Shutter speeds in the seconds – is “B” or “T” best?

[Heroique]

Here’s a question – just for fun – but it’s the occasional one that keeps me up at night.

When you’re using a (nice) cable release, and your shutter speed is, say, 5 or 10 seconds – or maybe as long as 30 seconds – is your preference to use “B” or “T”?

I’ve always used “B” because one plunge, I’ll think, causes fewer potential vibrations than two plunges. But a few photos with “B” have “B”-deviled me – the cable slips from my hand, or the plunger sneaks past my thumb … ending exposure prematurely.

“Curses!” I'll think (or holler). “If only I had used T.”

What’s your experience? If you have a preference, please share your wisdom. (I think I missed this Photography 101 lecture.) What additional pros/cons about B/T might one consider? Can you think of specific compositions “made” for B or T in this range of speeds?

[Vick Vickery]

I'll use B for a few seconds, say up to 10 seconds, then I go to T...like you, I've slipped a few times & wasted film. Over 10 seconds the T works great, and I really don't think I introduce much shake as long as I use a cable.

[Greg Lockrey]

When your exposures are in seconds it is doubtful that camera shake from tripping a shutter is going to show up. I like using the "T" since I don't hve to keep my finger on the shutter.

[srbphoto]

Always B

[Drew Wiley]

Always T - less likely to jiggle or tug on the lens if you just let go of the cable
(at least if you're me!)

[Heroique]

That's 3 B's and 3 T's ... that is, if you count Vick for both. Maybe I should have added a survey.

Always T - less likely to jiggle or tug on the lens if you just let go of the cable (at least if you're me!)

In all my B shots, I "arch" my cable to avoid the "jiggle or tug" you mention.

BTW, when you use T and "just let go of the cable," do you mean, let it drop and swing, and pick it back up? Or perhaps rest it on top the camera?

[Per Madsen]

I use B under five seconds and T over four seconds to avoid a finger slipping using B for longer shutter times.

[Diane Maher]

Always T.

[GPS]

Well, the T timing was added to shutters exactly so that you wouldn't need to use the B timing for longer exposures. What is the longer exposure for you is probably not written anywhere...;-)

[Paul Metcalf]

I'll add a third option (which I don't use intentionally), and that is using "B" on the shutter but locking the cable release (if it has one - mine do) for a "T" effect.

Oh, and a fourth option. Always "B", as in squeeze and release the "bulb"