cable shutter release, Speed Graphic...

[Dean Taylor]

hello

A beginner asks about a shutter cable release--are they standard size threads, or specific to the shutter?

Also, the right-side 'body release' on the 4x5 Pacemaker Speed Graphic calls for a heavy duty cable (versus the 'lighter touch' needed at the Copal 1 release?)...

B&H lists several:

(link)

thank you

Dean Taylor

[BrianShaw]

Modern cable releases are universal.

[Jac@stafford.net]

Brian is right for most of our purposes. It is unlikely you will find an incompatible cable release.
Sometimes you might find an early/old shutter that needs a stout long-throw cable, as you
noted. In that case, go for a robust model. I would not use one shorter than 6" because
they tend to 'push' the lens and cause movement.

For the record, here are the different threads. I have not yet found the version at top.

133589

[Tin Can]

Anybody know the tap size of both American and EU cables, tap size, not die size.

In standard nomenclature, such 1/8th pipe, 1/16th pipe.

Those are helpful engineering drawings but do not ease finding a tap.

I think the taps are hard to find or custom. :(



I

[Jac@stafford.net]

cable release thread size
M3 X .5

described in ISO 6053:1979

_tap____drill (mm)___decimal inch
3 x .5_____2.5_______0.0984

Cannot find a drill size in American fractions. 2/16 gets us close.

same as
M3 x 0.5 2.50

[Jim C.]

I've found that any cable release will work for both the body release on the Pacemaker and on a lens shutter,
It really depends on how hard you push the cable release.

Jac, why not just use a M3 x .5 tap ?
Metric will some times convert to an odd fractional inch, metric taps are a dime dozen depending on where you buy.

[Jac@stafford.net]

Jac, why not just use a M3 x .5 tap ?
Metric will some times convert to an odd fractional inch, metric taps are a dime dozen depending on where you buy.

I mention that in my post. Agreed regarding finding taps and drills. I usually keep the tap and drill together in individual zip bags. Keeps it neat.

[Tin Can]

Another question/

It the female part on the shutter a pipe thread or simply straight?

Does it matter?

I see many sell M3 X .5 taps. I prefer to buy the best quality tap available, as when a tap breaks you now have a far bigger problem. I have sets of broken tap extractors (http://www.waltontools.com/products/extractr.htm) that work sometimes, other times smashing taps up works and if all that fails it's time for the Metal Disintegrator (http://www.electroarc.com/). a very real and expensive tool.

Since we are working on irreplaceable items, it is best to get it right the first time.

[Jim C.]

Don't know if the female thread on a shutter is tapered or straight, my shuttered lenses are not accessible at the moment.
The thread on a Pacemaker body shutter release looks to be straight, hard to tell since there's only about 3 threads.

Agreed on repairing it right the first time, but as to irreplaceable, I wouldn't say that,
they're all rebuildable depending on your skills.
That's the difference between todays products and yesteryears.

[Jac@stafford.net]

Don't know if the female thread on a shutter is tapered or straight, my shuttered lenses are not accessible at the moment.
The thread on a Pacemaker body shutter release looks to be straight, hard to tell since there's only about 3 threads.

Manufacturers (US) quit making straight female sockets long ago. All are tapered now.

There is a German supplier of the tapered ISO standard cable release socket tools.
But you must read German.

http://www.rebell-tools.de/pdf/Rebell%20Kapitel%2017.pdf#page=8

[Chauncey Walden]

I have several shutters with straight sockets and fortunately have several cable releases with straight threads. Tapered releases aren't secure in my straight socketed shutters.

[Tin Can]

Manufacturers (US) quit making straight female sockets long ago. All are tapered now.

There is a German supplier of the tapered ISO standard cable release socket tools.
But you must read German.

http://www.rebell-tools.de/pdf/Rebell%20Kapitel%2017.pdf#page=8

German not the problem, it's buying them.

[Jim Jones]

The straight thread on old shutters is the American Standard Thread No. 5-44.

[Tin Can]

We need Doda to open this door, https://www.osapublishing.org/josa/abstract.cfm?uri=josa-33-3-184

[Tin Can]

The straight thread on old shutters is the American Standard Thread No. 5-44.

Well old shutters are a common problem.

Thanks Jim!

http://drillsandcutters.com/5-44-carbon-steel-hand-tap-set/?gclid=CIvT7bzytcUCFVg8gQodua0AGg

I bought 2 sets, cheapo and premium. I have 100's of taps, but not these.

I always buy the tool.

[Dan Fromm]

Interesting. I have three 2x3 Pacemaker Graphics (1 Speed, 2 Crowns) with body shutter releases. A cable release with a conical tip will work with all three but a one with a straight tip is preferable. Yes, I have a straight one.

[BrianShaw]

What makes it preferable?

[Dan Fromm]

What makes it preferable?

Fair question. The straight one will screw in completely, i.e., until the tip's shoulder butts up to the body release. The conical ones go in at most two turns, seem less secure. Not that I've ever had one come loose.

[BrianShaw]

Thanks Dan.

[Jim Andrada]

I had the same issue - finally got a short extension (3" IIRC) and JB welded it into the shutter. Still working fine after 5 - 6 years.