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Topic: ZE-X Auxiliary shutter release (Read 501 times) |
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davesworld
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ZE-X Auxiliary shutter release
« Thread started on: Nov 2nd, 2008, 9:18pm » |
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Has anyone ever laid eyes on a ZE-X auxiliary shutter release?, the one that plugs into the electrical contacts on the front of the ZE-X. I have heard about them but never seen or heard of anyone with one in their possession
regards
Dave
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malare
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Re: ZE-X Auxiliary shutter release
« Reply #1 on: Nov 3rd, 2008, 03:09am » |
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Yes, I have one. I guess there are others who possess this item. Tom, for example 
It really is a quite simple piece with a switch inside. But difficult to find. It also fits some 645 cameras I believe, but on the other hand there is another one for Mamiya medium format cameras that is a bit different, which I'm not sure fits the ZE-X.
Many regards Per Malare
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searcher
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Re: ZE-X Auxiliary shutter release
« Reply #2 on: Nov 3rd, 2008, 07:07am » |
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Hello Dave,
Will assume you are talking about a remote release device and not the left hand grip.
There are two pieces in this set, consisting of a Transmitter MZ, and Receiver MZ. Give me some time today, and I will post a picture in my collection.
They are not all that difficult to come by actually, I have several functioning sets.
Tom
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searcher
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Re: ZE-X Auxiliary shutter release
« Reply #3 on: Nov 3rd, 2008, 11:42am » |
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Greetings Dave,
I have posted a picture of one of my ZE-X cameras with a Receiver MZ mounted. In the picture as well, sitting under the camera, is what the set looks like when purchased new, along with the Transmitter MZ and its case, and the Receiver MZ in its case.
There is a switch on each unit allowing you to choose between two channels.
As Per mentioned, these units will also fire a 645 PRO AND PRO TL, and I understand they will also work with some RB and RZ models, but I cannot confirm this as I do not own either.
They show up on eBay several times per year, sometimes as a set, and sometimes individually. You want to make sure that the Receiver MZ has the battery holder that juts out from the side of the unit. Each unit takes a different battery by the way, which is a bit of a pain, but they work great.
Sooooooo, we should let you know if we see one?
Tom
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brennus
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Re: ZE-X Auxiliary shutter release
« Reply #4 on: Nov 3rd, 2008, 11:47am » |
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Hello,
Is there any trace of a more simple solution ?
For example, for the 645, you may have classic cable, electronic one and the 'MZ' solution.
Regards,
B:
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searcher
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Re: ZE-X Auxiliary shutter release
« Reply #5 on: Nov 3rd, 2008, 1:57pm » |
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Sadly, it is the only way I know to fire the ZE-X remotely short of setting the timer. 
I have played with the 645 electromagnetic cable release, but although it looks like it should fit, I cannot get it plugged into the ZE-X receptacle. Perhaps with some manipulation, but with what I paid for the units I have, I am reluctant to experiment with them. I have been trying to land an inexpensive one on eBay for just such a purpose, no luck yet. Will keep the forum advised if I get lucky, and can actually coax it into working. 
For what it's worth, I have picked up off eBay a couple of "MZ" sets for no more than a good cable release would cost. The beauty of the "MZ" unit of course is that you are not tethered to the camera, and with the use of multiple receivers you can fire secondary lighting as well. 
Tom
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malare
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Re: ZE-X Auxiliary shutter release
« Reply #6 on: Nov 3rd, 2008, 4:13pm » |
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Well Tom, it seems that you don't have the item that Dave asked about. I guess I will have to take a photo of it so you will see what it looks like. It's just a small piece, 2 x 2 cm and 8 mm thick with a fastening hole at one side for a cable release and a contact for plugging it into the camera.
Many regards Per Malare
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searcher
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Re: ZE-X Auxiliary shutter release
« Reply #7 on: Nov 3rd, 2008, 5:20pm » |
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Per,
Again I am embarrased,  but I do have one of the little creatures you refer to. It's an RC 402 Cable Release Adapter, intended for 645 PRO and PRO TL cameras, and of course, why wouldn't it work.
I will tell you though, I only have one of these, and it fits my ZE-X about like the electromagnetic cable release I mentioned earlier; not a tight secure fit, and I cannot totally engage the locking function. 
Generally, most of the RC 402 units I see listed on eBay are around $20 U.S., plus shipping. I have acquired "MZ" sets for close to that amount, and again not being tethered to the camera is really quite convenient. 
By the way Dave, there are tons of RC 402 units available, so you should have no trouble coming up with one.
Tom
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davesworld
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Re: ZE-X Auxiliary shutter release
« Reply #8 on: Nov 3rd, 2008, 7:58pm » |
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Once again this forum has all the answers Thank you gentlemen, I shall keep my eye out for one
Btw, were any of these ever listed as an accessory for the ZE-X when they were new?
Dave
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searcher
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Re: ZE-X Auxiliary shutter release
« Reply #9 on: Nov 3rd, 2008, 9:02pm » |
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Perhaps this may shed some light..........
 [IMG]
If you look just to the right of the ZE, next to the eyepiece, I believe this is what Mamiya referred to as a cable release adapter.
The "Instructions" booklet describes the contact point on the front of the camera as an "Auxiliary Shutter Release Contacts". There is no other mention of this in the booklet. The copy above is from a "promotional brochure" I have. Notice under specifications, on the right near the bottom, under other, they make mention of a "Mamiya Cable Release Adapter MZ".
Based on what I see in the instructions booklet, if you really wanted to load your ZE-X up with options, you needed to dig further than the manual.
Per, would love to see the adapter you have. I can compare it with the RC 402 I have.
This is all so very interesting! The education continues......................
Tom
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malare
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Re: ZE-X Auxiliary shutter release
« Reply #10 on: Nov 4th, 2008, 02:50am » |
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A very good source for what is available for the Z-series cameras is http://mamiya-ze.joerg-mueck.de/
That is if you can understand German.
Many regards Per Malare
PS. There is a picture of the "Mamiya Cable Release Adapter MZ" under : Zubehör; Auslöser; Drahtauslöseradapter.
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searcher
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Re: ZE-X Auxiliary shutter release
« Reply #11 on: Nov 4th, 2008, 06:26am » |
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Very good source of information, and the text can be translated, but the "black on black" motif makes it difficult to see all the details. I know, picky, picky, picky. 
The adapter looks very much like what I have. I will try to post a picture of mine sometime today.
As an observation, I have used the MZ 36R flash with a 645 Pro, and the four prong flat plug fits very nicely, quite snug , into the Pro body. As mentioned previously however, when trying to use accessories designed for the Pro in a ZE-X, they can be difficult to fit, and the locking mechanism can only be engaged half way at best. Obvious question Per, does your adapter have a locking mechanism? Another check I will make today is the actual depth of the recepticle on both the ZE-X and the Pro.
Tom
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brennus
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Re: ZE-X Auxiliary shutter release
« Reply #12 on: Nov 4th, 2008, 07:48am » |
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Hello,
I confirm searcher's tries with 645 devices. I have the same problems.
So, I think I have to use the ze-2 in place of the ze-x when I need using a cable release.. or I must get a zm too.
Thank for the information.
Regards,
B.
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malare
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Re: ZE-X Auxiliary shutter release
« Reply #13 on: Nov 4th, 2008, 08:01am » |
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on Nov 4th, 2008, 06:26am, searcher wrote:Obvious question Per, does your adapter have a locking mechanism?
Tom |
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No, my adapter does not have a locking mechanism, it looks exactly like the contact on the MZ reciever.
Many regards Per Malare
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searcher
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Re: ZE-X Auxiliary shutter release
« Reply #14 on: Nov 4th, 2008, 11:28am » |
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Per,
May I inquire as to how you acquired your adapter? I have only followed European eBay sites for a little over a year now, and even then, only half heartedly, but I have been nearly religious in following the stateside eBay since August '03, and I have NEVER seen one of these rascals.
Aside from the mounting difference, it looks like the cable release attaches from the side on your model, and from the top on the medium format version. Have you used it much, any difficulty keeping it attached to the camrea?
Dave: From my point of view, based on the mounting difficulties and less than desireable gripping characteristics of the 645 release aids, my recommendation, for what it's worth, would be to pursue the adapter Per has, or secure the MZ Transmitter / Receiver set.
Tom  Still Learning......................
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