Wallensak lens and cable release issues

[MenacingTourist]

I have a Wallensak 190mm in an apex shutter and I'm having trouble getting the cable release to do its thing. I use the same cable release on my RB67 with no problems. Basically the pin sticks inside and the shutter doesn't fire. The post has threads inside and out but there isn't much room/clearence to screw the cable release in. Maybe that's the problem?

I just got the lens/shutter back from a CLA and it fires great manually. Is there a special size of cable release I need or what?

Thanks as usual

Alan.

 

[John Kasaian]

Alan,

Alphax shutter? Its a press type(double action---cocks and fires in one squeeze) like the old Universals. What make cable release are you using? I've found these old american made press type shutters benefit from a cable release with a longer "throw" and, like an academy award seeking x-rated movie starlet, will refuse to work with less endowed cable releases:-( Try a Gepe.

 

[BradS]

I have a similar problem with a Wollensak Rapax shutter that I have. I think MenacingTourist is correct, its a size thing. I just kinda gave up on mine but now, will have to try the Gepe cable.

 

[Jon Shiu]

Wondering if you told the repair person about this problem when you sent it for CLA? Could be that the release mechanism could be adjusted or lubed.

 

[Jeanne]

I've had the same problem with some older shutters, and have found that the Gepe cable releases have a longer throw, and will generally do the trick.

 

[Charles Webb]

Where does one find these Gepe releases?

 

[MenacingTourist]

Alan,

Alphax shutter? Its a press type(double action---cocks and fires in one squeeze) like the old Universals.

Thank you John! I had been treating it like the much newer lenses I used at the Zion's workshop. Once I stopped "cocking" the dang thing it fires just fine. It still acts like you'd expect an old lens to act but it's my old lens and at least now I can use it

Yes, I'm a novice.

 

[John Kasaian]

Charles,

The last Gepe I bought cost about $12 I think. Any good camera store should have them in stock or can order them. They're made in Germany. You might try Midwest Photo or B and H if you can't get them locally.

Cheers!

 

[gma]

A common problem with old shutters. I have noticed that some release cables have a very slightly larger diameter pin than others. I have only one cable release that will work with my 100+ year old Wollensak. All others that are only very slightly smaller slip past the internal arm and do not fire. Really a pain.