A thread and needle release is a simple feature found on some leaf shutters on cameras of the 1920s and 1930s, providing a remote shutter release when no self-timer is available. A needle, attached to a suitable length of sewing-thread, is inserted into a hole provided for the purpose in the front of the shutter and retained by pushing the shutter release. The shutter, still not tripped, being blocked by the needle, is released when called for by pulling the thread to retract the needle: In this way a self portrait may be accomplished. The string should be light enough as not to pull out the needle by its own weight.
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- Operation of a thread and needle release, explained with pictured on Nekosan's website
Glossary Terms