Photography Life

PL provides various digital photography news, reviews, articles, tips, tutorials and guides to photographers of all levels

  • Lens Reviews
  • Camera Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • Compare Cameras
  • Forum
    • Sign Up
    • Login
  • About
  • Search
Home → Reviews → Camera Gear Accessories

Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote Review

By Tom Redd 26 Comments
Last Updated On June 13, 2015

After reviewing the Nikon ML-3 Compact Modulite Remote and the Vello FreeWave Plus remotes with more basic features, we now turn our attention to the Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote which has been kindly provided to us by B&H Photo – the world’s largest photo and video equipment reseller where we buy most of our equipment.

Nikon MC-36 Multi Function Remote

Table of Contents

  • Features
  • Handling
  • Build Quality
  • Packaging and Manual
  • Value
  • Conclusion
  • Where to Buy

1) Features

The Nikon MC-36 can be used as a remote release, a delayed shutter release, programmed as an intervalometer or to activate the bulb function on certain Nikon cameras. For those who may not be familiar with an intervalometer, it can be programmed to take a series of photos, with a preset length of exposure as well as time interval between exposures.

2) Handling

The unit works as one would expect and is straight forward to program using the multifunction button to set a delay if desired, the length of each exposure as well as the interval between the exposure and finally, the number of exposures. It can be set to a predetermined number of exposures (1-399) or it can repeat indefinitely.

The transmitter has an LCD screen which is backlit for operation in low light situations. It fits nicely in your hand and I found the controls to be responsive. The biggest drawbacks are related to the fact that is it a corded (approx.. 33.5 in./850mm in length) remote and unless you set it on a timer, you will have to remain next to the camera to operate it. Furthermore, the cord can move in wind creating unwanted vibrations in the camera. In order to achieve the least amount of vibration possible, a wireless remote used in conjunction with mirror lock-up is best.

Nikon MC-36
NIKON D700 @ 50mm, ISO 200, 1/60, f/8.0

3) Build Quality

Build quality is again similar to the ML-3 and other Nikon products with nice fit. I did find the buttons and controls on this device to have the nicest feel of the remotes in this series of reviews.

4) Packaging and Manual

The MC-36 comes with no carrying or storage case, just a simple basic manual describing care and programming.

5) Value

The programability of the MC-36 gives you more control than the previously reviewed Nikon ML-3 or Vello FreeWave remotes. However, it is still expensive for what you get considering it is a corded device, so I rate this as a relatively low value. In an upcoming review we will review the Wireless Vello ShutterBoss controller which has similar features in a wireless design for less money. If you do not mind a cord, then you could consider the non wireless version of the Vello ShutterBoss for less than half the cost of the Nikon MC-36.

6) Conclusion

With good third party wireless remotes such as the Vello Freewave Plus and Vello Shutterboss at a lower price ($59.95 and $99.50, respectively), it is hard to justify purchasing this particular remote at this price.

7) Where to Buy

B&H currently sells the Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote for $124.95 (as of 05/08/2012)

Nikon MC-36 Multi-Function Remote
  • Features
  • Build Quality
  • Handling
  • Value
  • Size and Weight
  • Packaging and Manual

Photography Life Overall Rating

3.3
Looking for even more exclusive content?

On Photography Life, you already get world-class articles with no advertising every day for free. As a Member, you'll get even more:

Silver ($5/mo)
  • Exclusive articles
  • Monthly Q&A chat
  • Early lens test results
  • "Creative Landscape Photography" eBook
Gold ($12/mo)
  • All that, PLUS:
  • Online workshops
  • Monthly photo critiques
  • Vote on our next lens reviews
 
Click Here to Join Today
 

Related Articles

  • Nikon ML-3 Compact Modulite Remote
    Nikon ML-3 Compact Modulite Remote Review
  • Screenshot 2019-02-04 13.28.45
    Nikon Lens-Only Discounts on 13 Lenses
  • Vello FreeWave Plus Wireless Remote
    Vello FreeWave Plus Wireless Remote Review
  • D700 at Weddings
    Is Nikon D700 Obsolete?
Disclosures, Terms and Conditions and Support Options
Filed Under: Camera Gear Accessories Tagged With: Nikon, Product Reviews, Remote, Wireless Remote

About Tom Redd

Tom grew up in Texas, but the love of nature and the mountains lured him and his family to Colorado, where he and his wife raised their kids enjoying the beauty and activities that surround them. It is that beauty of both wildlife and landscape that made Tom want to capture and preserve these experiences through photography. He became serious about photography in 2008 and continues to learn and refine his skills. Some of his photos can be found at 500px.

guest

guest

26 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Tony
Tony
May 1, 2021 12:38 pm

Please note. I took apart both a Nikon MC-36 and a Phottix TR-90 intervalometer. Apart from the logo’s they appeared, inside and out, totally similar! The Nikon I see advertised new at up to c.£159.00 in the UK, and the Phottix c.£15.00…..Make your own conclusion from that.

0
Reply
Stefan Kreutschmann
Stefan Kreutschmann
January 23, 2018 1:18 pm

Because of my earlier experiences, I´m not a friend of cheap crappy chinese copys of some original stuff.
The cheap technical quality and the chinese quality controls will never be equal to the originals from Nikon.
“Original or nothing”

0
Reply
Stefan Kreutschmann
Stefan Kreutschmann
January 23, 2018 1:15 pm

Because o fmy experiences, I´m not a friend of cheap crappy chinese copys of some original stuff.

“Original or nothing”

0
Reply
Paramvir
Paramvir
April 7, 2014 5:07 am

Hi Guys! Thanks for the review. I have been planning to buy one, but what I need to know is, does it allow for almost unlimited time exposures?

The camera allows for 30 seconds. If I want, lets say, 45 minutes, or 2 hours? Can I program that? Or do I have to press a button and wait for 45 minutes before releasing? Or is there a shutter press + lock kind of button?

0
Reply
Tom Redd
Tom Redd
Author
Reply to  Paramvir
April 7, 2014 8:50 am

Paramvir, it has a bulb function which allows you to control the length of exposure. However, Nikon has discontinued this product. You may wish to look into the Vello Shutterboss or something similar.

0
Reply
madan gopal vyas
madan gopal vyas
July 19, 2013 8:15 am

can we use MC – 36 remote with Nikon D90 camera????????

madan vyas

0
Reply
alok
alok
May 22, 2013 9:59 am

Hi Nasim,

I have phottix TC 90 N8 cable release which is very similar to MC-36 . It has been working fine till now but the socket with the 10 pins that attaches to the camera came off recently. The only thing left behind is the cable with two wires coming out of it. The remote itself seem to be working but it can’t trigger the camera as the cable is damaged. Is there a way to replace the cable since the remote is fine? I searched a lot but could not get any MC 36 replacement cable .

saurav

0
Reply
Barry Kidd
Barry Kidd
April 18, 2013 2:04 pm

Mine just now came in the mail, within the last hour or so. I’m currently looking all over the web for info on how to set it up. The manual is lacking to say the least.

Any words of advice?

Barry

0
Reply
Barry Kidd
Barry Kidd
Reply to  Barry Kidd
April 18, 2013 2:24 pm

OK, I got it. The little bar at the top! WOW!

0
Reply
Nandha
Nandha
November 22, 2012 1:57 am

Hi Tom,

I am planning to buy this one but there was news that this model is withdrawn and will be shortly replaced by a different one. Am i right?

0
Reply
Tom Redd
Tom Redd
Author
Reply to  Nandha
November 23, 2012 7:02 pm

Nandha, the MC-36 has been replaced by the MC-36A which has updated materials and construction but the same functionality as I understand it.

0
Reply
Adnan Khan
Adnan Khan
May 17, 2012 10:00 am

Hi Tom,
Nice short info on MC-36 :) ,I have this MC-36 and only used it once on the F100.
Most DSLRs have built in intervalometer ,and wireless remotes are more easy and as the name says are wireless :) so, basically what purpose this corded one can do as for the D800 ?
I’m already using the tiny ML-L3 with the D5000 and D7000 and it works pretty fine,mostly I use it in mirror lock up mode.
I think it’s a nice product but the cord is very short.(for someone trying to control the camera from their tent) :)

cheers!

0
Reply
Chandra
Chandra
May 17, 2012 6:41 am

Hi,
Intervalometer – does this help me to program and shoot HDR shots upto 7 or 9 shots continuously with diff exposures ranging ( +4 to -4) or (+3 to -3) .. cause currently i have a D5000 camera, which allows me to take only max 3 shots with only (+2 to -2)

0
Reply
Tom Redd
Tom Redd
Author
Reply to  Chandra
May 17, 2012 9:06 am

Chandra, your D5000 has a built in intervalometer. Look under the Shooting Menu and it is called, “Interval Timer Shooting”. The intervalometer allows you to take a series of shots at timed intervals for a preset number of exposures with a preset exposure duration. The MC-36 will not let you set it to change the exposure between shots, that is a function of your auto bracketing built into the camera, in your case the D5000.

0
Reply
Chandra
Chandra
Reply to  Tom Redd
May 17, 2012 10:29 am

Thank you.. will try that.

0
Reply
Tom Redd
Tom Redd
Author
Reply to  Chandra
May 17, 2012 10:36 am

To be clear, neither the built in intervalometer nor the MC-36 will allow you to program changes to the exposure duration from one exposure to the next. The exposure duration will remain constant. The auto bracket function of the camera will allow you to adjust exposures but it is limited as you say in your original post.

0
Reply

Learn

  • Beginner Photography
  • Landscape Photography
  • Wildlife Photography
  • Portraiture
  • Post-Processing
  • Advanced Tutorials
Photography Life on Patreon

Reviews

  • Camera Reviews
  • Lens Reviews
  • Other Gear Reviews
  • Best Cameras and Lenses

Photography Tutorials

Photography Basics
Landscape Photography
Wildlife Photography
Macro Photography
Composition & Creativity
Black & White Photography
Night Sky Photography
Portrait Photography
Street Photography
Photography Videos

Unique Gift Ideas

Best Gifts for Photographers

Subscribe via Email

If you like our content, you can subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly email updates using the link below:

Subscribe to our newsletter

Site Menu

  • About Us
  • Beginner Photography
  • Lens Database
  • Lens Index
  • Photo Spots
  • Search
  • Forum

Reviews

  • Reviews Archive
  • Camera Reviews
  • Lens Reviews
  • Other Gear Reviews

More

  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
  • Workshops
  • Support Us
  • Submit Content

Copyright © 2025 · Photography Life

You are going to send email to

Move Comment