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| Home > Electronics > Electronics Accessories > Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter |
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Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter |
Overall Rating: 
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About the Author |
Do you like taking half-naked self-pics for MySpace? You might want this...
Written: Aug 24 '06
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Product Rating:
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Pros: It does what it should at a reasonable price
Cons: Easy to lose, range could be better
The Bottom Line: A good investment.
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| tch7's Full Review: Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter |
It’s been a while since I’ve done something different, so for review number 100, you’re going to get two reviews in one. Take your pick:
1. Concise
2. Longer by 805 words, for a total of 977 words, with 5031 characters. In this more detailed version, you’ll learn all there is to know about the Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter that has one circular button and why it appeals to me.
The Short of It...
I received the Nikon ML-L3 remote as a gift, complimenting the Nikon D70s dSLR I purchased earlier this year. Its sole function is to remotely release the camera’s shutter, for taking self portraits and eliminating camera shake.
The ML-L3 is the only remote that is programmed to work with the D70s, and has worked well within a range of 10 meters and with a view of the infrared sensor. Further range would be nice, but isn’t necessary. It also works well with my F65, and should work with these Nikon cameras: D50, D65, D70, Coolpix 8400, 8800, N75, Lite Touch Zoom 110s, 130ED, 140ED, and 150ED. Usage instructions are in your camera’s manual.
The small and simple design is understandable and attractive. Being small and lightweight makes it easy to lose, especially without any way of fastening it to something. It uses an included CR2025 battery that’ll last forever, and also comes with a useless fabric cover.
The ML-L3 works great, and for $20, it’s worth purchasing regardless of your photographic talent.
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The Long of It...
I received the Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter as a birthday present, after I had complained about not receiving any birthday presents, and then complaining about Nikon not including the remote with my $1400 purchase of a Nikon D70s. The Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter is the only remote that is compatible with the D70s, making it the obvious choice for alleviating these problems.
Out of the Box
The Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter comes in a small white and yellow box with a black font on it. When opening the box, use two hands are be careful not to cut yourself, as paper cuts can hurt and lead to lethal infections. Remove the remote and the black fabric pouch from the cardboard box. If not soiled by blood, the cardboard box can be recycled at your local recycling depository. No instructions are included, but are available in your camera's manual.
Usage
The Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter is ergonomically designed and easy to use in all lighting and weather conditions. Set your camera to receive a remote shutter release signal. Firmly grasping the remote in your right hand, remove the plastic strip covering the battery and frame your picture, and manually focus the image if desired/capable. If in auto-focus mode, depressing the silver button with your thumb will focus the camera and then release the shutter.
Range
At testing intervals of 25 centimeters with my Nikon D70s digital SLR, my thorough tests concluded that Nikon’s claimed of a range of 16.4 feet is accurate to within -0.38 feet, or 11.6 centimeters. Beyond this short distance, the infrared Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter is of limited use. The main purpose of this remote is to simply prevent camera shake that can occur when manually depressing the shutter release button on the camera with long exposures.
Size & Mass
The small Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter is close to the size of an average adult’s thumb, being 60 millimeters long by 26 millimeters wide, and only 5 millimeters tall. The transmitting end of the remote is curved, decreasing the remotes total surface area. No official mass is provided by Nikon, but it is comparable to 3 boiled multigrain spaghetti noodles. Including the fabric pouch, add 1.64 noodles.
If you are not careful, it is an easy piece of equipment to lose. This is especially true since there is no way to attach the remote to your camera bag or your keys.
Colour
The Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter comes in a single colour scheme, being mainly black, but with two shades of silver. The lighter shade of silver is used for writing “Nikon” on the top of the remote, which is written in a bold and sharp font. The lighter shade of silver is also used to depict an airwaves symbol, as well as the center of the remote’s one circular button. Surrounding the button is the darker shade of silver. On the underside of the remote, the lighter shade of silver is used to print “MADE IN CHINA”. The Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter is pleasing to the eye.
Texture
The exterior of the Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter is made of top-quality molded plastic. All of the textures are smooth, with no rough edges that could lead to skin lesions. The included fabric sleeve has a rough texture, but is still pleasant to touch. Do not eat the remote or fabric pouch, as they pose a choking hazard, nor do they taste very good.
On the top of the Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter are 4 horizontal ridges, measuring 18 millimeters in length, which assist your fingers with gripping the Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter. On the underside of the remote you will find four depressions, measuring 20 millimeters in length that further assist your grip. In addition to the depressions is a variety of raised typing, including the model, “ML-L3”, the manufacturer, “NIKON CORP., JAPAN”, and a variety of symbols.
The largest symbol is “CE”, which stands for “Conformité Européenne” and translates from French to English as “European Conformity”. The presence of this symbol indicates that the Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter satisfies the requirements set forth by the European Union, allowing it to be distributed within its 25 countries. This is very important to know, as failure to have this symbol could mean that this remote will spontaneously explode or catch on fire, fatally injuring its unsuspecting user or innocent bystanders.
The smaller symbols provide instructions on retrieving the included Maxell CR2025 3V battery, making the process even more straightforward, especially for small children looking for a battery to chew on. Battery life is impressive, and the need to ever replace the battery is unlikely.
Compatibility
The Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter only works for a select number of Nikon cameras, which includes my digital D70s dSLR and my older Nikon F65/N65 film SLR. The ML-L3 is also designed to work with Nikon’s D50, D65, D70, Coolpix 8400, 8800, N75, Lite Touch Zoom 110s, 130ED, 140ED, and 150ED.
Price
The Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter can typically be purchased for a price between $15 and $30 in US or Canadian funds. Most photography stores carry the remote, as well as a number of online retailers. This camera should be included with Nikon’s higher end cameras, but it isn’t.
Thoughts
The Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter is a highly recommended piece of equipment for any photographer with one of the aforementioned cameras. Although it is easy to lose, operation is simple, it’s easy to pack away, it’s lightweight, and it works. Improved range and a loop for tethering the remote would be appreciated. If your monthly income is exceeding your monthly expenses by a ratio of 41/36 over the past 5 months, then the Nikon ML-L3 Remote Control Transmitter is an investment you should make.
Recommended:
Yes
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tch7
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