Firing Modes for Photographic Support Systems® Canon EOS Pistol Grip Housings

Canon EOS pistol grip housings have a two switch firing system. The trigger switch on the pistol grip part of the housing fires the camera. The switch on the side of the housing is the ON-OFF switch. This switch is often used as a "reset" button to activate camera functions.

Camera OFF - - - - - - - - - Camera ON

When the side switch is pointed towards the rear of the housing, the housing's firing system is OFF. When the switch is pointed towards the front of the housing, the firing system is ON.

Turn the housing side switch OFF. Plug the camera plug into the camera. Turn camera ON. Put the camera in the housing then attach the front port. Turn the side switch on to make sure everything is working then turn it off until you are ready to start shooting.

Canon EOS Digital Cameras

AI Servo or AI Focus Mode
Single Shot Mode - Side switch ON: Camera will focus until being fired. After being fired, the camera will not focus or fire.
Single Shot Mode - Side switch ON then OFF: Camera focuses and fires. In shutter priority mode, the shutter speed is displayed, aperture appears after firing. Camera shuts off after four minutes. In this mode, the side switch can be used as a focus lock or reset switch.
Continuous Firing Mode - Side switch ON: Camera focuses wherever it is aimed and fires whenever trigger switch is pulled. This is the highest performance mode that uses the most battery power.
Continuous Firing Mode - Side switch ON then OFF: Camera fires whenever trigger switch is pulled. Focus is limited because the drive is too fast to allow the lens to refocus. In shutter priority mode, the shutter speed is displayed, aperture appears after firing. Camera shuts off after four minutes.

One Shot Mode
Single Shot Mode - Side switch ON then OFF: Camera will focus wherever it is aimed but will not fire until the camera achieves focus lock on a subject. Camera will not fire unless it has a subject in focus.
Continuous Firing Mode - Side switch ON then OFF: Camera will focus when trigger is pulled, then fire when focus lock on a subject has been achieved. Camera will not fire unless it has a subject in focus.

Manual Focus Mode (Lens set on "MF")
Preset lens focus. Best with wide angle and fisheye lenses.
Single Shot Mode - Side switch ON then OFF: Camera will fire as fast as trigger switch can be pulled. Camera shuts off after four minutes.
Continuous Firing Mode - Side switch ON: Maximum speed from camera motor drive. Full display readout. Continuous Firing Mode - Side switch ON then OFF: Maximum speed from camera motor drive. In shutter priority mode, the shutter speed is displayed, aperture appears after firing. Camera shuts off after four minutes.

Canon EOS Film Cameras

AI Servo Mode
Continuous or Single Shot Mode - Side switch ON or ON then OFF: Camera fires whenever trigger switch is pulled and focuses wherever the camera is aimed.
One Shot Mode Single Shot Mode - Side switch ON then OFF: Camera will focus wherever it is aimed but will not fire until the camera achieves focus lock on a subject. Camera will not fire unless it has a subject in focus.
Continuous Firing Mode - Side switch ON then OFF: Camera will focus when trigger is pulled, then fire when focus lock on a subject has been achieved. Camera will not fire unless it has a subject in focus.

Manual Focus Mode (Lens set on "MF")
Preset lens focus. Best with wide angle and fisheye lenses.
Single Shot Mode - Side switch ON then OFF: Camera will fire as fast as trigger switch can be pulled. Camera shuts off after four minutes.
Continuous Firing Mode - Side switch ON or ON then OFF: Maximum speed from camera motor drive.

With either a digital or film camera, if the camera is not being used, switch the side switch to the OFF position to save battery power.

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