Shutter Release

[Jay Dobek]

Hello - sorry for such a simply question, but I just started to get into large format with the purchase of a Toyo 4x5 camera. The lens it came with is a Linhof symmar 1:5.6/150mm. Any recommendations for a quality shutter release?

[locutus]

Any bog standard mechanical cable release will do, i use some 3$ ones from evil red china and they are perfectly fine.

[photog_ed]

+1 on any one will do, though I had to look up "bog standard."

One caveat: I bought a cheapo 40" cable only to find that it doesn't work on most of my Copal shutters. The throw isn't all that long to begin with, and the cloth sheath stretches so much that even with the plunger pressed all the way there isn't enough oomph left to trip the shutter.

Ed

[Will Frostmill]

+1 on any one will do, though I had to look up "bog standard."

One caveat: I bought a cheapo 40" cable only to find that it doesn't work on most of my Copal shutters. The throw isn't all that long to begin with, and the cloth sheath stretches so much that even with the plunger pressed all the way there isn't enough oomph left to trip the shutter.

Ed

Were those the self-cocking type?

[photog_ed]

Were those the self-cocking type?

No, just regular manual cocking modern Copal.

[Alan Gales]

Gepe cloth cable releases are nice!

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/searc...tialSearch=yes

[dpn]

Gepe cloth cable releases are nice!

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/searc...tialSearch=yes

I agree wholeheartedly. I can't stand the PVC or metal cable releases.

[HiHoSilver]

I'd never used any release that wasn't a cheap vinyl over coil. I handled a 'Minnette', and thought it seemed quite a bit better. 'Bought one for MF & I just love it. The stuff I used before feels like uh fertilizer by comparison. I have no interest w/ the product other than being a very satisfied user. I got mine at Bluemooncamera. If I lost it, I'd buy another in a heartbeat. 'Been tempted to get a duplicate 'cause stuff I like has a way of being discontinued or otherwise unavailable. 12, 20, 40" available. I use a 20.


Bluemoon's product page:
You are more than welcome to call us anytime at 503.978.0333 to inquire about a piece of merchandise. You may also fill out the form below, and a representative of Blue Moon Camera will call you with a meticulously detailed response within one business day.

Product: Minnette 20
Item Number: M20XR
Price: $16.75

[John Kasaian]

IMHO where you get into trouble is with some older, usually double action shutters ( Universals, Betax, etc...) which will require a longer throw than the "bog standard." Gepe Pros have been able to fire everything in my menagerie of shutters.
Thank you, Mr Salomon, for recommending Gepe to me a few years ago!
Minettes are good quality---the red cloth covers are very cool looking---but mine won't fire Universals.

[Alan Gales]

Thank you, Mr Salomon, for recommending Gepe to me a few years ago!

Bob is a pretty smart guy.

I've also learned from you too, John.