I had this same problem in the 90s. Self timer is the only alternative, since it's not threaded for a cable release and there is no provision for wireless remote on this model. If you need to leave the shutter open for extended exposures at night, it causes battery drain. As I recall the N50's battery was kind of pricy for the number of rolls it would shoot with 25-50% flash. The cost and inconvenience of N50 night photography drove me to find an FG. The money saved on batteries paid for the FG in short order. The computerized flash system with D series lenses was great though.