Cable releases

RokkorZ · Jul 3, 2021

Ok, maybe I'm just being dumb, but are there different length pins on shutter release cables. I'm not talking about length of cables, but the pins which extend past the screw in collars...

I got a new camera and when I screwed in my current shutter release cable it's pin is too short to trigger the shutter.

Are there different standard sizes? Which type is the longest?

Paul Howell · Jul 3, 2021

I just looked at 3 different cable releases I have, must be three different brands likely made years apart, all have different pin lengths, in my small samples the longer the cable the longer the pin.

AgX · Jul 3, 2021

Cable releases are standardized, there is a minimum plunger extension defined.

Well, a manufacturer of shutter or release may have not adhered to such standard
Some releases offer to adjust plunger extension, one has to check such first.

wiltw · Jul 3, 2021

AgX said:
Cable releases are standardized, there is a minimum plunger extension defined

"The short version of my review (of the Linhof cable release) is that despite what the description says, this only gives you about 12.5mm effective throw and my Copal press shutter needs about 13-13.5 mm to fire. "
I just checked three different cloth sheathed cable releases that I own, all of different total length, all have same 5/8" throw (16mm)
Someone described on web about Bolex brand cable releases which were available in 18mm or 24mm long.
Someone described one from Adorama with 0.75" or 19mm,
and Gepe Pro with 7/8" or 22mm.
Someone else said Schreck cable releases is adjustable, with minimum 11mm / 0.4 inch - maximum 20mm / ¾ inch.
Lastly, Silvestri Cable release 70 cm long, specifically designed to trigger Sinar DB manual shutters. It has a long throw ( 55mm)

The above figures show little standardization! Is it a new standard, to deal with the above mishmash of lengths?

I do have a mechanical timer release that does permit variable length of throw.

It does not help that most ads seen on web fail to mention any information about throw dimension.

AgX · Jul 3, 2021

The standard is 9.5mm minimum extension (effective throw).

Schreck state for their cable relesases a 19mm throw.

benjiboy · Dec 25, 2021

AgX said:
The standard is 9.5mm minimum extension (effective throw).

Schreck state for their cable relesases a 19mm throw.

It isn't just the length of the throw it's also the diameter.

Philippe-Georges · Dec 25, 2021

I had te same problem, then I found that the cable release I was using at the time lost some how flexibility.
The external tube in wicht the cable moves had lost its restraint (due to age I think) and when pushing the knob, that tube stretched that much so the throw wasn't enough to trip the shutter, if you understand what I am trying to say...
Cable releases aren't eternal.
(oh God, writing English can be so difficult!)

AgX · Dec 25, 2021

benjiboy said:
It isn't just the length of the throw it's also the diameter.

The diameter of what? Of the plunger?
There is a standard for the threads.

Deleted member 88956 · Dec 25, 2021

Only get self-locking type, which have adjustment of pin protrusion (not actual throw, but it is typically the starting point of the pin that makes the difference). I am not 100% sure ALL self-locking cable releases have the adjustment, so just make sure it does. The thumb ring at the top of cable turns and affects protruding length.

AgX · Dec 25, 2021

A self locking mechanism is located at the opposite end of the cable. How is this related to plunger protrusion or throw?

Deleted member 88956 · Dec 25, 2021

AgX said:
A self locking mechanism is located at the opposite end of the cable. How is this related to plunger protrusion or throw?

It changes starting position of the plunger, which is extension of the whole cable. But you know that part. And I said protrusion NOT throw. When cable is not actuating it is typically because of too much of dead run before it engages. Changing initial protrusion changes that relation. Every self-locking type I have has this feature.

benjiboy · Dec 25, 2021

AgX said:
The diameter of what? Of the plunger?
There is a standard for the threads.

In the past I have destroyed several camera shutters using unsuitable cable releases , I only now use Canon brand ones on all my Canon FD cameras, I would strongly advise the O.P. to try to obtain if possible the original release designed by the camera manufacturer for their shutter.

Deleted member 88956 · Dec 25, 2021

benjiboy said:
In the past I have destroyed several camera shutters using unsuitable cable releases , I only now use Canon brand ones on all my Canon FD cameras, I would strongly advise the O.P. to try to obtain if possible the original release designed by the camera manufacturer for their shutter.

This is fine, but ANY decent brand of cable release will work just fine.

250swb · Dec 26, 2021

Some of the modern cable releases by Hama etc. fit some of my cameras but not all (selection of LF, MF, Leica, Nikon etc.), they either won't screw in properly or the throw isn't long enough. It's taught me that with older cameras to stick with older cable releases and my eBay and camera shop searches now concentrate on Gitzo, Sinar, or Linhof etc. I think it's fair to say that older cable releases were standardised to a degree, indeed I guess many top end ones came from the same factory with different branding, but the magic is they also work with any modern cameras that have a thread such as Leica M digital. I've got no idea which cameras the new releases are meant for but it isn't any of mine. Of course we all know that as soon as you find the best cable release ever, you lose it.

AgX · Dec 26, 2021

The threads we are talking about were standardized by DIN, ASA and likely more institutions.

So far I experienced that the threads at cameras and cables fit the the standard, but that the kind how the thread is mounted at the camera may hamper certain combos.

Philippe-Georges · Dec 26, 2021

There is one special thread (nippel) used by Linhof...

And SINAR which isn't conical and comes by variations:

And of corse there is NIKON and YASHICA TLR

And here you can see some more exotic ones:

BobUK · Dec 26, 2021

Mechanical Self Timers a Warning.

I used a clockwork self timer that screwed into the cable release socket of my Bronica SQa.
The plunger was amazingly powerful.
It had an adjustment for the length of plunger travel that I forgot to set one day.
The strong plunger travelled it's full length and powered into the internals of my Bronica, damaging the shutter release mechanism.
The camera had to go in for a very expensive repair.

Take care.

benjiboy · Dec 26, 2021

BobUK said:
my Bronica SQa.
The plunger was amazingly powerful.
It had an adjustment for the length of plunger travel that I forgot to set one day.
The strong plunger travelled it's full length and powered into the internals of my Bronica, damaging the shutter release mechanism.
The camera had to go in for a very expensive repair.

That's why I wrote, I have damaged several shutters by using the wrong cable release, try to get the camera manufacturers own one .

AgX · Dec 26, 2021

Philippe-Georges said:
There is one special thread (nippel) used by Linhof...

And SINAR which isn't conical and comes by variations

And of corse there is NIKON and YASHICA TLR

the Linhof one as indicated is not a thread at all, but a fast locking nipple.

there are 2 threads internationally standardized, a conical and a straight one. The japanese ones you hinted at seem to be the latter one.

Cable releases

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