Leica M6 Cable Release Question

[Superdan138]

I have owned my Leica M6 for about a year I believe. So far I have been using my Summicron 35mm lens and have taken the camera around the world to film street style photography. I now want to try and use a cable release for my camera with a tripod, to take pictures of skylines at night and just modern style photography that includes cars (mainly at night), while being time lapsed. My questions are: Does Leica make a release? If, not which do you recommend? and do you have any tips on getting the exposure time right without too much or not enough light? Or does it just take practice.....as we are talking about 4 seconds up to 20 something seconds....thanks.

-Daniel

 

[johnastovall]

Of course they do. Here. Practice, Practice, Practice....

 

[Superdan138]

Is it waste of money to go Leica brand...or is there significant benefit to that one? And does it keep the camera pretty still while opening/closing shutter? As far as Practice, Practice, Practice.....cant wait to get out there and try it...!!!

-Daniel

 

[Tom A]

Daniel. any standard cable release will work, but for long exposures i recommend one with a lock on it. Usually just a small knurled disc that will hold the release down or, as on some of the Linhof releases, a thumbscrew that will hold it down.
As for exposures, trial and error works best. It depends on which film you use, length of exposure, reciprocity of the film etc. Color negative works well as it has the better latitude, slide film is tricky because of the narrow latitude and bl/w is also dependent on what developer you use.
Trick is to get some film that you intend to use and shoot the hell out it and keep notes. When in doubt, bracket towards over exposure as reciprocity will affect the final image. I usually bracket in full stops, 2sec/4sec/8sec/16sec etc.
Have fun.

 

[Superdan138]

Daniel. any standard cable release will work, but for long exposures i recommend one with a lock on it. Usually just a small knurled disc that will hold the release down or, as on some of the Linhof releases, a thumbscrew that will hold it down.
As for exposures, trial and error works best. It depends on which film you use, length of exposure, reciprocity of the film etc. Color negative works well as it has the better latitude, slide film is tricky because of the narrow latitude and bl/w is also dependent on what developer you use.
Trick is to get some film that you intend to use and shoot the hell out it and keep notes. When in doubt, bracket towards over exposure as reciprocity will affect the final image. I usually bracket in full stops, 2sec/4sec/8sec/16sec etc.
Have fun.

Many thanks....Ive heard of the doubling method for each shot. I will def use that one and write it down. I may get the Leica release....seems a bit pricey....but its nice to get the German made stuff (if that is in fact, made in Germany)...

-Daniel

 

[Bassism]

To be honest, I see no reason to buy a Leica release. I've never used one, but they aren't very complex. I can't see German engineering improving upon the cable release. A normal cable release only costs ten dollars...

 

[Tom A]

I would recommend something like a Linhof/Cambo or one of the many cable releases made for large format lenses. They are generally better made and also long enough. Nothing worse than a short, stiff release. Check smoothness and positive locking action (and release from lock - nothing worse than fumbling with the damned lock and have the seconds ticking by). Any decent camera store would have a selection of cable releases to choose from. Most are made in Japan/China etc today, but that doesn't mean that they are inferior. They do break down after a while, usually the plunger coming loose or the cable snagging. If you get a good one, I would recommend a quick spray of silicon lubricant into the "cover" to keep it smooth. Like most things, the good ones cost a bit more, but last a long time (my old Linhof one is probably 25 years old and still working fine). Multiple others have been thrown away.

 

[WoolenMammoth]

in todays day and age I would be very very surprised (and impressed) if the $50 leica release was made in Germany, or anywhere in Europe for that matter...

 

[hans voralberg]

$50 can buy you alot of cheap cable release on the bay 😉

 

[Superdan138]

Anyone own a Leica release? and can verify where its made in? thanks

-Daniel