d*mn Chinese cable release

[buddy4344]

In December, I finally bought the 30D for which I have been dreaming. Since I shoot a lot of macro, I wanted a cable release and the old Digi Rebel release doesn't fit the 30D. Based on lots of positive emails on this forum, I jumped onto eBay and bought a knock off unit from China at a really nice price.

For months the combo has worked great. Fastforward until today: I attempted to separate the cable release from the body and the plastic of the release broke/sheared off clean exactly flush with the body of the camera. My needle nose pliers have no chance, and I don't want to damage the pins of the camera. Now what?

After I cool down, I am going to work the problem again. If all else fails, I am off to my nearby repair center :(

[Sonic Infidel]

If I understand the situation correctly, you should be able to remount the internals inside some other casing. Someone on here even used a mini DV cassette case. There is a world of possibilities.

[cosworth]

Crazy glue and a chunk of plastic. Don't be Mr. Spilly pants.Crazy glue anywhere else will be bad news.

[SkipD]

For removing something like the broken connector, I might try drilling some small holes in the remaining piece of the connector and use some spring wire in the newly drilled holes to help grab it for removal.

To do such drilling, I would use a "pin vise" - a hand tool much like a jeweler's screwdriver that has a very tiny chuck to hold very small drill bits. A pin vise is spun by hand (again, much like using a small screwdriver), and you can have an extremely high level of control with it as compared to any powered tool.

After reading the posts that landed just before mine - I would NOT use stupid-glue. There's way too much risk of getting it in some bad places.

[buddy4344]

I thought of the drilling idea, but am worried about hitting one of the 3 pins in the female part of the connection. I think a very small bit down the center will be ok. I don't have the small vise you mentioned, but think I will try my local Radio Shack in the morning for that item.

[gjman]

I've used the Adidt RS-80N3 for over a year now and I really don't understand how only a small portion of it could break away and stay in the socket. The whole plug head is one piece of plastic.

If you post a pic of the socket and the broken plug it would be helpful.

I have had an Adidt remote DOA but it was promptly replaced by the seller.

[SkipD]

I thought of the drilling idea, but am worried about hitting one of the 3 pins in the female part of the connection. I think a very small bit down the center will be ok. I don't have the small vise you mentioned, but think I will try my local Radio Shack in the morning for that item.Try a good hardware store or even a Sears store that has a good tool department. "General" is a brand of moderately priced precision tools, and they may have a pin vise in their line.

You will also need a selection of very small bits. I have a small set of numbered drills that goes as small as #80 (.013" diameter), and they come in handy quite often.

[Grentz]

Hot Glue...

Get a small stick or something (even a pencil would work). Put a dab of hot glue on the end (just a SMALL dab) and then press it onto the broken bit in the camera. Let the glue set (Hot glue takes only a few seconds :) ) and then slowly pull out the piece by using the stick.

Hot glue is tons more forgiving than super glue as well. Even if some gets on the camera you can easily wipe it off.

[SkipD]

Hot Glue...

Get a small stick or something (even a pencil would work). Put a dab of hot glue on the end (just a SMALL dab) and then press it onto the broken bit in the camera. Let the glue set (Hot glue takes only a few seconds :) ) and then slowly pull out the piece by using the stick.

Hot glue is tons more forgiving than super glue as well. Even if some gets on the camera you can easily wipe it off.I like this idea....

[Tdragone]

I thought of the drilling idea, but am worried about hitting one of the 3 pins in the female part of the connection. I think a very small bit down the center will be ok. I don't have the small vise you mentioned, but think I will try my local Radio Shack in the morning for that item.

Hobby stores sell the Xacto pin vise.
My 10,000 piece xacto kit has one.