Long exposures and my remote(s) don't mix well?

[simion]

Hey guys

So, as you probably all know, i own a Nikon D90. Long time ago, i got my first wireless remote. i went out, and put it to test. One click to open the shutter, one to close it. (bulb mode)

A few weeks later, i had to literally hold down the button to keep the shutter open. The same night, that didn't work anymore either. Also, when selecting my shutter release mode to "remote", i would only get exposure times up to 10". If i take this shot, then the option of 30" opens up to me. However, if i twist it after 30", instead of giving me BULB mode, it shows on the screen " -- ".

Now, if i switch my shutter release to normal (single), it lets me go in the bulb mode. I switch back to remote, it doesn't. I'm so confused.

Someone recommended me to switch the battery in the remote. While i was too lazy to get one ordered, i ordered a battery grip that came with an infrared remote. Same story. Max exposure time for remote is 30", and then "--", instead of bulb. (it might be worth to say that when in the -- mode, it just takes pictures as it would normally ).

HURR

 

[SCraig]

To get "Bulb" you have to be in manual exposure mode.

 

[simion]

Yes, i missed that out of the original post, but i am in fully manual mode

Late edit: and to prove i'm not absolutely stupid : http://i.imgur.com/Gg4tS.jpg
It can't be seen properly, but that is indeed manual.

 

[SCraig]

That "- -" display means it is set to use the ML-L3 remote and not the main shutter release in bulb mode. See page 85 of your owner's manual.

 

[Big Mike]

FYI, if you shutter speed is going to be longer than about 10 seconds (give or take), the slight vibration from pressing the shutter button, is not likely to affect the image.

 

[simion]

@SCraig, i know. As you can see, next to "BKT" the shutter release is the remote - ML-L3. And it worked before, but from a time, it stopped working, for a reason that i can't quite pinpoint.
@Big Mike, yes, i tried that however, when i'm doing 2-3 minutes, maybe even longer, it is likely to shake the camera a bit, and/or it gets really, really uncomfortable

LE: no other ideas then?