My Advent Wish #2

As I plan, work on, and print my photographic projects I make notes on what works, how it works, and how I’d like things to work (for me). This post is one of my 2025 Advent Wishlist Calendar. If you are a camera/lens/accessory manufacturer, feel free to implement those ideas.

Dear Santa,

I want a every camera to come with a standard shutter release cable socket.

There was a time in the film era when most, if not all cameras (and some lenses) came with a standard socket for a cable release. It was an inexpensive accessory that you could buy once use on different cameras. Then progress arrived and manufacturers tried to reinvent something that was simple and worked. Shutter trigger via an app (please, stop), a battery powered Bluetooth remote (why!?), or even a through a throwaway trigger (Pentax, what were you thinking?) are examples of overthinking a simple thing to fleece users.

While apps are (mostly) free, they are difficult to set up, loose connection, and for some reason require registration. It’s making things worse, not easier for photographers. It breaks the flow and makes me hate photography. App shutter triggers achieve something that I though impossible—break the act of pressing a shutter release button through overcomplication.

Bluetooth remotes are an example of the old saying “you had one problems, now you have two”. Not only do I have to pair them with the camera, but I also have to carry spare batteries for the remote. They provide the convenience of remote shutter release at the price of the inconvenience of using them. And then, there is the price... £50 for a Nikon ML-L7 remote is indefensible. It’s not only grossly overpriced, but it adds to the pile of junk we bin on a daily basis. Speaking of junk, a £30 Pentax O-RC1 one-time use remote (the battery is not replaceable, once it expires, you bin the whole thing) takes the top prize for the worst photographic accessory.

We need stop this insanity. We need a standard shutter release cable socket on all cameras, all models, including entry models. Gouging your customers is nasty. Polluting the planet with electronic junk is vile. Santa, bring those who do it a lump of coal.