For those considering a modern interval timer for super 8...

[Patrick]

I bought a Chinese made TC-80N3a interval timer from Hong Kong for my Canon 1014 Autozoom Electronic. This particular device is intended for use with certain models of Canon DSLR cameras. First, I tested it with my Canon EOS 30 35mm SLR and it worked perfectly fine. I then tested it with my 1014 and dammit, it didn't work. Same input socket, by the way. This timer also doubles as a regular remote release and that feature does work with the 1014 but not the interval timer.

Though since I unplugged it from the 1014 and reinserted it into the EOS, the timer has been acting a bit strange. It used to count down to 0 on the LCD panel. For example, if I set it to 4 second intervals, it used to count 4, 3, 2, 1, 0, 4, 3 etc. Now it counts 4, 3, 2, 1, 4, 3 etc.

I used to have the original interval timer E for the 1014 but that has mysteriously disappeared. It took me months to get hold of one and I don't have the patience to track down another. So I bought this modern variation, thinking that it would be a good alternative.

I still would like to put this accessory to use though. Actually, I had been planning to purchase a digital still camera to do time lapse with. I don't have the funds for a DSLR so I'm looking for a compact or possibly those other sort of digi cameras that are in a category of their own - somewhere inbetween a compact and a DSLR. I think those are called 'power zoom' cameras or something like that - some models bear a resemblance to DSLRs but do not have interchangeable lenses.

Regarding the interval timer, I’m not sure of the name of the socket that it plugs into but it’s the same as on the canon 1014, whatever that’s called? Would anyone know of any digital camera models, compact or power zoom, that have this same socket? If not, are there any other remote release sockets on digital cameras that could be used with the same plug via an adapter?

[aj]

The 1014 needs a make-break switch. Rather simple For interval it needs to to short briefly per frame. I.e. some 1/10 sec and then the interval time. It uses a 2.5mm jack plug

The EOS models likely needs a serial protocol over the plug to come in. POssibly the shorting across the 1014 contacts wrecked the timer. Although one would expect it to be short-proof.

Suitable timers should be the ones (from HongKong etc) intended for older models of cameras.

Or get a Nikon MT-1 If you can find one.

[gahoona]

Patrick,
thank you for saving me $23.00 dollars.

Ian

[Patrick]

The 1014 needs a make-break switch. Rather simple For interval it needs to to short briefly per frame. I.e. some 1/10 sec and then the interval time.

Ah cool. I don't know much about electronics but would there be a certain specific type of 'make break' switch that I would need? And how would it be attached / inserted?

[BK]

Not sure whether this will work on old cine cameras, but it'll be great if it does... an interesting project:

http://www.diyphotography.net/the-small ... -the-world

[aj]

Not sure whether this will work on old cine cameras, but it'll be great if it does... an interesting project:
[/img]

NO, I am sure it will not. And these are the thing OP tested.

The story is a pack of nonsense. Suitable remotes and intervalometers cost between 20 and 50 dollar when buying directly from HongKong
BTW

Did I mention iron jet pilot hands are needed for this project? There is a great soldering tut on make, however, this one's definitely not for beginners.

[aj]

The 1014 needs a make-break switch. Rather simple For interval it needs to to short briefly per frame. I.e. some 1/10 sec and then the interval time.

Ah cool. I don't know much about electronics but would there be a certain specific type of 'make break' switch that I would need? And how would it be attached / inserted?

For DIY you would need a 2.5mm jack plug with TWO contacts. This will fit the remote-control inlet on your Canon and most other brands.
Wire these contacts and connect them to switch which shorts when the button is pusked (make). When the camera is on and set to continious filming it will run for the time the short exists. When the camera is in single shot it will expose one frame when the switch shorts briefly.
It should not be difficult to find such a remote-control ready to run. As many cameras had such a thing delivered in the set when bought new. There must be millions of these.

The Beaulieu 4008 and the like aren't very suitable for single frame exposure controlled throught the 2.5 remote control as the it switches power rather then a circuit to expose.
The Nikon R10 and R8 have a different connector and require more complicated control. These can be controlled by a EA-1 control or MT-1 timer (not ! MT-2)
The Leicina (Special etc) have a ST1 controller of their own.

[aj]

Not sure whether this will work on old cine cameras, but it'll be great if it does... an interesting project:
[/img]

NO, I am sure it will not. And these are the thing OP tested.

The story is a pack of nonsense. Suitable remotes and intervalometers cost between 20 and 50 dollar when buying directly from HongKong
BTW

Did I mention iron jet pilot hands are needed for this project? There is a great soldering tut on make, however, this one's definitely not for beginners.

For eample this Nikon version:
http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie ... K:MEWAX:IT
Plenty to buy, no spoiler here

Not too long ago getting such a 10 pin connector whould easily cost like $100.

Also note the LED-studio-lamps which cost almost nothing compared to shop-retail prices.