Does anyone make a GOOD 20ft cable release?

[Certain Exposures]

I need one!

My flimsy, plastic air cable release common on the market broke last night because the plastic tubing tore from wear. There may be a problem with the ball, too. It no longer swells with air.

The cable was not a joy to use when it was working because the air often failed to make it to the shutter tripper.

This is the cable release that failed me. I do not remember where I purchased my copy: https://www.ultrafineonline.com/20aircare.html

 

[Bob Merlin]

Depending on your camera make, there are electronic remotes, cord and cordless that will work.
I've got one of those squeeze bulb 25' remotes; one of those "must haves" that I've never used.

 

[MTGseattle]

The bulb and hose that Packard shutter supplies seem fairly robust. I'm not sure how much space in one's bag 20' of said hose would take up since I think the hoses overall diameter is larger than that of the linked item.

one could also cobble together an outboard motors fuel priming bulb along with a couple of fittings and some automotive vacuum hose if one were inclined towards building something.

Would one of the small Kopil, etc self timers work in lieu of a long cable release?

 

[Chuck1]

I've never had a good one, stepping on the bulb worked best

 

[cowanw]

Remote Control Mechanical Shutter Release Mk.3 — Reveni Labs

Reveni Labs Remote Control Mechanical Shutter Release - wirelessly trigger your film cameras from up to 330 feet (100 meters) away. Compatibility Note: Older large format shutters requiring “long throw” cable releases are not likely to work. This device has a more modern throw length around 3/4

www.reveni-labs.com

This works well if you do not need a long throw.

 

[koraks]

I echo @cowanw's suggestions - use a remote-controlled solution. Much more flexible, sensible and ultimately also more durable as a 20ft release cable just begs to break in some way.

 

[thinkbrown]

I have been pondering trying to diy something based on bicycle hydraulic brake hose. The electronic solution is cool but the lack of compatibility with older shutters is kind of a dealbrealer for me (I've got a bunch of older wollensak glass mounted on alphax shutters).

 

[cowanw]

It is a kludge, but what I have done is to take a length of paperclip ( by trial and error the length extension that is required to fire the shutter using the electronic remote.
and leave that in the shutter. Naturally it will fall out so I hold it in place with a 3 inch extender left permanently on the shutter.
eg

Category - Cable Releases

Available as either a Disc Lock Cable Release or a T-Lock Cable Release for all requirements, they are an essential to any photographer and we provide a wide range of lengths or colours to suit each individual specifications.

www.silvestricamera.com

Extension short​

The extension is screwed in between camera and cable release and increases the release distance by 8 cm.
code CR1401

 

[4season]

If self-timer or electric release aren't options, it's kind of a tricky problem: Can you rebuild the existing unit with less-elastic tubing and a bigger bulb? Perhaps clear PVC tubing as used in the aquarium trade would be suitable, though it's not kink-proof.

 

[Don_ih]

The price at B&H is $30. For something that I can't imagine needs to be used very often, it's a good price. I have one exactly like it and I'm pretty sure it'll last until the rubber dries out (or whatever it's made of).

 

[Certain Exposures]

Remote Control Mechanical Shutter Release Mk.3 — Reveni Labs

Reveni Labs Remote Control Mechanical Shutter Release - wirelessly trigger your film cameras from up to 330 feet (100 meters) away. Compatibility Note: Older large format shutters requiring “long throw” cable releases are not likely to work. This device has a more modern throw length around 3/4

www.reveni-labs.com

This works well if you do not need a long throw.

Thanks, how long have you been using it? What do you find frustrating about it?

 

[cowanw]

I was an early user; One year now. It works extremely well on most ordinary 35mm and Hasselblad shutters but not on electronic shutters like Contax. Older large format shutters (say pre 1940ish) need help as I posted. The most frustrating thing was the size which should not hang by the shutter release, so some sort of support if you are using a tripod- tape, string or a more imaginative clamp

 

[JPD]

I've been wanting a remote control mechanical shutter release for many years, so I might buy one of these. I already have an extension that I use with the Autoknips IV selftimer on old dial-set Compur shutters.