Which is the softest cable release?

[B.S.Kumar]

Like most of you, I have a collection of cable releases, mainly Horseman, Prontor and Hama. All of these need a fair amount of pressure. I'm looking for one that is very soft i.e. the least amount of pressure, and just the required stroke to fire Copal 0 and 1 size shutters, about 5mm . I do not want to modify any of my cables. Do any of you have some suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Kumar

[Steven Tribe]

I once had a hydraulic unit which fitted onto the shutter, rather like a mini automotive clutch cylinder. It transfered the mechanical cable "jerks" to a smooth hydraulic movement. Unfortunately, it was from before WW2 and started to leak. Perhaps there is a modern equivalent?

[Tin Can]

Interesting. There are motorcycle hydraulic cables that have the entire master, slave and hose on one cable like unit. I will investigate. May not be delicate for OP and tiny shutters, but worth considering. Bicycle designs may be lighter. 🚲

I once had a hydraulic unit which fitted onto the shutter, rather like a mini automotive clutch cylinder. It transfered the mechanical cable "jerks" to a smooth hydraulic movement. Unfortunately, it was from before WW2 and started to leak. Perhaps there is a modern equivalent?

[Jon Shiu]

Air release.

Jon

[Bob Salomon]

Air release.

Jon

No way, they require far more hand pressure then a high quality cable release and we distributed both air and regular cable releases.

[Jon Shiu]

No way, they require far more hand pressure then a high quality cable release and we distributed both air and regular cable releases.

Well, the hose is 20ft.+ long, so no shaking at the shutter. The air pressure also does not move the hose.

Jon

[Jerry Bodine]

...they require far more hand pressure then a high quality cable release...

Just a thought. Is it not possible to SLOWLY squeeze the bulb until the shutter releases, thus avoiding excessive stroke that could damage the shutter? May not be practical for OP's intended purpose.

[Jac@stafford.net]

In my modest experience with many releases, any cover/sheath of plastic or woven steel is unlikely to be what you want. Fabric sheath is best, and to find the right one I could recommend from a lot but it is probably best if you can visit a shop and try a few. Oh, and of course longer is better.

You can limit throw length by simply wrapping a narrow strip of masking tape onto the plunger shaft.

[Peter De Smidt]

In my modest experience with many releases, any cover/sheath of plastic or woven steel is unlikely to be what you want. Fabric sheath is best, and to find the right one I could recommend from a lot but it is probably best if you can visit a shop and try a few. Oh, and of course longer is better.

You can limit throw length by simply wrapping a narrow strip of masking tape onto the plunger shaft.

That matches my experience.

[Bob Salomon]

That matches my experience.

I found the Gepe PVC covered release was softer then the fabric or the braided or the spiral steel covered releases.