Is a cable release just a cable release?

[adavis47]

Looking for one for M8. Leica brand is $50. Are cheap ones junk? Any recommendations? Thanks!

 

[jaapv]

All "classical"cable releases have a normed thread to attach to the shutter button. I would recommend a "Hama"one. Basically any el-cheapo cable will do, but some may run a bit less smoothly than others.

 

[adavis47]

Thank you Jaap. I'll check Hama.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Bought new, there's a high correlation between price, smoothness and durability. I'm still using a fabric-covered cable release I bought new in 1967. It needs a squirt of WD40 every decade or so. Whenever I see one that looks half decent at a camera fair, I buy it. Some wear out fast; others are still in reserve...

Cheers,

R.

 

[degruyl]

I'd go with Gepe. Fabric coated.

 

[adavis47]

Thanks folks. Looks like both the Gepe and Hama are fabric coated and similar price - both good choices.

 

[tlitody]

The more flexible they are the less they are likely to transmit hand movement to camera.

And the very short ones are more likely to transmit hand movement to camera.

 

[rbsinto]

The more flexible they are the less they are likely to transmit hand movement to camera.

And the very short ones are more likely to transmit hand movement to camera.

Which is apparently why some bright young lad invented that accessory called a tripod.

 

[tlitody]

Zeiss say that you will get the least camera movement by using a damped video tripod head with your hands on the camera but somehow I don't think that will work for long exposures.

 

[ramosa]

they are probably all the same. i have the leica one. it works fine, but primarily sits at home 🙁

 

[Frank Petronio]

I like short cheap fabric Gepe or Hama ones, the longer ones can impart movement too.

The softest release is the classic air bulb style.

And if you get into vintage shutters or Sinar, you need special longer-throw cable releases, Gepe still makes them.

 

[martin s]

I'd buy a dozen of the cheapest ones you can find, then put them in every camera bag you own. That's literally what I do.

martin