Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote
The Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function remote provides a simple trigger function and can activate the bulb function on Nikon SLR cameras. It also functions as a timer remote and can be programmed to function as an intervalometer. It connects to Nikon SLR cameras that are equipped with the 10-pin remote socket.
Compatible with: D2 series, D1 series, D100, D200, D300, D700, D3, F6, F5, F100, and MC-26 Adapter Cord.
Note! An MC-26 adapter cord can be used to connect the MC-36 to any camera or accessory with a remote terminal, including motor drives (MD-12 motor drive excluded).
| Timer Delay | 0 sec - 99 hr, 59 min, 59 sec, in one-sec increments |
| Exposure Time | 0 sec - 99 hr, 59 min, 59 sec in one-sec increments |
| Interval | 1 sec - 99 hr, 59 min, 59 sec in one-sec increments |
| Power Requirements | 2 x "AAA" 1.5V LR03 alkaline batteries (not included) |
| Battery Life |
Approx. 2 months of continuous shooting with a delay of 5 min, an exposure time of 4 min 56 sec, and an interval of
5 min
1
Please Note:Use of the illuminator will reduce battery life close |
| Operating Temperature | -4 - 122°F (-20 - 50°C) |
| Cord Length | Approx. 33.5" (850mm) |
| Dimensions | Approx. 6.1 x 1.6 x 0.7" (155 × 40 × 18mm) (excluding projections) |
| Weight | Approx. 3.7 oz (105 g) (excluding ferrite core) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 96 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
97%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (61)
- Reliable (52)
- Lightweight (51)
- Durable (42)
- Nice features (14)
Cons
- Heavy / bulky (8)
- Pricey / poor value (6)
- Not durable (3)
- Not enough features (3)
Best Uses
- Landscape photography (52)
- Macro photography (42)
- Portraits (25)
- Travel (21)
- Studio (17)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Enthusiast (36), Semi-professional (24), Professional (18), Practical (7), Gearhead (5)
- Primary use:
- Personal (15), Business (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (36)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great Remote!
I bought one of those cheapy remotes from [*] off an on-line auction site. It worked about a month and then quit, so rather than wasting money on another of those, I took...Read complete review
I bought one of those cheapy remotes from [*] off an on-line auction site. It worked about a month and then quit, so rather than wasting money on another of those, I took the plunge on the MC-36. I love it.I use it for time-lapse photography (it keeps me from having to access the menus in my D300) and for long exposures for astrophotography, and it does both perfectly!I don't agree at all with other comments that it is too large (it is as long as my D300 is wide), and it fits nicely in my hand and in my camera bag. And if it were any smaller, I think the display would be difficult to read and the controls difficult to operate.I also don't agree that it has a cheap look or feel. Yes, it is plastic, but it has a nice dull finish, and the LCD display looks to be the same quality (very good) as my D300.Programming is intuitive and took about 5 minutes to figure out.I agree with those who say they would have preferred AA batteries. But with a stated battery life of two MONTHS of CONTINUOUS shooting, I would suggest that if your camera bag can't accommodate the paylod of two spare AAA cells, you might want to consider a bigger camera bag.I have not had the sad experience of the connector failing that another reviewer reported here, so its durability over time remains to be seen, but it looks well (and durably) made to me.Overall: I like it a lot and am very glad I bought it.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Far from perfect
If you need the advanced features of this device, then ignore my rating and get it. But consider the use of a laptop with Breeze Systems NK Remote, because you can do a LOT...Read complete review
If you need the advanced features of this device, then ignore my rating and get it. But consider the use of a laptop with Breeze Systems NK Remote, because you can do a LOT more with that and it is cheaper.
For everyone else, this is an odd duck. It lacks a lot of what you expect from Nikon. First, it uses AAA batteries, rather than the AA batteries commonly found in camera bags (for strobes, etc.) A lack of an on/off switch is bad. Sure, in theory the battery lasts a long time, and if it used AA batteries, I'd be ok with that. But being out on a job and having the AAAs quit is bad.
The feel is somewhat cheap (by Nikon standards), large and the menu is not well thought out. The connector should snap into the threads, rather than screw in, because it is awkward to make this work. And the large size is an issue in my bag, since it seems large and somewhat fragile. For this price, I expect a much better product from Nikon. Look what Nikon offers at this price for lenses and other accessories, and you get the feeling they didn't put much effort into it.
So get it IF you need the programmable features. But for a simple remote release, I'd get something smaller and simpler.
BTW, this is the only Nikon product (other than software) that I dislike. I'm a huge Nikon fan with a lot of pro glass and bodies. But this product disappoints.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 96 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- HDR photography
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Time Lapse
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
I purchased this remote to do HDR real estate photography. I sold my D90 and bought a D300s so the ML-L3 wireless remote that worked with my D90 was no longer useful. At first I thought it was crazy to spend this kind of money for a remote but it is worth it.
The way it attaches is good and bad. It's extremely durable, weather resistant and screws in to make sure it's not going to fail when you need it to work. Just make sure to screw it in before attaching a lens, makes it much easier.
There were some reviews that said it felt cheap, I don't think so. It's light but that doesn't make it cheap. It feels like everything else Nikon builds. And there is no off switch but I just leave it on all the time, I can't imagine that it draws that much power off the batteries just powering a small lcd display. The backlighting turns off.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Functional
- Good price value
- Practical
Cons
- Cord length
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Macro Photography
- Night photography
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
The Nikon MC-36 remote allowed me to open a new side of photography (night). The remote works great and the ability to control the exposure time changes the images quality drastically.
The price was the best I could find in both the USA/Canada and with no issues at the border.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Time-lapse photography
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
I have set up my remote to photograph a blooming and dying flower, with fantastic results. It has now run over a week with no faltering. Now, if only the flower had performed with such reliability.
The remote is easy to use, compact enough not to take up too much space in my already overflowing photo bag, and durable. I love how securely it attaches to my Nikon as well... This has saved me on multiple occasions with incidents of my crazy dog running over the cable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- Not Durable
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
Exactly as described.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- Cant hear "beeps"
- Confusing manual
Best Uses
- HDR
- Landscape Photography
- Light Painting
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
Works great but the manual is not well written. Confusing and poor diagrams.
The backlite display is not too bright, the audio "beep" warning signal is also not very loud. The red LED is bright and easy to see 50' away. Buttons and controls are large and easy to work even with thin gloves on.
The biggest issue is there is no OFF switch and it does not have a sleep function so it is always on. Don't know if battery life will be significanly less. Fortunately it uses cheap AAA (2) batteries.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Pretty complete product
- Reliable
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
This does exactly what it's meant to do. It will give you the abilility to do everything you want and then some. It was little rough at first to learn how to use it. But once figured out I wondered why I had so much trouble grasping it. Not sure it is worth the money but now I know I can do whatever I want if I desire. Nikon should consider rewriting portions of the instructions.
Great for time lapse, multiple exposures, star trails, long exposures.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
Very easy to use for time-lapse or image sequences and night photography.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
I use all the features
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
Excellent for the bulb function
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Macro Photography
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
I use this to minimize vibration with macro and astronomical shots. I plan to begin trying some time-lapse sequences using the timer function.
I find it easier than using the camera self-timer, which is my alternate method if I don't have the MC-36 with me.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Does what it should
Cons
- No on off switch
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
Works like the description says. Not sure why there is no on off switch.
I always reverse the battery when not in use.
I prefer this for timelapses rather than the one built into the camera that's limited to 900 shots. Mc36 timelapse can be unlimited.
Make sure you prevent the mc36 blowing in the wind when it's connected as it will ruin your images.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- No onoff switch
Best Uses
- long exposures
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
For those who what to push the lighting limits at night, this is a must have. It is so easy to use, I didn't have to open the instruction manual to get up and running. Used it the first night I had it to get some night time landscapes using the moon as the only light source.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- Hard to attach
- No onoff
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
Great device for long bulb exposures (night shots/low light shots) and for times when you need a rock steady camera (bracketed photos for HDR merges). One thing I did not understand enough when I bought this was the added programability for continuous shutter releases (stop motion type photography). This is best (only) used with a tripod.
There are only two problems I have with it: there is no "on/Off" switch and can be accidently bumped into a program mode and drain the batteries if left in the bag without locking the buttons. It's easy enough to do...so much so that it's also easy to forget. The second thing is the 10-pin connector is really hard to screw on if you have a lens on the camera. I don't thinmk I have giant fingers until I try to put this on or take it off.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- No onoff switch
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
Overall nice way to externally shutter, though doesn't have an on/off switch.....so you have to take the batteries out to "turn it off".
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatility
Cons
- No Power Button
- Pricey poor value
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Night and low light
- Portraits
- Studio
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
This remote is very versatile which can be used in Bulb, Delay and Interval. The instructions are easy to follow and the remote is intuitive. The reason I did not give it 5 stars is because it lacked a Power Button/Switch to turn on and off. This is a minor issue which can be easily resolved by removing the batteries. One thing you have to keep in mind is when you are connecting the remote to the 10-pin terminal, a person with large fingers will find it difficult to screw it on. I have medium size fingers and had slight difficulty in screwing it on.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Everyday use
- Home
- Landscape Photography
- Portraits
- Traveling
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
Very good
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
- Portraits
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
Purchased for a photo trip to Antelope Canyon but in the end didn't get to use it much as time limits and the crowds got in the way. I have used it for long, timed exp shots and it works great. It will be all I need for similar outings in the future. It took some playing with to learn the setting at first.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Landscape Photography
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
Love it, a must have if you do outdoor or landscape photography. Got to have it for star trails and way less hassle than setting a timer for every shot. Simple to work and perfect.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
- Interval Shooting
- Landscape Photography
- Long time exposures
- Macro Photography
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
Got this remote to help with long exposures and taking photos at intervals.
Works as advertised. Does seem a little fragile, but as with all of my gear a little caution goes a long way. The body seems longer in length than necessary in order to accommodate AA batteries so I needed to rearrange my gear bag some to find a home for it. Small nit-picky kinds of issues though.
Not very intuitive, so read instructions carefully. Once read seems easy to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Reliable
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
- Astronomy
- Landscape Photography
- Macro Photography
- Studio
- Traveling
Comments about Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote:
Let me start by saying that there isn't anything wrong with this, save one minor little nit - there is no on/off switch. True, the power drained when not being used is so small that it is only slightly worse than batteries self discharging but if you make a mistake and leave one of the interval programs running... well that's not going to be good for battery life and the manual tells you not to do that and how to avoid it. You have been warned.
Oh, and it would probably be good to pull the batteries out when not being used.
It is expensive. It is well made.
I could not bring myself to buy the MC-30 which is ridiculously expensive given that its a push button and a cable with a special connector. And I really needed more functionality than just a button.
Sadly my experience with the much cheaper alternatives has been rage at poorly constructed junk.
The cord is a bit stiff but I suppose a good trade off for ruggedness. Its also a bit short for what I need so an extension will be required, also expensive.
The controls are pretty intuitive and easy to use.
So I will whine about having spent too much and that I don't use all the features and perhaps more than I really needed. But, I bought it and its mine and I am happy I have it. It does what I need and I might need those other features someday. And Nikon will probably provide good service should I ever require it.
I make my own money, I buy what I want (or what I think I want - and I am sometimes wrong about that) and I am not swayed by any offers of fame or fortune or free products or loaners.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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