A no shake mechanical Cable release?

[hoffy]

On the weekend I tried a couple of 1 second exposures with my K-O and found that a few shots suffered from camera shake. I had the camera mounted on a decent tripod, using a standard run of the mill cable release, which was a bit too short. I am pretty sure that the issue I was experiencing was due to the force required to actuate the shutter causing the shake.

Since I am in the market for a decent cable, what can people recommend as a decent mechanical shutter release? Should I simply go for a bulb type air actuator (cheap, cheery and simple), or is there other types people would recommend?

Cheers

 

[Vaughn]

While you were there and know best, I tend to think that the cable release would not be the source of the shaking -- if you kept some slack in the cable and did not have it pulled tight. The amount of force needed for the piston of the cable to trip the shutter will probably be the same no matter what type of cable you use.

I do not know what a "K-O" is, but if it is a single lens reflex type of camera, you might be getting vibration due to the mirror, if it has one. I know from experience that such cameras as the OM1 need to have the mirror locked up on long exposures -- a light-weight camera and a strong mirror action.

Vaughn

 

[RTMoynihan]

the air bulb would be quite a good idea, or, if your camera has a timer, set it upon the timer and let it fire for 1 sec. But if you're manually timing 1 second try an air release one, they are a lot smoother than the cabled one

 

[epatsellis]

a deGroff air release will solve any release related vibration issues. Your Koni Omega doesn't have a mirror, so doubtful that the problem lies there.

 

[Rick A]

I agree with Vaughn, especially with mirror slap. Most modern SLR cameras have some sort of mirror damping system, but even that doesn't completely eliminate the vibration, mirror lock-up is the most effective means to that end.

 

[holmburgers]

I'll 2nd (3rd) the air release idea. There's absolutely no chance of shake, whereas with a mechanical release you're still directly coupled to the camera. Even if there's slack, the slack acts like a leaf spring and pushes against the camera... at least in my experience.

 

[epatsellis]

for those that have never seen a Koni Omega,
Dead Link Removed

it's a rangefinder focused, medium format modular camera system.

 

[Vaughn]

Ahhh...so that is what a K-O is! I used a similar camera, a Mamiya Press Super 23, last year in Yosemite...great cameras!

So I will agree that an air release might help out. I am still surprised that operating a standard cable release causes problems, but an air release is smoother.

 

[MattKing]

While you were there and know best, I tend to think that the cable release would not be the source of the shaking -- if you kept some slack in the cable and did not have it pulled tight. The amount of force needed for the piston of the cable to trip the shutter will probably be the same no matter what type of cable you use.


Vaughn

I agree with Vaughn.

Two points particular to Koni-Omegas:

1) the cable shutter release requires a long throw and a fairly high amount of pressure. For that reason, a longer cable release, with a long loop and lots of slack is necessary; and

2) the Koni-Omega's release is on the front of the body, and unlike most 35mm cameras requires a push straight back. When the camera is on a tripod, actuating the release will have a tendency to twist the camera slightly. Some tripods are much less effective at resisting that twist.

 

[hoffy]

Thanks all,

And to why was I getting shake? Its exactly as Matt suggested. The cable that I had was way to short, so it was easy to actually physically rock the camera while holding onto the release (I saw myself do it!). I just thought that since I needed to get a longer release, I might as well try and get something that works properly in the first place (thinking of future cameras!)

Cheers

 

[Ian David]

I use a 50cm Hama Pro cable - excellent, and plenty long enough for my purposes. I don't use an airbulb unless I am 20 feet from the camera.

Ian

 

[anon12345]

I use a bulb release for most critical exposures, unless the camera has a self timer and an accurate programmable shutter. I shortened the hose on the bulb release down to two or three feet, which makes it most convenient.

 

[rjbuzzclick]

Also look for a cloth covered cable release as opposed to a plastic covered one, they're much more flexible. Be aware that a longer cable release will transmit less force to the camera. My KO needs a fair amount of force, and my 60mm won't fire with some cable releases that will fire my 90mm.

 

[Someonenameddavid]

I agree with Vaughn.

Two points particular to Koni-Omegas:

1) the cable shutter release requires a long throw and a fairly high amount of pressure. For that reason, a longer cable release, with a long loop and lots of slack is necessary; and

2) the Koni-Omega's release is on the front of the body, and unlike most 35mm cameras requires a push straight back. When the camera is on a tripod, actuating the release will have a tendency to twist the camera slightly. Some tripods are much less effective at resisting that twist.

Also the Koni-Omega has a unique tensioning pressure plate which is activated by the shutter release and yours may be out of alignment or vibrating or some such... It's a beast of a camera and one of the reasons I hate digital, for taking away the pure mechanical joy of photography...


David

 

[hoffy]

Yeah, totally agree David (or should I call you someone). I really like the way the camera just works with rods and linkages, ect. Flat battery? Thats something that happens with the car if you leave the lights on......

 

[elekm]

Maybe it's just not the kind of camera that's going to work in this particular fashion. You know -- square peg, round hole.

 

[MattKing]

Maybe it's just not the kind of camera that's going to work in this particular fashion. You know -- square peg, round hole.

The Koni-Omegas are great for long exposures - you just have to understand the differences.

 

[lxdude]

It's definitely a square peg-with a round hole in it.