Remote Shutter for the Ricoh Theta S

The Ricoh CA-3 Remote Shutter Release is a simple, quick remote shutter release that now works with the Theta S and Theta SC 360° cameras.

Ricoh CA-3 Remote Shutter for Ricoh GRII and Theta S
Last Updated:
Filed Under: 360°, Reviews

I MAY get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

I wish the Ricoh Theta S camera with a wireless remote shutter. Of course, it can be controlled by wifi with the Theta smartphone app, and that has a lot of features that couldn’t be included in a remote shutter.

Ricoh Cable Wired Remote Shutter Release, Black (30004)
  • Wired shutter release that works via the camera's USB port
  • Compatible with the following Ricoh cameras: THETA SGRGRIIGR DIGITAL IV G800/SE
But I would still like to have a simple, quick, and reliable way to operate the Theta S’s shutter without all of the bells and whistles, waiting for data to download, and establishing wifi connections that the smartphone app involves.

There’s now at least a partial solution. The Ricoh CA-3 Remote Shutter Release is actually an existing model that has long worked with several Ricoh cameras, including the GR II. It now also works with the Theta S and Theta SC, thanks to firmware updates in those cameras.

But I should emphasize the “partial” aspect. This isn’t a wireless remote–it still needs to connect to the camera via a cable.

Ricoh CA-3 Remote Shutter for Ricoh GRII and Theta S

Nevertheless, I still find it useful. If you’re using the Theta S above you on a stick or monopod, it’s a simpler way to operate the shutter than messing with the mobile app. And it lets you shoot higher than you can when holding the camera in your hand (and getting your thumb in the frame).

It’s a very simple device. It has a shutter release, and that’s about it. There’s no way to set timelapse intervals or schedule the shutter. It’s a one-click pony.

Extension Adapter

One of the annoyances with the way the Theta S has the ports on the bottom of the camera is that if you mount it on a tripod or stick, the ports will probably be inaccessible. You run into that same issue with this remote shutter release.

There’s a simple solution: use an extension adapter.

The shutter release doesn’t come with the adapter, so you’ll need to pick that up separately. Ricoh has their own, the Ricoh TE-1. But it’s simply a small threaded stick of metal, and there are aftermarket options from other manufacturers that work just as well and are often cheaper.

Battery Life

Ricoh claims that its in-house testing results for a standard alkaline battery were about 19,000 shots (continuous shooting at intervals of 30 seconds at 23°C and 50% humidity). I haven’t taken that many photos with it, so I can’t independently confirm that. But whatever the number, it’s a lot in terms of how most people will use it with the Theta S.

Something to watch out for is that if the remote is switched on, it is drawing power. It doesn’t have an auto-off function. I’ve accidentally left it on more than once.

Ricoh CA-3 Remote Shutter for Ricoh GRII and Theta S

What’s Not in the Box

  • AAA battery
  • micro-USB cable to connect to the camera

Troubleshooting

There are various reports from users that haven’t been able to get the CA-3 to work with the Theta S. I obviously can’t say for sure that these were the causes of their troubles, but there are two things to try:

  • Upgrade the firmware to the latest version. Support for the CA-3 was added in firmware v.01.62 released July 14, 2016. At the time of writing, the firmware is up to v.01.82.
  • Make sure you’re using the correct cable. You want to be using the micro-USB port, which is the one you use for charging. It won’t work when using the HDMI port and cable. If you’re using a third-party micro-USB cable, try using the one that camera with the camera.

Buy At

I bought mine at B&H Photo. They’re also sold at Amazon.

Ricoh Cable Wired Remote Shutter Release, Black (30004)
  • Wired shutter release that works via the camera's USB port
  • Compatible with the following Ricoh cameras: THETA SGRGRIIGR DIGITAL IV G800/SE
JJC Aluminum Lens Cap Cover Protector for Ricoh GR IIIx GRIIIx GR III GRIII...
  • Compatibility: The lens cap is specially designed for Ricoh GR IIIx, GR III & GR II
  • Protection: The soft EVA interior protects the lens against scratches, moisture & dust
JJC LC-GR3 Metal Lens Cap for Ricoh GR III GR IIIx and GR II Camera, Ricoh...
  • JJC LC-GR3 Lens Cap is Specially designed for Ricoh GR III GR IIIx and GR II
  • Protects your Lens When not in use Perfect match to your Lens
Camera Thumb Grip, GR3 Aluminum Alloy Thumb Rest Up Hand Grip Replacement...
  • Suitable for Ricoh GR GRII GRIII camera, and for Fuji X70 camera.
  • Comfortable to grip, ensure the balance and safety of the camera.

Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2023-09-25 at 16:28. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

David Coleman / Photographer

David Coleman

I'm a professional freelance travel photographer based in Washington DC. Seven continents, up mountains, underwater, and a bunch of places in between. My images have appeared in numerous publications, and you can check out some of my travel photography here. More »

Leave a Comment