Newest accessory for long exposure photography... the microwave oven!

[jaredangle]

Well, I was browsing around on flickr tonight and found some inspiring astrophotography pictures, star trails, etc. Pretty awesome. Unfortunately, the D700 needs the multi-function electronic cable release to do proper bulb exposures (unless you're going to hold down the shutter button forever and shake the camera). So out comes the trusty F4, 85mm f/1.8, and a roll of Velvia 100. I set up the camera and run back inside to calculate my exposure on a sheet of paper... I decided to bracket. 20 minutes, 25 minutes, 30 minutes, and 35 minutes. Unfortunately, my cell phone lacks a decent alarm (dependent on signal for time) and has no stopwatch function. I begin freaking out, because I want to shoot these photos. What do I do? Set the timer on the microwave. So now I'm having a staring contest with the microwave, waiting for it to chime so I can run outside and end the exposure.

 

[The Standard Deviant]

It's probably not all that good for the microwave to run it without a load for a long time, or if there's dirt in there it might be susceptible to burning, so be careful! You can probably buy an egg timer for $3, or download a free programme for your computer.

 

[Luna]

Just open the shutter, go to sleep, and wake up before the sun starts peaking to stop the exposure.

 

[rbiemer]

It's certainly not good for a microwave oven to run empty but most newer ones have a timer function which is very handy.
For such long exposures, though, I'd have thought a watch would be the easiest solution?
If you're off by a second in a 35 minute exposure thats 1/2100 of your total exposure and not very significant, I think.
Rob