Looking for a solution for a shutter release

I have a COOL PIX 8700.  I should be using the MC-EU1 remote shutter release.  I have been trying to buy one on Ebay, but they have become quite pricey, and even more worrysome is that the reviews I have read on other sites say that they are not worth much. 

 So here is my dilema:  I just need a remote shutter release to take pictures with the camera set on a tripod.  I don't need any of the fancy bells and whistles the MC-EU1 offers.  Is there some other cable solution out there?