Assigning an alternate button for shutter release - Sony RX10 IV - Possible?? I continue to struggle with Parkinson's in my right hand and staying steady with shutter release. My index...

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I continue to struggle with Parkinson's in my right hand and staying steady with shutter release. My index finger jumps. I have configured the AEL button for BBF. That has really helped. I've read and searched the Friedman manual and Youtube videos, but still have not determined if I can configure another button for shutter release. I'm thinking the left button, if possible, might really help. I do have a wired cable release and that definitely helps when using a tripod. However, using the cable release while hand holding seems very difficult.

Any suggestions or solution would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for viewing,
Mark

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

How about a wireless release. you might be able to hold it in your left hand and press with your thumb...

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

charlienow wrote:

How about a wireless release. you might be able to hold it in your left hand and press with your thumb...

I need two hands for holding the camera steady. I've given some thought to taping the release to the left side of the camera.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Mark

DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca

markngolf wrote:

I need two hands for holding the camera steady. I've given some thought to taping the release to the left side of the camera.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Mark

Suggested reading - might be worth a try. https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/medical-marijuana-and-parkinsons-disease/

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

markngolf wrote:

I continue to struggle with Parkinson's in my righ... (show quote)

Mark, apparently it's possible: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4224585

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

DWU2 wrote:

Mark, apparently it's possible: https://www.dpreview.com/forums/thread/4224585

That's not what he is asking - Mark wants to reassign the actual shutter release - not focus acquisition - to another button.

DWU2 Loc: Phoenix Arizona area

Gene51 wrote:

That's not what he is asking - Mark wants to reassign the actual shutter release - not focus acquisition - to another button.

Sorry - I should have read it twice.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

markngolf wrote:

I continue to struggle with Parkinson's in my righ... (show quote)

Mark, to my knowledge there is no way to reassign the shutter release. However, thinking out of the box, I used to have a "shutter button insert" that I used on my Nikon and other film cameras - it was a larger finger platform that screwed into the shutter release and made it easier to press - which made it less likely to cause camera movement. I did a search and could not find the original product, but this seems close:

https://www.ebay.com/i/182709546141?chn=ps&dispItem=1

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Gene51 wrote:

Mark, to my knowledge there is no way to reassign the shutter release. However, thinking out of the box, I used to have a "shutter button insert" that I used on my Nikon and other film cameras - it was a larger finger platform that screwed into the shutter release and made it easier to press - which made it less likely to cause camera movement. I did a search and could not find the original product, but this seems close:

https://www.ebay.com/i/182709546141?chn=ps&dispItem=1

Thanks, Gene! I think I'll try taping the cable release to the left side of the Sony and fashion it in a way so that I can still use two hands for support and my left finger or thumb for shutter release. I do love the Sony!! Thanks for the encouragement.
Mark

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

markngolf wrote:

I continue to struggle with Parkinson's in my righ... (show quote)

I wish to thank all who responded. I decided to Chat with B & H tech support. He could not find an answer, but he provided a direct link to Sony Chat. I posed the question to Cris, the Sony Chat techie and he confirmed what Gene51 had conjectured, that the shutter release function cannot be assigned to any other button. No wonder I could not find how to configure that via YouTube, searches and manuals.

The exhausting searching was not in vain. I found an answer and I learned a great deal as a result of the exploration. I'll try the tape idea with the wired cable release, but I may have to purchase a wireless model for the ultimate solution.

Thanks for the support and suggestions.
Mark

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

DanielB wrote:

Suggested reading - might be worth a try. https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/medical-marijuana-and-parkinsons-disease/

I'm not opposed to CBD or medical "pot". My wife suffers from severe Osteo Arthritis and uses CBD. In another life, I used "pot". The effect of Parkinson's is very minimal and only affects a small part of my life. I do take medication which seems to handle most of my affliction. I'm very fortunate.

I thank you for the article. Very interesting.
Mark

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

Mark. I wish you luck. I have a wireless cable release for my Nikon. It was very cheap and is very easy to press. And eat us know how the medical me is. Lol. I might want to try it here in pa. I can probably come up with a reason.

a6k Loc: Detroit & Sanibel

This is just an idea - a concept - not a fully developed solution. But simply put, could an old fashioned cable release be modified to work with a jaw clench? Are there any that would work on a squeeze-bulb that could do it?

It's a tough problem or I would not be suggesting such half-baked ideas. I hope, though, that it may be helpful.

Bill_de Loc: US

How about one of the air bulb shutter releases. You could put it under your arm, foot, or any number of other places.

https://www.google.com/search?q=air+bulb+shutter+release&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-US:IE-Address&ie=&oe=&gws_rd=ssl

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markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Bill_de wrote:

How about one of the air bulb shutter releases. You could put it under your arm, foot, or any number of other places.

https://www.google.com/search?q=air+bulb+shutter+release&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-US:IE-Address&ie=&oe=&gws_rd=ssl

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Bill,

I appreciate the idea and suggestion. I have discovered that the "shaking" upon shutter release is magnified by the focal range being extended. Up to around 250mm I have no problem, but beyond 250 is where I have the most difficulty. Using a tri/mono pod solves the shaking/jerking because I can use the cable release in my left hand. I'm trying to improve my arm and body steadying techniques when hand holding. I'm also playing with how I anchor/rest my index finger on the shutter. Maybe my middle finger might be steadier. As most, I've always used the index finger, so its habitual.

When I really want something, I do not let obstacles deter my effort and determination.

Thanks for the idea and response.
Mark