Cable Releases

Curt · Apr 13, 2007

I have two shutters that require a longer throw to release the shutter. One can be tripped if I contract the material body of the cable release and the other shutter won't release with any of my cable releases. It's an Ilex #5.

Does anyone know which cable releases have a long throw?

Roger Hicks · Apr 13, 2007

Dear Curt,

Pure chance, in my experience. I have only two (of a dozen or more) that will fire my Visoflex. One is a Prontor timer release and the other is a 'no-name' black fabric covered one. Even releases from a single manufacturer seem to vary: no two of my three or four Linhof releases are identical, though this may simply be because they are old.

As a general rule, I've found that shorter releases have a longer effective throw, presumably because the sheath stretches less.

Cheers,

R.

PHOTOTONE · Apr 13, 2007

What Roger said. The throw of the release can vary from sample to sample within a given model of cable release. You really need to go to a camera store and try out the releases, or at least measure the throw of the available options. No one brand had consistently a longer throw than another brand. Also, 35mm and Medium-format cameras in general, as well as more modern Copal type leaf shutters do not require much throw.

mjs · Apr 13, 2007

At one time I had an old B&L 10" lens in some huge #5 shutter; Acme, perhaps, which was of the self-cocking variety. It too required a longer than normal throw to fire. I took a cheap shutter release cable, the kind which are just a wire inside a plastic tube, and cut 1/4" from the tube, then epoxied the end of the tube to the fitting which screwed into the shutter. Worked great.

mjs

David A. Goldfarb · Apr 13, 2007

Another issue with Ilex shutters is that the internal lever can migrate and the throw can become longer and longer with use. It might just need a simple repair, and then it should work with most cable releases. At least that is the case with mine.

Curt · Apr 13, 2007

I must have a dozen and not one works. The shutter was just CLA and inspect. I guess I'll have another project, just can't win, the work is piling up. Maybe a trunk monkey could fix it?

Curt · Apr 13, 2007

I figured I would have a difficult time finding one at the nonexistent local camera store so I decided to see what I could do with an extra on hand. I examined one that I recently got from Freestyle, I purchased two for some reason, and found that there is a locking nut on it that if removed would allow the plunger to move farther down the shaft. I did and it did and it works perfectly now on all of my shutters including the Ilex #5.

I took a dremel tool with a cut off blade and hand held the part and tool and made two cuts on the nut and with two pliers it broke off with a scratch to the shaft. I don't have a lock down on that cable release though but I do have time on the shutter so it doesn't bother me as much as not having a cable release at all. And it does save me some money that I can put toward the Cooke lens.

David A. Goldfarb · Apr 13, 2007

It might be that whoever did the CLA didn't check the cable release lever. S.K. Grimes fixed this problem on my Ilex 5 when he was still alive, but I remember asking specifically about it, and I periodically check it myself.

There's a Gepe cable release with a really long throw.

Curt · Apr 13, 2007

I will be a good idea to check the mechanics of the shutter. It must be a piece of stamped metal that gets bent with time. Good point David. Just a longer throw isn't necessarily the answer when these items are not made anymore and should be restored and kept in as good a condition as possible. Down the road someone else will be using it and I hope they have as much fun with it as me.

PHOTOTONE · Apr 14, 2007

It is a fact, that if cable releases are designed for CURRENT Copal type shutters, then they do not need a very long throw, and thus the problem when trying to use them with vintage shutters.

Lopaka · Apr 14, 2007

Odd thing about some old shutters - my old Graflex Optar with a Graphex shutter - one cable realease will not trigger it, but another that actually has a shorter throw will. Never could figure that out - must have something to do with the angle.

Bob

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