One of the changes made in the name of weathersealing the Fuji X-T1 was the removal of the threaded shutter button. The X-Pro 1 and the X-E series all contained this threaded shutter release. As a result, those looking for a remote shutter release for these cameras could purchase the rather expensive Fuji electronic release, or one of the innumerable threaded cable releases. Now that the X-T1 is here without that threaded release, an electronic remote is required if you want to use a remote shutter release. Today, I’m reviewing a remote release that is not specifically made for Fuji cameras, the Vello RS-C1 II Wired Remote Switch. This release is marketed as being for Canon cameras, as well as Samsung, Pentax and others, but it works just great on Fuji cameras as well.
Why do you need a remote release?
For most shooting where remote releases were essential, you often don’t need one nowadays to be honest. For longer exposures on a tripod that are less than 30 seconds, setting the self timer to 2 seconds should do the trick of avoiding shake from the shutter press.
However, there are two major things that currently require a remote release if you want to do them on a Fuji camera. The first is Bulb exposures. If you are taking exposures longer than 30 seconds, you have two options: Hold the button down for the entire exposure (which will almost certainly add vibration and softness to the image), or use a remote release. You can lock the shutter down with your remote release, then unlock it when you want to complete the exposure. Easy.
The second way is for doing star trails or any other multi-image sequence that requires the least amount of time possible between exposures. The X-T1 has a built in intervalometer that will work great for time lapse and is passable for star trails, but there is a minimum delay of 1 second between images, and this can lead to very small gaps in the star trails. With a remote release, you can simply set the camera to continuous shooting and lock the release closed, and there will be no delay between images.
The Vello RS-C1II
For the X-T1, there are a few options for electronic remote releases. Fuji has their own RR-90 remote release, which consists simply of a button and a hold switch. This plugs into the micro USB port on the camera. There are two problems with the RR-90. First, the Micro-USB port isn’t all that secure, and second, the RR-90 costs $45 for that simple functionality. There are some much more advanced third party switches in the $50 range that allow for interval programming, etc, though this isn’t really needed on the X-T1 because it has a built in intervalometer.
Enter the Vello RS-C1II. This release has the same basic functionality as the Fuji RR-90. It has a shutter button (that you can half press for focus and full press to take the shot, just like the button on the camera), and a lock switch that you simply depress the shutter button, and slide the switch up to keep the shutter button depressed. That’s it. Simple, easy and effective. The big advantages to the Vello? It uses the 2.5mm Mic jack on the X-T1 (it will also work on the X-E cameras and I presume the X-Pro 1 as well), which is a much more secure connection. Once the plug is inserted, it will stay there until you pull it out intentionally. Most importantly, this remote release costs $7.50 at B&H. Yup. Less than 8 bucks.
The RS-C1II works flawlessly with the X-T1 and my other Fuji cameras with a mic jack. It’s also pretty well built and the cord is a nice thick gauge. Considering you can purchase 5 of these Vello remotes for the price of one Fuji RR-90, it’s an absolute no-brainer. Frankly, due to the more flexible cord, I think it’s a good idea for Fuji X-E1 and X-E2 owners to use this remote switch instead of a cable release as well.
Pros
- Well built
- Flawless operation for remotely operating the shutter, bulb exposures and continuous long exposures
- Only $7.50
- More secure mic plug won’t fall out.
Cons
- For the price? None
This is as close to a no-brainer accessory as you can get. For less than 8 dollars you get a very nice wired remote release for your camera. It’s simple, but it works and works well. If you have an X-T1, just get one.
The app works really well too
The app works fine for standard remote release firing, but you can’t do bulb shooting or lock the button down for continuous long exposures with the app (plus it drains battery due to the wifi connection)
Thanks…this little item works great. I only wish I would have found out about it before investing in the very expensive (and not as good) Fuji RR-90 release!
Thank you so much. I ran into the thirty second limitation of the remote app today. Happy to find a cheap solution.
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