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View Full Version : Any decent shutter release cables out there?



picker77
8-Apr-2009, 18:01
So far I've bought two different shutter release cables and both have been a total piece of crap, with flaking chrome on the threads, poorly cut threads--and both with too-short and excessive taper to the threads to cleanly screw into anything without loosening up and wiggling and/or falling out. Neither will work on any of the several rangefinder and SLR cameras I own, and also won't fit the release threads on the Flashmatic shutter on the Kodak Ektar 203mm 7.7 of my Super Speed Graphic for beans.

Is there a place I can buy a quality made release cable with properly tapered and machined threads instead of the cheap imported garbage that appears to be prevalent in the camera accessory industry at the moment?

vinny
8-Apr-2009, 18:06
b&h Gepe, I've had the same one for 4 years strong.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/272816-REG/Gepe_602012_Plastic_Covered_Cable_Release.html
get the black one, it's more flexible than the colored ones. I found that out the hard way.

Eric Woodbury
8-Apr-2009, 18:10
That's funny. I buy the cheapest, shortest, cloth releases I can find. And I don't like those little things that hold down the button, either. I put one on every lens and carry a spare. The long ones I find to be in the way, and the vinyl covered ones are too stiff in cold weather. I haven't had problems with threads or plating. If they fell out, I'd locktite them in. I buy them at Freestyle. "Cheaper is better."

picker77
8-Apr-2009, 18:10
Thanks, Vinny. I know this problem is a small thing, but it's starting to really tick me off. :)

Gem Singer
8-Apr-2009, 18:13
I can't think of a single cable release that's not imported.

However, out of all of the imports. I believe that the Gepe line of cable releases, made in Germany, are probably the best of the lot.

Gepe makes several styles and lengths, with a variety if materials for the outside coverings.

Steve Hamley
8-Apr-2009, 18:13
Another vote for Gepe.

Cheers, Steve

Ron Marshall
8-Apr-2009, 19:23
My choice:

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/BR5120/

picker77
8-Apr-2009, 20:19
Thanks, Gentlemen, for all the advice and info. I'll make a smarter buy this time.

dsphotog
9-Apr-2009, 01:03
Seems like the really good (expensive) ones always get lost, or I slam the car(Suburban) door on them...
When the cheap ones blow-out the end of the cable housing, I wrap 'em with electrical tape.

Peter K
9-Apr-2009, 02:00
Is this the factory (http://www.xn--drahtauslser-djb.com/) most of the cable releases where made?

Joanna Carter
9-Apr-2009, 03:50
Is this the factory (http://www.xn--drahtauslser-djb.com/) most of the cable releases where made?
If it is, then I would recommend the one here :
http://www.xn--drahtauslser-djb.com/SESSION/13933/P7.html
I have a few of them and they are smooth, strong and reliable - and at a good price.

evan clarke
9-Apr-2009, 04:56
Ebony, you can get them from Jim at MPEX...Evan Clarke

J D Clark
9-Apr-2009, 08:59
I prefer the short cloth cable releases also -- and have one on each lens (which is an issue where folks differ in their opinion). Since there are posted URLs, I want to make sure Badger Graphic is represented:

http://www.badgergraphic.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=1837

I get the 10" one...

John Clark
www.johndclark.com

Michael Chmilar
9-Apr-2009, 09:34
My choice:

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/BR5120/

I also find this to be the best cable release I have used, but I prefer the shorter 20" version.

brad martin
9-Apr-2009, 09:35
Second the Ebony.

Joshua Dunn
9-Apr-2009, 18:11
I agree with Ron Marshall. I have two of these and while expensive they are outstanding. Sort cable releases can transfer shock and create vibration, thats why I use longer ones. The lock is well made and critical for long exposures.

Just my two cents.

john collins
9-Apr-2009, 18:26
Joshua Dunn I agree with Ron Marshall. I have two of these and while expensive they are outstanding. Sort cable releases can transfer shock and create vibration, thats why I use longer ones. The lock is well made and critical for long exposures.


Why is the lock critical for long exposures? Do you avoid the T setting?

Joshua Dunn
11-Apr-2009, 14:50
Not all shutters have a "T" setting, but on my Copal shutters I do use it.

David Karp
11-Apr-2009, 16:46
b&h Gepe, I've had the same one for 4 years strong.

4 years! That is remarkable. Somehow, I manage to leave cable releases strewn across the landscape, seemingly wherever I go. :eek:

Photojeep
15-Apr-2009, 09:38
My choice:

http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/BR5120/

I have owned one of the above releases for over 6 years and it has performed flawlessly. At first I thought I was being crazy for spending that much on a cable release but since I bought this, I've never bought another. I even change it between 9 different lenses on a regular basis. No issues and no problems.

(I just hope I don't lose it.)

Good luck in your search.
Randy

Doug Dolde
15-Apr-2009, 09:40
No one mention the Linhof ones. I like them.

Peter K
15-Apr-2009, 11:01
No one mention the Linhof ones. I like them.
On the first page of this thread I've mentioned this (http://www.xn--drahtauslser-djb.com/SITE/P1.html) link. ;)

CP Goerz
15-Apr-2009, 14:12
The old Prontors are good too as well as some of the Wollensak ones.

Erik Larsen
15-Apr-2009, 14:52
I like the cheapest ones I can find because I always lose them or drop them over cliffs or between boulders where I can't reach them. I learned my lesson and my bad habits required me to go cheap:)
Erik

Jeffrey Sipress
15-Apr-2009, 15:39
I like my Horseman. It's the Cadillac!

JOSEPH ANDERSON
20-Apr-2009, 21:26
I AGREE WITH C P, PICKED UP AN OLD PRONTO YESTERDAY AT A CAMERA SHOW 2$.
IT'S A 20" and has a full one inch throw, for my #4 ALPHAX. I ALSO GOT A VERY VERY
CLEAN EKTAR 203 7.7 IN A VERY UNDER USED FLASH SUPERMATIC 50.00$. AND TO THINK I WAS GOING SKIP THE SHOW THIS MONTH.SOMETIMES YOU GET LUCKY.
BTW THE EKTAR S# EOXXX IS 1946. 63 YEARS YOUNG. ALREADY TESTED IT TACK SHARP
JOE A