Shutter release cable issues

[joeyk49]

My Crown Graphics' Graphex shutter likes to play head games with me...

Now, I know that the little devil's old, but, when using a release cable, it seems to only want to release the shutter when it feels like it... I've tried a couple of different release cables with the same result. It usually will fire on the first shot (when I'm opening up to frame and focus), but then gets finicky on me.

Any ideas on what could be the cause, other than age??? :confused:

 

[reellis67]

It sounds like the small plate that the cable release hits inside the shutter is bent. I have had a similar problem with a stereo camera and after disassembling it, I found that at some point someone must have really pressed hard on a cable release and bent the plate the pin from the cable release hits to trip the shutter. A small amount of pressure bent it back and solved the problem. If you are cautious, you can open the shutter and see if that is the problem. Just go slowly and pay attention to what you are doing and you should be fine.

- Randy

 

[User Removed]

You might need a cable release with a longer "Throw", where it comes out further. I had this problem as well.

Maybe take some canned air to the lens also, because there might be dirt in there.

 

[RichSBV]

If you search on graflex.org forums for "long release cable", you'll probably find all the answers. For the short version:

I solved all my release problems by first using B&H's 'General' brand cloth cable release. It has the longest throw I could find. 11/16 I think. Don't have one at hand...

Next, I found that on some old shutters the little release pin will slide past the bar inside the shutter. This can be cause by it being slightly bent or just worn so it has to be pushed a bit further. This problem is solved by taking a fine file (even a nail file will work) and filing the tip of the pin flat. All modern cables have a polished round tip which helps a lot in the sliding past the bar... A flat tip hasn't had that problem for me yet. The pins are soft brass and file flat very easily...

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Also look for Minolta cable releases. Depending on your source for them, they may be slightly to exorbitantly more expensive than a regular cable release, but if you can get them for less than $25 apiece, they're worth every penny. Penn Camera in Washington DC (www.penncamera.com) has them in stock regularly for under $20. It is the only cable release I've found that will reliably trip an Ilex #5 (which requires a very long-throw cable, and a fair amount of pressure to boot).

 

[Mongo]

Penn Camera in Washington DC (www.penncamera.com) has them in stock regularly...

Thanks for that link...I was unaware of that web site. They've got some interesting stuff (like the Konica-Minolta cable releases). Ahhhh...another place to spend money!

 

[Calamity Jane]

It sounds as if the release is screwing TOO FAR into the shutter and does not retract far enough to allow the shutter to return fully to the "home' position, therefore not cocking properly for the second shot.

To check this, remove and re-install the release after every shot or unscrew it as far as you can without it coming off and try it that way.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

It sounds like the small plate that the cable release hits inside the shutter is bent.

- Randy

I like Randy's theory. I've had this happen, particularly on a self-cocking Ilex #5. The lever gets bent over time, requiring a progressively longer and longer throw, until it doesn't work anymore. Adjust it back, and it works with any normal cable release.

 

[joeyk49]

Thanks, all.

I'm going to see if I can play with it today...


Joe