I wasn't too sure this was worth the money when I ordered it, but all it took was one work session and I knew it was money well spent.

About the cable release

If you've spent years using a mechanical cable release on your 35MM or medium format camera, using the RM-CB1 feels like home territory. In fact, it's much nicer than any mechanical release I've ever used. From end to end, the entire assembly is just over 4 feet long. Of that, there is about 44 inches of cable to use as you move around the camera. The connector of the cable release fits into the top socket on the upper left side of the camera (under the little screw-on cover).

The release button works just like the shutter release on the E-10 body. There is a short "take up" distance before you reach auto focus contact, which is has a firmer feel than the the release on the E-10. A little more pressure and you release the shutter.

If you don't want to hold the button down for long exposures in bulb mode, you can use the lock control. Start by sliding the lock toward the release button before press it. When you press the release button, it will be locked in place until you slide the lock back. Of course the maximum possible exposure time for the E-10 is still 30 seconds - this is controlled by the camera.

Benefits of the cable release over the IR remote

The IR remote that comes with the E-10 is a handy little gizmo for ad hoc shots of groups when you want to include yourself, but it has two serious limitations. First, it can only be used in front of the camera - and in a narrow range at that. Second, it has a two second shutter delay.

The remote cable release doesn't have either of these problems and is ideal for studio photography. For portrait work you can frame the image then work comfortably behind the camera and away from the view finder. When you get just the look you want, capture it immediately. Try to imaging a 2 second delay while doing child photography.

In a tight product shot, especially if you're using the MCON 35 Macro adapter, the camera is likely to be flanked by strobes or reflectors, with the subject close to the camera in a white box or a tight background. There may be no way to get in front of the camera with the IR remote. With the cable release it's just another job in the studio - no problem.

Of course I use it for slow exposures when I have the TCON300 and E-10 mounted on a tripod too.

I never thought I'd write a tribute to a cable release, but some things just have to be told. If you do serious photography, this is essential equipment.