I have sworn off the cheap plastic covered cable releases and now only use the wire mesh or other better quality releases. I have had the plastic stretch and when it does, it will often no longer have a long enough throw to release the shutter.
Thanks! I love the advice about the timer...and I didn't realize that BH photo had the old cable releases. Next time I order paper/chems/film, I'll put that on my order list!
This is going to sound bad, but I'll take one any way that I can get one. Free, cheap, dirt cheap...Doesn't matter. I've got two cameras that needs to be taken in to be fixed (my Kowa and the Minolta X-370). I'll check then.
I got a cheap plastic one off e-bay. I'll see how long it lasts. 40" for $12 USD. I think it might have had free shipping, too!
I see a lot of super short ones. I ask... Why?? I want a cable release that I can comfortable use while standing apart from the camera, maybe even squeaze in front of... I did that, too (albet with a wide angle lense) and I like the length of the 40"....
I would have gotten a longer one, would I have found one.
To reduce camera movement while tripping the shutter. Sometimes a locking cable release is also used on cameras without a "T" shutter setting. A short cable release is convenient when used thus.
Do yourself a favor and pass up the plastic covered ebay junk and buy a Nikon AR-3. I've tried half a dozen of the cheapies on LF lenses, finally bought several Nikon AR-3's. Fabric covered, soft and flexible, smooth as silk, never hangs up, works consistently every single time. Worth every penny. I also like they fact they are short, because I leave them permanently on my LF lenses and simply pack them with their lens.