Hello Mark, in the manual I found more settings which will prevent you to find the "Bulb mode" on the A6400 like: - Smile Shutter - Auto HDR - Picture Effect is set to "HDR Painting" or "Rich-tone Mono" - Multi Frame NR - When Drive Mode is set to the following: "Cont. Shooting", "Self-timer(Cont)", "Cont. Bracket" - Silent Shooting --> This setting was set active in my situation Kind regards and thanks for your helpfull video's!
Thanks for that comprehensive list - I am planning to make a movie on Settings that disable other settings - especially the ones where there is no screen indicating the conflicting setting.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills That would be great as the A6400 is more like a study object in order to get all benefits out of it (and I even don't use the video function!)
I’m pretty sure I found this a couple of years ago when I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t find bulb mode. I’m forgetful and had forgotten again. Thanks so much Mark for your videos and your help.
Thank you! Same for a7s II. I can't even begin to think why it would be dependent on silent shooting other than so you can hear it click when it's done. This was the first video I watch trying to find the information and you save me from having to look further, so, thanks again.
I jokingly gave you a hard time about 2 years ago that you didnt explain how to get into bulb mode. I couldnt find the answer to that anywhere and it cost me long exposures on the west coast for a 20 day trip. I had just gone from cannon to sony and could not find how to get into that mode. Actually getting ready to go out again and had forgot. I see you updated your tutorials with this great one.
I have been adding hundreds of educational videos over the last four years and have also produced a dozen 500 and 600-page eBooks for most of the late model Alpha cameras (available on my Patreon.com/markgaler support channel).
Thank you for this. I saw this video on the A series Google+ user group. I haven't needed bulb mode yet but I must say that I was more shocked that I had to buy an app from the Sony store just to get into time lapse mode.
Mark, may I say a big thank you for explaining the question ; Where can I find the 'bulb' setting on my Sony Alpha Camera. I had spent ages asking Google for the answer, and it was like waiting for a politician to answer a simple question posed to him/her. Looking at your video I found it in minutes. This Old Codger is well delighted. Kind regards to you.
Thanks. Very helpful. Do you have a vid which also examines use of a cable release? I'm a new convert from Nikon and trying to get to grips with a very different UI. Thanks
For those of you found that this still didn't allow Bulb to show up you may been in my situation. I had been shooting in 'silent shutter' mode - Bulb can be used in that mode. Cheers!
Mark, love your videos. I watched this video 2 times this morning trying to put my A1 in BULB mode. I hung on every work you spoke in the video, but could not find BULB mode. I spent over an hour trying to find it. Another video on CZcams said in order to do this, you have to put the camera in MECHANICAL SHUTTER mode. I did this, and Boom, there was BULB mode….. I was so frustrated I couldn’t see straight. Would have been helpful if you would have mentioned that. If it is possible to get BULB in electronic shutter mode I apologize, but your video to a lot of people as produced, didn’t help…… Seriously tho, you have answered so many questions for me in other areas. Thank you Sir !
Thanks Mark, I have found that with my A7iii that you can achieve bulb mode in drive modes other than single shooting, i.e. Self Timer, Single Bracket, White Balance Bracket and DRO Bracket. now all I have to figure out is when you would use them!
I’d done exactly that with my Sony A7m3..had been shooting a parade when I last used my camera and had left it in Continuous drive mode..! Back to single shot and problem solved..thank you!
This one really helped me, thank you very much. (Why do people klick "Thumbs down" on such a good tutorial? Are they stupid or bored or ... I don't get it.)
Thanks for the useful information. Glad I have found your channel and I then I came to realize that I had bought your Photoshop CS3 Essential Skills Book many years ago (co-authored with Andrew).
That seems like a different life now. Adobe closed their Ambassador program in the Asia Pacific region, I stopped teaching Prost production editing at a University and all of my learning resources went online. I now create seminars and eBooks for my Patrons over at www.patreon.com/markgaler
Again a great tutorial from Mark and also contribution from Kirk Keyes! Finally, maybe Mark could influence Sony developers to display a timer on the screen when using Bulb mode on the next firmware update (ILCE-6400). It is a pitty such a lack feature (Sony support confirmed it is not currently available :-((
I've recently moved from Fujifilm X-T2 , and doing long exposure has been a breeze. However, now with the Sony A7iii, it's a bit more inconvenient because there's no 2/4/8 minute option beyond the 30 seconds, as it just goes straight into Bulb mode. Is there a way to use Bulb mode with a built in timer indicator? With a remote or anything for the A7iii? Cheers :)
Thanks very much for taking the trouble to do this. I find the Sony Alpha great and love it, but there are a few menu options that disable other things and can baffle you if you don't appreciate this. There seem to be several features that I am often unaware affect something down another branch of the menu tree altogether. I've even had to reset to default on occasion to bypass this. (and, of course, I like to have my camera set up for certain things I am habituated to, then can't figure out how to get those back how I want them) I know, I know, R.T.F.M. (Read the Manual) am I right in assuming I need a remote shutter control to do this? Currently I have lazily been using the 10 second auto-shutter delay to avoid shake and a 20 second exposure usually captures stars reasonably well, though I find a high ISO causes noise on my camera, if I go beyond about 800. For a remote shutter control, I managed to get the excellent "TriggerTrap" cable & android app (before they discontinued it) which is designed to do time lapse photography, so I figured for one more go at this pesky and elusive comet, I might have a bit of a practice before I burn more rubber trying to evade the cloud cover (and losing sleep) I suppose I should really put in a bit of effort to take a few shots, as for taking a time lapse sequence and use some stacking software to really do it justice. All my friends are posting cracking shots and I am very jealous, so I can't speak to them until I have mastered this!
As someone who exclusively shoots landscapes/seascapes (usually always in Aperture Priority mode), I have the Bulb setting selected in Manual mode and that way when I want to shoot longer exposures I simply switch the mode dial from Aperture Priority ('A') to Manual ('M'). Simple!
Thanks I went out to day with my ND filters and set up for some landscaping shots I was all set did my calculations for for exposure and then I started looking for the bulb mode because I needed a four minute exposure with the 10 stop N D filter with the three stop graduated ND filter, so I had my Sony a7seven mark four ready to go, I started looking at the shutters speeds to my surprise bulb mode was nowhere to be found thank you Mark for helping me figure this out
@@AlphaCreativeSkills well, my settings are M mode , Single shot, MF and BULB. Yes i can focus manual but as soon i press the release AF is taking over !
Hi Mark, could you let us know how to achieve this using the A1? I tried what you explained in this video but there is nothing beyond the 30 seconds. Is the bulb mode in A1 somewhere else? Thank you!
Thanks for the short simple video. I have one question regarding processing time, i have noticed when shooting bulb mode that the processing time is always equal to the exposure time. For example, i shoot 1 minute and processing also takes 1 minute before i can take another shot. Now question is, is there a way to reduce the process time or not? Thanks
The processing time is exactly the exposure time so the camera can 'dark frame subtraction' which is how long exposure noise reduction works. You can disable longe exposure noise reduction in the cameras menus and do the process yourself in a program such as Photoshop. You will, however, still need to take at least one dark frame of your intended long exposure.
It was useful, but I'm a product photographer using strobe and I would like to use bulb mode so I can pop the strobes several times at full power and maintain a small aperture opening like used to do with film. I haven't tried it because I'm still new to the camera and I hope it works.
Hi Mark, when I access BULB mode the screen lights up and gives a bright representation of the scene. However when I take the shot ir exposes correctly. Is that usual?
I don't find it. Smart Remote is controlled with ImageEdge now, and while I am connected to my phone with the smart remote app active on the camera, I cannot select bulb in M mode. You say it is accessible. how?
Hi. I have a A7III. So I have the settings as presented, M mode, drive mode on single shooting, ... turn the dial until I hit the 30 seconds mark, but then it just doesn't switch to bulb mode while I keep turning on the dial... So is there anymore setting to look after that I'm missing? Is it the lens, is it f aperture,...?
I have an A7RIII and I have found that you can only set the BULB setting by using the rear rotary wheel. The front wheel only allows for a maximum shutter speed of 30sec. So in addition to Silent off and single shot and the miriad of other settings ensure you use the wheel on the back of the top of the camera. Bulb is then an option. For the couple of folks who are confused about BULB and why you have to hold the button in bulb mode. This is a "archaic" name that is derived from the old plate cameras that used a pneumatic bulb much like the blower brush you use to clean your camera. the operator squeezed the bulb to open the shutter and then many seconds later they let the bulb out and the shutter stopped. The setting you want is the T setting that was on many early manual film cameras where you hit the shutter once to open it and again to close it. Here endeth the history lesson.
The Control Wheel is not assigned a function by default in Shooting Mode. If the Front and Rear Dials are set to their default mode (Av/Tv Rotate in the Custom Operation menu), the front dial should control shutter speed and should be able to select BULB. If the camera cannot then this os not 'normal' behaviour.
Bulb mode allows you to start and stop the exposure manually so the upper limit is dictated by the time it takes to achieve an appropriate exposure. It is recommended that you purchase a 10 Stop ND filter and shoot in low ambient light or stack multiple ND filters.
I was looking for a way to make five minute minute exposures without holding the shutter button down for five minutes. Should be able to push shutter button once to start the exposure and once again to end it. I had high hopes that this camera with all the controls it has would have this feature. Any thoughts?
How can I see the time of the bulb exposure..? My Canon has a timer on the LCD, so I know when to stop it. I bought the remote from Sony to avoid being dependent of my phone. That phone wifi app thing is a bit frustrating for more serious work, especially when some one calls in the middle of your shot, you get all kinda notifications from apps popping up, you forgot to charge the phone, or the wifi connection suddenly drops and you have no control of the camera until the connection has been restored. I prefer to work with a simple bulletproof infrared remote instead and leave the phone in my car. But when I use my new remote I can't see how many seconds the exposure has "been running".. it seems very confusing that I have to go buy a stopwatch also. Is it an option that can be enabled somewhere in the menu..? Most other brands show the time on the LCD when you do really long exposures.
What specific wired remote would you recommend? I am hoping there is a reliable intervalometer that can also serve as long-exposure timer in BULB mode.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I found it. Thank you. Would you still recommend to invest into remote release instead of using a phone. I haven't tried it yet but It seams using the phone is not practical because you need to use a timer and close the shutter manually, or i am missing something, thank you.
I just can't get into bulb shutter mode on my Sony A7S III. I've set my Drive Mode to 'single' function to I've even initialised my camera to reset everything but I still can't see BULB after the 30 second shutter option. What am I missing or doing wrong?
Hi it seems that it is not possible to access bulb mode with the sony a6000 neither with playmemories camera app nor with touchless shutter.. i have tried everything without success.. Does anyone know a way to do bulb mode with a remote control for the sony a6000... Thx by advance
Have you checked to see if you are using the latest version of Playmemories. The earlier version of the App would could not use BULB but the later versions will. All wired remote controls will allow you to use BULB.
When I set my A7III to bulb and hit the shutter button, it snaps a photo right then and there. I want to do exposures longer than :30 and its not allowing me to do so. Camera is in single shot mode too.
Anyone knows where to find the bulb mode in the Sony A1? I tried deactivating the silent shooting mode but is not going beyond the 30 seconds. Thank you.
I will have the camera set to BULB in manual mode, but when I start "play Memories" control app BULB disappears. Is there a possible auto setting blocking it? App preset? Thinking of just getting the remote.
Thanks or this useful information. I couldn't find the bulb setting on my Sony A58 to take night sky photography. I honestly think Sony messed up big time for disregarding the bulb setting this way. Moreover the manual doesn't try to help users find it. It's a shame!
All Alpha cameras have the option for BULB mode. Set the Exposure Mode to Manual and the Drive Mode to Single-frame and BULB should appear after 30 seconds.
Problem with the bulb mode on my a 6300 is that you have to hold the shutter release to keep the shutter open. Almost useless, Need a remote to make it work in a reasonable manner. Should have been mentioned.
I can also strongly recommend the Pixel TW-282 remote. I've had mine for years, and it rocks! Its range is better than the camera's wifi, it has bulb mode with a timer and an intervalometer on it. It's really reliable. www.amazon.com/TW-282-Wireless-Shutter-Remote-Control/dp/B01GO0T0BO
Does anyone know of a way to have the shutter button act like a switch in Bulb mode? Example... Click it to start self timer and open shutter. Then let it expose without holding down. Then click it again to stop exposing. ??? I guess I can buy an intervalometer, but it's just one more thing to carry.
On a Sony a7iii you must also have silent shooting ‘off’. That will still override the bulb effect even if you’re in single shot drive mode.
Thanks ;)
Yes yes as I discovered too after a brief mental breakdown 🤣
still not showing up on my a7m4. singleshot, M mode, silent off, still by turning the dial 30 is the max. What else needed?
Finally figured out, you also need to turn off the electronic shutter
You are a life saver! Thank you!
Hello Mark, in the manual I found more settings which will prevent you to find the "Bulb mode" on the A6400 like:
- Smile Shutter
- Auto HDR
- Picture Effect is set to "HDR Painting" or "Rich-tone Mono"
- Multi Frame NR
- When Drive Mode is set to the following:
"Cont. Shooting", "Self-timer(Cont)", "Cont. Bracket"
- Silent Shooting --> This setting was set active in my situation
Kind regards and thanks for your helpfull video's!
Thanks for that comprehensive list - I am planning to make a movie on Settings that disable other settings - especially the ones where there is no screen indicating the conflicting setting.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills That would be great as the A6400 is more like a study object in order to get all benefits out of it (and I even don't use the video function!)
Thank you for the list, Dick! Silent shooting was the setting preventing me from finding the Bulb mode
I’m pretty sure I found this a couple of years ago when I couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t find bulb mode. I’m forgetful and had forgotten again. Thanks so much Mark for your videos and your help.
Bulb disappears on my a6300 if you have Silent Shooting turned on. So you need to set the camera to Single Shooting and turn off Silent Shooting.
Thank you! Same for a7s II. I can't even begin to think why it would be dependent on silent shooting other than so you can hear it click when it's done. This was the first video I watch trying to find the information and you save me from having to look further, so, thanks again.
Same here. It was the silent mode that fixed it for me.
Kirk Keyes thanks!
Thanks mate!
@@travissennett1026 thank you! really help me!
Thanks Mark! I keep coming back to this video every two years or so, when I've once again forgotten why bulb has disappeared. :)
Glad to help! I should also add that BULB disappears in Silent Shooting mode as well.
I spent so much time looking for bulb mode. Thanks so much for your insight.
I jokingly gave you a hard time about 2 years ago that you didnt explain how to get into bulb mode. I couldnt find the answer to that anywhere and it cost me long exposures on the west coast for a 20 day trip. I had just gone from cannon to sony and could not find how to get into that mode. Actually getting ready to go out again and had forgot. I see you updated your tutorials with this great one.
I have been adding hundreds of educational videos over the last four years and have also produced a dozen 500 and 600-page eBooks for most of the late model Alpha cameras (available on my Patreon.com/markgaler support channel).
THanks for sharing the BULB mode settings. Ad cool to see a man still sporting an earing like the 90s.
I can't express how grateful I am for this video. Thank you for revealing this!
Lifesaver great straight to the point video Mark
Thanks for the positive feedback.
Thank you for this. I saw this video on the A series Google+ user group. I haven't needed bulb mode yet but I must say that I was more shocked that I had to buy an app from the Sony store just to get into time lapse mode.
Mark, may I say a big thank you for explaining the question ; Where can I find the 'bulb' setting on my Sony Alpha Camera. I had spent ages asking Google for the answer, and it was like waiting for a politician to answer a simple question posed to him/her. Looking at your video I found it in minutes. This Old Codger is well delighted. Kind regards to you.
What a lifesaver - thank you Mark - been reading manuals but that was so quick and simple.
Thanks. Very helpful. Do you have a vid which also examines use of a cable release? I'm a new convert from Nikon and trying to get to grips with a very different UI. Thanks
For those of you found that this still didn't allow Bulb to show up you may been in my situation. I had been shooting in 'silent shutter' mode - Bulb can be used in that mode. Cheers!
Thanks!!
Aaahhh! -- cheers
“Bulb can be used in that mode.” » “Bulb can *not* be used in that mode.”
Mark, love your videos. I watched this video 2 times this morning trying to put my A1 in BULB mode. I hung on every work you spoke in the video, but could not find BULB mode. I spent over an hour trying to find it. Another video on CZcams said in order to do this, you have to put the camera in MECHANICAL SHUTTER mode. I did this, and Boom, there was BULB mode….. I was so frustrated I couldn’t see straight. Would have been helpful if you would have mentioned that. If it is possible to get BULB in electronic shutter mode I apologize, but your video to a lot of people as produced, didn’t help…… Seriously tho, you have answered so many questions for me in other areas. Thank you Sir !
This is an older video that is not fully supportive of newer cameras - I have a newer Bulb video on this channel
Thanks Mark, I have found that with my A7iii that you can achieve bulb mode in drive modes other than single shooting, i.e. Self Timer, Single Bracket, White Balance Bracket and DRO Bracket. now all I have to figure out is when you would use them!
Correct but technically those are variations of the Single Shooting Mode
I tried using 10 second timer with bulb mode selected for less vibration. Would not stay open after10 second mark, the shutter closes.
Its was impossible to find. Very useful information. Thank you!
Solved my problem. Thanks, Mark!
Great video always gives you great info.
Thank you so much I was searching the whole night for bulb mode on my Sony, now I know why 😁
Glad I could help!
I’d done exactly that with my Sony A7m3..had been shooting a parade when I last used my camera and had left it in Continuous drive mode..! Back to single shot and problem solved..thank you!
Thanks for the positive feedback
Thnx!! Was looking for this for so long! Great!
Important info. Thank you.
Thank you so much, I couldn't select bulb on A7R as I had it on continuous shooting! It was driving me crazy trying to work it out!😂
Thank you!
Very useful video. Thank you
thanks, looking for that. and with updated remote control app you can soot without keep pressing your camera button , from your smartphone
thank you for the information!
Simple question that I had and made me furious about not finding bulb function was answered. Thank you
Glad I could resolve the problem
This one really helped me, thank you very much. (Why do people klick "Thumbs down" on such a good tutorial? Are they stupid or bored or ... I don't get it.)
There is no pleasing some people - even when it’s free support for their camera 😀
Very useful, solved my issue finding the bulb mode
Thanks for the useful information. Glad I have found your channel and I then I came to realize that I had bought your Photoshop CS3 Essential Skills Book many years ago (co-authored with Andrew).
That seems like a different life now. Adobe closed their Ambassador program in the Asia Pacific region, I stopped teaching Prost production editing at a University and all of my learning resources went online. I now create seminars and eBooks for my Patrons over at www.patreon.com/markgaler
Again a great tutorial from Mark and also contribution from Kirk Keyes!
Finally, maybe Mark could influence Sony developers to display a timer on the screen when using Bulb mode on the next firmware update (ILCE-6400). It is a pitty such a lack feature (Sony support confirmed it is not currently available :-((
I have asked Sony for just such a feature :-)
Thank you ever so much! And congratulations for your channel. Clear, straight to the Point and mastering every subject👏🏻👏🏻!
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Hi, do you have some news from Sony about this point ?
Thank your for clear explanation and voice too !
I've recently moved from Fujifilm X-T2 , and doing long exposure has been a breeze. However, now with the Sony A7iii, it's a bit more inconvenient because there's no 2/4/8 minute option beyond the 30 seconds, as it just goes straight into Bulb mode. Is there a way to use Bulb mode with a built in timer indicator? With a remote or anything for the A7iii? Cheers :)
Unfortunately not but I have passed on this request to Sony.
You always save the day.....thanks Mark........
Thanks very much for taking the trouble to do this.
I find the Sony Alpha great and love it, but there are a few menu options that disable other things and can baffle you if you don't appreciate this.
There seem to be several features that I am often unaware affect something down another branch of the menu tree altogether. I've even had to reset to default on occasion to bypass this. (and, of course, I like to have my camera set up for certain things I am habituated to, then can't figure out how to get those back how I want them) I know, I know, R.T.F.M. (Read the Manual)
am I right in assuming I need a remote shutter control to do this?
Currently I have lazily been using the 10 second auto-shutter delay to avoid shake and a 20 second exposure usually captures stars reasonably well, though I find a high ISO causes noise on my camera, if I go beyond about 800.
For a remote shutter control, I managed to get the excellent "TriggerTrap" cable & android app (before they discontinued it) which is designed to do time lapse photography, so I figured for one more go at this pesky and elusive comet, I might have a bit of a practice before I burn more rubber trying to evade the cloud cover (and losing sleep)
I suppose I should really put in a bit of effort to take a few shots, as for taking a time lapse sequence and use some stacking software to really do it justice.
All my friends are posting cracking shots and I am very jealous, so I can't speak to them until I have mastered this!
www.markgaler.com/product/sony-alpha-problem-solving-guide
thank you. was very helpfull
As someone who exclusively shoots landscapes/seascapes (usually always in Aperture Priority mode), I have the Bulb setting selected in Manual mode and that way when I want to shoot longer exposures I simply switch the mode dial from Aperture Priority ('A') to Manual ('M'). Simple!
But if you select continuous shooting it will disappear
You are my hero !!! Thank you.... I've been twisting my brain.... !!
Thanks god, I was already thinking that my 700€ Camera isn't able to handle it.
Thanks a lot. :)
Thanks Mark!
Thanks I went out to day with my ND filters and set up for some landscaping shots I was all set did my calculations for for exposure and then I started looking for the bulb mode because I needed a four minute exposure with the 10 stop N D filter with the three stop graduated ND filter, so I had my Sony a7seven mark four ready to go, I started looking at the shutters speeds to my surprise bulb mode was nowhere to be found thank you Mark for helping me figure this out
Glad it helped!
Thank you for your informative video!
Glad it was helpful!
Is the a timer setting on the Sony which shows you how long the image is being taken for, as i cant seem to find it?
No - After 30 seconds I use my watch.
Hi Mark thanks for the info , just 1 more question: does the bulb mode overwrite the manual focus?
No its just a shutter speed that has no impact on focus
@@AlphaCreativeSkills well, my settings are M mode , Single shot, MF and BULB. Yes i can focus manual but as soon i press the release AF is taking over !
@@mikyoutee2931 - Are you using remote?
Yes. Hahnel hrs280
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Yes. Hahnel hrs280
Hi Mark thanks for explaining this nice video. Can I be able to this shot using Sony RX100 Vii ? Thanks
If the camera has the option to use a mechanical shutter this should be possible
Will this work with A5100? Where I can find Bulb setting in the menu?
That's what the movie explains
Hi Mark, could you let us know how to achieve this using the A1? I tried what you explained in this video but there is nothing beyond the 30 seconds. Is the bulb mode in A1 somewhere else? Thank you!
Set the Drive Mode to Single Shooting and Bulb should appear straight after 30 seconds
This saved me! Thanks!
Thanks for the short simple video. I have one question regarding processing time, i have noticed when shooting bulb mode that the processing time is always equal to the exposure time. For example, i shoot 1 minute and processing also takes 1 minute before i can take another shot. Now question is, is there a way to reduce the process time or not? Thanks
The processing time is exactly the exposure time so the camera can 'dark frame subtraction' which is how long exposure noise reduction works. You can disable longe exposure noise reduction in the cameras menus and do the process yourself in a program such as Photoshop. You will, however, still need to take at least one dark frame of your intended long exposure.
Thank you and very much appreciated.
Is it possible to have the rear screen show the image as it develops over time to help judge when to release the shutter? Sony A7riv
Currently not possible but it would be excellent if the Alpha cameras could do this
It was useful, but I'm a product photographer using strobe and I would like to use bulb mode so I can pop the strobes several times at full power and maintain a small aperture opening like used to do with film. I haven't tried it because I'm still new to the camera and I hope it works.
Should all be OK
I love you man..
This is great thanks but I'm not having any luck with getting play memories to DO bulb mode. Can it?
Start by updating the APP to make sure you are running the latest version.
Hi Mark, when I access BULB mode the screen lights up and gives a bright representation of the scene. However when I take the shot ir exposes correctly. Is that usual?
Yes that is correct. Live View Display which normally previews exposure is disabled for Bulb mode.
Bulb Mode is now accessible with the Smart Remote camera app that allows you to activate the shutter via your smartphone!
heredownunder thanks bud
I don't find it. Smart Remote is controlled with ImageEdge now, and while I am connected to my phone with the smart remote app active on the camera, I cannot select bulb in M mode.
You say it is accessible. how?
Mark is there a built in timer on the A7111 for long exposure say 2Mins ? in bulb mode
Darren Lane - 30 seconds is the maximum time before Bulb. There is no timed exposure beyond 30 seconds.
Any idea if this will be fixed in a future firmware update to set a in camera timer for over 30 sec rather than have to use external remote thanks
Darren Lan
Well done sir, just the info I was looking for. Can you tell me how you displayed the camera screen on your computer screen? Thank you.
HDMI cable from my laptop and Atomos NINJA to record the menus from the camera.
Thank you
Excellent - Thank you very much!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you very much
You are welcome
Thank you so much!!
You're welcome!
Mark do you need to use the remote with the New Sony A7C R or can it be set in caMERA??? THANKS Jack
The A7CR can set the duration of the BULB exposure in the camera menu.
thanks but its not a easy ting to set up.... maybe do a video on setting this up,,,, hoping thanks
I have a Patreon.com/markgaler support channel where Patrons can download a 500 of 600-page eBook for their camera.
Thanks!!!
Hi. I have a A7III. So I have the settings as presented, M mode, drive mode on single shooting, ... turn the dial until I hit the 30 seconds mark, but then it just doesn't switch to bulb mode while I keep turning on the dial... So is there anymore setting to look after that I'm missing? Is it the lens, is it f aperture,...?
Switch off Silent Shooting
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks :)
I have an A7RIII and I have found that you can only set the BULB setting by using the rear rotary wheel. The front wheel only allows for a maximum shutter speed of 30sec. So in addition to Silent off and single shot and the miriad of other settings ensure you use the wheel on the back of the top of the camera. Bulb is then an option.
For the couple of folks who are confused about BULB and why you have to hold the button in bulb mode. This is a "archaic" name that is derived from the old plate cameras that used a pneumatic bulb much like the blower brush you use to clean your camera. the operator squeezed the bulb to open the shutter and then many seconds later they let the bulb out and the shutter stopped. The setting you want is the T setting that was on many early manual film cameras where you hit the shutter once to open it and again to close it.
Here endeth the history lesson.
The Control Wheel is not assigned a function by default in Shooting Mode. If the Front and Rear Dials are set to their default mode (Av/Tv Rotate in the Custom Operation menu), the front dial should control shutter speed and should be able to select BULB. If the camera cannot then this os not 'normal' behaviour.
Peter Brighton
I can access my bulb mode but it only last for 4 seconds
Are you using a Remote release in Bulb mode?
Thank you sooooooooooo much!
You're welcome!
How can it take ? I mean the longest exposure, i want to take like 15 mins, is that possible with the sony a7 II?
Bulb mode allows you to start and stop the exposure manually so the upper limit is dictated by the time it takes to achieve an appropriate exposure. It is recommended that you purchase a 10 Stop ND filter and shoot in low ambient light or stack multiple ND filters.
I was looking for a way to make five minute minute exposures without holding the shutter button down for five minutes. Should be able to push shutter button once to start the exposure and once again to end it. I had high hopes that this camera with all the controls it has would have this feature. Any thoughts?
Use a remote release or the free SONY Camera Control app
There is one more setting that will disable Bulb Mode-Silent Shooting. Thus must be turned off to use Bulb.
Thank you
How can I see the time of the bulb exposure..? My Canon has a timer on the LCD, so I know when to stop it. I bought the remote from Sony to avoid being dependent of my phone. That phone wifi app thing is a bit frustrating for more serious work, especially when some one calls in the middle of your shot, you get all kinda notifications from apps popping up, you forgot to charge the phone, or the wifi connection suddenly drops and you have no control of the camera until the connection has been restored. I prefer to work with a simple bulletproof infrared remote instead and leave the phone in my car.
But when I use my new remote I can't see how many seconds the exposure has "been running".. it seems very confusing that I have to go buy a stopwatch also.
Is it an option that can be enabled somewhere in the menu..? Most other brands show the time on the LCD when you do really long exposures.
There is no timer associated with Bulb mode on the camera - I use a wired remote with a timer.
What specific wired remote would you recommend? I am hoping there is a reliable intervalometer that can also serve as long-exposure timer in BULB mode.
Can the Sony Play Memory app be used as a shutter release for longer exposure (30sec+ ) on Sony A7III
Yes - you can create a Wi-Fi connection and use Bulb mode on the Sonyplaymemories App
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I mean on smartphone app. I can't find that option. Thank you Mark for all your hard work and providing such a great content.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I found it. Thank you. Would you still recommend to invest into remote release instead of using a phone. I haven't tried it yet but It seams using the phone is not practical because you need to use a timer and close the shutter manually, or i am missing something, thank you.
You would need to use an intervalometer as remote releases do not have timers. I just set a timer using my smart watch 👍
Mark Galer's Alpha Creative Skills Thank you Mark. Looking forward for your new films.
Mark, how I get the bulb mode in the RX100V ?
Pop the camera into M (Manual) shoot mode and rotate the rear dial anti-clockwise.
I will try it.
thanks mate
thanks my g
Hi, the a68 has the bulb mode?
The original A100 had Bulb so I would imagine it is available on every Alpha camera made.
Next qu what app can be used for Sony for bulb mode and remote photos
You can use Sony's Imaging Edge Smartphone App or a hand-held remote. I use Sony's Bluetooth Remote.
I just can't get into bulb shutter mode on my Sony A7S III. I've set my Drive Mode to 'single' function to I've even initialised my camera to reset everything but I still can't see BULB after the 30 second shutter option. What am I missing or doing wrong?
Are you in silent shooting?
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks Mark. I was using silent shutter but now I've changed to mechanical shutter. All is good now.
Hi it seems that it is not possible to access bulb mode with the sony a6000 neither with playmemories camera app nor with touchless shutter.. i have tried everything without success.. Does anyone know a way to do bulb mode with a remote control for the sony a6000... Thx by advance
Have you checked to see if you are using the latest version of Playmemories. The earlier version of the App would could not use BULB but the later versions will. All wired remote controls will allow you to use BULB.
Thanks 🙏🏼
You’re welcome 😊
hi mark i have a7iv trying bulb mode but its not making long exposure its not working its just like taking normal pictures it clicks right away.
You have to use a remote so you can click to start and click again to stop.
@@AlphaCreativeSkills yes since i paired it with a remote i can no longer bulb manually and also my phone app sony remote doesnt work
When I set my A7III to bulb and hit the shutter button, it snaps a photo right then and there. I want to do exposures longer than :30 and its not allowing me to do so. Camera is in single shot mode too.
You need to use a remote release for bulb exposures
@@AlphaCreativeSkills how come i could use timer before the last firmwear update without the cable release but not anymore.
You should add that the mechanical shutter function must be. in the silent shutter position, BULB is not available
That information has been added to the info section below the movie
Still do not see Bulb? Single shooting, silent shooting OFF. Manual mode. Can't go beyond 30 sec.??? (Sony A7R3)
omg thank you so much!!! i was driving myself crazy lol.
You're welcome!
Thank you!!!!!
You're welcome!
I did exactly that and changed to single shooting. It stays at 30 and will not change to bulb a7r4. Help.
Anyone knows where to find the bulb mode in the Sony A1? I tried deactivating the silent shooting mode but is not going beyond the 30 seconds. Thank you.
Have you set the Drive Mode on the top of the camera to single shooting?
@@AlphaCreativeSkills I am in single shooting and manual mode and it doesn't come up. Any other change in the settings that I should make?
And switched to mechanical shutter?
In bulb mode how can we calculate time of shutter for a perfect exposure???
A stop watch or an Interval Timer
Bulb mode even on ISO 100 is to bright.. anything I do wrong?
Close the Aperture down and/or use an ND filter for exposures longer than 30 seconds.
I have a Sony A77ii and when i switch to single shooting I still can not get into bulb mode by adjusting shutter speed.
Switch the camera to AF-S and BULB will appear. It is not an option in AF-C.
For some reason it still doesn't work. I've switched to AF-S and I am in single and the time on the slider wont go beyond 30 seconds.
Are you in Silent Shutter?
@@markgaler Thank You x1000.
Bulb disappears when I put the camera into the remote app. Seems pointless. Does it work with physical remote?
Bulb should appear on the updated Remote App - it also works with a wired or wireless remote.
I will have the camera set to BULB in manual mode, but when I start "play Memories" control app BULB disappears. Is there a possible auto setting blocking it? App preset? Thinking of just getting the remote.
I believe you just need to update the remote app to the latest version.
Thanks Mark. Great vids. I'll be watching more.
Thanks or this useful information. I couldn't find the bulb setting on my Sony A58 to take night sky photography. I honestly think Sony messed up big time for disregarding the bulb setting this way. Moreover the manual doesn't try to help users find it. It's a shame!
All Alpha cameras have the option for BULB mode. Set the Exposure Mode to Manual and the Drive Mode to Single-frame and BULB should appear after 30 seconds.
All Sony cameras have BULB mode. Set the Exposure Mode to Manual and BULB should appear after 30 Seconds
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thank you.
👏👏👏
Thanks for your positive feedback
Problem with the bulb mode on my a 6300 is that you have to hold the shutter release to keep the shutter open. Almost useless, Need a remote to make it work in a reasonable manner. Should have been mentioned.
Or the free Smart Remote Sony Playmemories Phone App - which is a very reasonable manner - given that its Free.
I can also strongly recommend the Pixel TW-282 remote. I've had mine for years, and it rocks! Its range is better than the camera's wifi, it has bulb mode with a timer and an intervalometer on it. It's really reliable.
www.amazon.com/TW-282-Wireless-Shutter-Remote-Control/dp/B01GO0T0BO
The Smart Remote app won't work with the new cameras like the a7R3, a9, a7R4.
Just another things that prevents bulb appearing - electronic shutter. Switch to mechanical shutter along with the other advice offered here!
Good tip
Does anyone know of a way to have the shutter button act like a switch in Bulb mode? Example... Click it to start self timer and open shutter. Then let it expose without holding down. Then click it again to stop exposing. ??? I guess I can buy an intervalometer, but it's just one more thing to carry.
You can’t program the button to do this but you could use the remote app
@@AlphaCreativeSkills Thanks Mark. I went that route last night after doing some more research. Works great.
thx
Bulb mode will not work also if you are in electronic shutter