×
Seite auf Deutsch anzeigen

Self-timer

The history and functions of self-timers on analog still cameras are diverse and have evolved over time. Early mechanical cameras often did not have built-in self-timers, but it was possible to connect external self-timers. These were often powered by clockwork mechanisms that created a delay between the shutter release and the shot being taken. Often this accessory was attached to the cable release connector. This gave the photographer enough time to position himself in the picture or to avoid camera shake with longer exposure times.

Later, cameras with built-in self-timers came onto the market. In most cases, the self-timer had to be cocked. By pressing the shutter button, the mechanics ran and the recording was captured on the film material.

In analogue cameras with integrated electronics, which came onto the market later, the triggering was then triggered by an electronic signal. In the 1990s, most 35mm cameras had a built-in self-timer. The lead time, i.e. the time between the start of the self-timer and the recording, was usually ten seconds. Some models also offer the option of taking several pictures in a row.

Areas of application for a self-timer

There are many different uses for the self-timer on analogue cameras. Here are some of the most important:

Group photos

When trying to take a group photo, it is often difficult to get everyone in position before the photo is taken. With the self-timer you can put yourself in the picture after placing the camera on a tripod or a stable surface.

Self-portraits

When trying to take a self-portrait, it’s often difficult to release the camera’s shutter button in time while staying in position. With the self-timer you can place the camera on a tripod or a stable surface and then go into the picture in peace.

Long exposures

When you want to take a long exposure, you often have to hold down the camera’s shutter button for several seconds or even minutes. With the self-timer you can place the camera on a tripod or a stable surface and then activate the self-timer. This allows you to let go of the camera while the photo is being taken.

Avoiding camera shake

Holding the camera by hand can easily result in camera shake, which blurs the image. With the self-timer you can place the camera on a tripod or a stable surface and then activate the self-timer. This way you can avoid camera shake and take sharp pictures.

Experimental Photography

The self-timer can also be used for experimental photography. For example, you can place the camera on a tripod and activate the self-timer before dropping the camera or exposing it to some other unforeseen event. In this way, interesting and unusual images can be created.

Model overview

  • Twin-lens reflex camera
  • 120
olympus-flex-a-2-8-twin-lens-reflex-camera-en-bnv.jpg
Olympus Flex A 2.8
The Olympus Flex A 2.8 is a twin-lens reflex camera from the Japanese manufacturer from the 1950s.
  • Twin-lens reflex camera
  • 120
olympus-flex-b-i-twin-lens-reflex-camera-bnv.jpg
Olympus Flex B I
The Olympus Flex B I is a twin-lens reflex camera from the 1950s.
  • Twin-lens reflex camera
  • 120
olympus-flex-b-ii-twin-lens-reflex-camera-en-bnv.jpg
Olympus Flex B II
The Olympus Flex B II is a twin-lens reflex camera manufactured by Olympus from 1953 to 1955.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-m-1-single-lens-reflex-camera-bnv
Olympus M-1
The Olympus M-1 is the first camera of the Olympus OM system.
  • Snapshot camera
  • 35mm
olympus-o-product-35mm-camera
Olympus O-Product
The Olympus O-Product is a very unusual compact camera from Olympus.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-1-single-lens-reflex-camera-bnv
Olympus OM-1
The Olympus OM-1 is the first model of the renamed Olympus OM system.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-1-md-kleinbild-slr
Olympus OM-1 MD
The Olympus OM-1 MD is a revised version of the original OM-1.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-10-front
Olympus OM-10
The Olympus OM-10 is an entry-level model of Olympus' OM system.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-10-fc-single-lens-reflex-camera-bnv
Olympus OM-10 FC
The Olympus OM-10 FC is a North American model designation for the Olympus OM-10.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-10-qd-single-lens-reflex-camera-bnv
Olympus OM-10 QD
The Olympus OM-10 QD is a version of the OM-10 with a data back.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-101-pf-single-lens-reflex-camera-bnv
Olympus OM-101 PF
The Olympus OM-101 PF is an SLR camera from the late 80s, which didn't really catch on.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-1n-single-lens-reflex-camera-bnv
Olympus OM-1n
The Olympus OM-1n is a 35mm SLR camera and the successor of the Olympus OM-1 MD.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-2-front
Olympus OM-2
The Olympus OM-2 is a 35mm SLR from the OM series.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-2-s-single-lens-reflex-camera-bnv
Olympus OM-2 S
The Olympus OM-2 S is the American product name for the Olympus OM-2 SP 35mm SLR by the Japanese company.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-2-sp-slr-35mm
Olympus OM-2 SP
The Olympus OM-2 SP is the latest revised version of the OM-2.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-20-single-lens-reflex-camera-bnv
Olympus OM-20
The Olympus OM-20 is a SLR camera for 35mm film and the successor of the Olympus OM-10.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-2000-single-lens-reflex-camera-bnv
Olympus OM-2000
The Olympus OM-2000 is an SLR camera built by Cosina for the Olympus OM bayonet.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-2n-kleinbild-slr-japan
Olympus OM-2n
The Olympus OM-2n is a revised version of the Olympus OM-2.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-30-slr-kleinbildkamera
Olympus OM-30
The Olympus OM-30 was the first OM camera with autofocus function.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-4-single-lens-reflex-camera-bnv
Olympus OM-4
The Olympus OM-4 was introduced in the 1980s as the successor to the popular OM-2 / OM-2n.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-4-t-single-lens-reflex-camera-bnv
Olympus OM-4 T
Olympus OM-4 T was the model name of the OM-4 Ti on the American market.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-t4i-slr-35mm
Olympus OM-4 Ti
The Olympus OM-4 Ti is the latest revised version of the Olympus OM-4.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-40-program-kamera-slr-35mm
Olympus OM-40 Program
The Olympus OM-40 Program is the last two-digit OM camera and comes with a program automatic.
  • Single lens reflex camera
  • 35mm
olympus-om-707-af-35mm-slr
Olympus OM-707
The Olympus OM-707 is an autofocus SLR camera from the Japanese manufacturer Olympus.