Long Time-Exposures
When the ML-L3 remote control is used in M mode, users can selected '- -' as the shutter speed. At this setting, the shutter opens when the shutter-release button on the optional ML-L3 remote control is pressed (2 seconds after the button is pressed in delayed remote mode) and remains open until the remote-control shutter-release button is pressed a second time (maximum exposure time is 30 minutes). Nikon recommends using a fully-charged EN-EL3 battery or an optional EH-5 AC adapter when using long exposures. For information regarding using the ML-L3 with flash please see the Cameras User manual.
Using the ML-L3 remote control:
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Mount the camera on a tripod (recommended) or place the camera on a stable, level surface.
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D50 users : press the button. and rotate the main command dial to access the options.
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D60 users: press the cameras Menu button, go to the Custom Setting menu, #04 - Release Mode, and choose either the 2S Delayed Remote or Quick Response remote option.
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D70, D70s, D80, D90 users: Press the button and rotate main command dial until (delayed remote) or (quick response remote) is displayed in the control panel.
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D3000, D5000, D5100: the option is found in the Release Mode list. See pg 38 (D3000), pg 65 (D5000), or pg 36 (D5100) in your user manual.
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Frame the photograph. In autofocus (AF) mode, the camera shutter-release button can be used to check focus, although only the shutter release-button on the remote control can be used to release the shutter. Note - To ensure correct exposure in modes other than M, cover the viewfinder eyepiece with your hand or with the supplied DK-5 eyepiece cap before pressing the shutter-release button. This will prevent light entering via the viewfinder from interfering with the autoexposure operation.
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Aim the transmitter on the ML-L3 at the infrared receiver on the camera and press the shutter-release button on the ML-L3 (when using the remote outdoors, make sure that the subject is not backlit and that the line of site between the transmitter and the infrared receiver is not blocked by the lens or other obstacles). The maximum operational distance of the ML-L3 is 5m directly in front of the camera.