Hole drilled in a Nikon ML-L3 remote control

[Mike Buckley]

Dan asked me to post a photo of my Nikon ML-L3 remote control with a hole drilled in it so he could see where to drill one without damaging its functionality. I drilled it so the cord could be attached and hung either from my neck or the tripod at all times. This solution prevents the control from becoming lost (it's small) or from being accidentally dropped somewhere that might damage it or render it irretrievable.

[NorthernFocus]

thanks mike

[GeorgeM]

Thank you for this, Mike.

[Stagecoach]

Thanks for posting Mike. It has given me an idea to consider this with my wireless remote.

[Manfred M]

Lucky shot (drill) there Mike, you obviously missed all of the traces on the circuit board.

[SteveF]

If anyone want's to attach a lanyard without drilling there are available small adhesive 'buttons' with a hole in them which I will post a link to when I find them again.

[Nancy Moran G]

Mike, you missed your chance....you should have kept quiet and mass produced them. If people buy the 'but wait, there's more...' Stuff on tv, you can bet these would sell!
Now you will have to remain just 1 of us, THANKFULLY!
Nancy

[Mike Buckley]

Not at all lucky, Manfred. I had seen a photo of one that had already been successfully drilled and I drilled my hole in approximately the same place.

Having said that, Steve's solution sounds more elegant and certainly risk-free, so long as the adhesive on the button doesn't come lose as has happened on adhesive buttons that I have put on front lens caps.

[drjuice]

Hi, Mike -

First, thanks for the posted image.

Second, how did you find the correct corner? Did you disassemble the remote? I have an alpha700, not a Nikon, so my corner that has "nothing" in it may be different than yours.

Thanks again for the image. I'm ready to do it, because I have to be a close second behind you in clutziness. ;~)

virginia

[Mike Buckley]

how did you find the correct corner? Did you disassemble the remote?

I saw a photo of one that had been successfully drilled by someone else.

You're correct that drilling the remote control that works with your Alpha 700 may result in a ruined remote control. Even if we don't hear back from Steve about his solution, you could attach a lens cap thingie that keeps the cap from falling to the ground to your remote control. You could then attach its cord to your tripod and/or a longer cord that is suitable.

I have to be a close second behind you in clutziness. ;~)

Considering that you don't know how to spell the word, that proves to me that you're not a true klutz.

[drjuice]

One thing I've found about the lens cap keepers is that if I wipe the lens cap with an alcohol swab (easy to find around my house because I'm diabetic; if you have denatured alcohol around your place, you can pour a bit on a rag or paper towel and use that) and let it dry thoroughly. Then, the sticky end of the cap sticks just fine. I think that when they manufacture the camera body they must use some kind of fluid to clean off the surface and it seems a bit oily. And, that's why the alcohol swab works just fine.

BTW - I ultimately did this to my Sony A700 remote as an alternative to drilling a hole. It's been working just fine for more than a year.

virginia

[Mike Buckley]

Glad to know the lens cap thingie has been working so well, Virginia. Your tip about using alcohol to clean the surface sounds like a gem.