Function menu. To be able to use the remote cord, you must have the focus initiation configured to be using the shutter release button and not the * button.

A quick test to see if this relates to your problem is to set your lens MF/AF switch to MF. This will remove the need to have focus confirmation prior to the shutter firing. So, set the lens to MF and try to take a shot using the remote cord.

Bob
 
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have a look in your cams menu and see if remote release needs turning on
 
Remote cable plugged in. Subject framed. Half press shutter. Remote switch pressed. Wait, wait,wait.............nothing happens. Release remote switch - nothing happens. Press shutter, picture taken but that is not what I want.

I know I am missing something but I don't know what. I've tried "strobist" but nothing there. It seems there is no idiot guide to using these things. How do people learn?
 
huxleypiggles said:
Oh and the above was done on manual focus btw, as per advice above.
Click to expand...
If the remote is plugged in and the lens is set to MF then that's it...press to shoot....there's nothing else to do.

Either you have a faulty remote switch or the socket on the 20D is faulty.

Bob
 
Gr8Shot said:
Or focus on the camera is se to mf
Click to expand...
It's not an option on Canon bodies....the AF/MF switch is on the lens and if it's set to MF then the shutter will fire irrrespective of whether focus is good or not.

Bob
 
I have tried both manual and auto focus.

Cfn 4 is set to '0.' Whatever I do the remote does not have any impact on the shutter.

No bent pins either.
 
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The way you've written that comes across as you're lightly pressing the shutter button on the camera AND pressing the shutter button on the remote. Is that what you're doing?

If so, don't. Use one or the other, the remote shutter button or the main one on the body.

I doubt this is the problem, but in case it is you might be confusing things.
 
Fair enough, just checking. It's not a complicated device, plug in and press. So it sounds like you've either got a dud, or it isn't one that works with the 20D. Hope the retailer sorts it for you quickly.
 
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