[LargeFormat] Shutter Release Cables for Betax and Alphax Wanted

[Richard Knoppow]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Clive Warren" <Clive.Warren@megacycle.co.uk>
To: <largeformat@f32.net>
Sent: Friday, July 25, 2003 3:46 AM
Subject: [LargeFormat] Shutter Release Cables for Betax and
Alphax Wanted


> Dear All,
>
> As we are again in the realms of "For Sale Friday" here
goes.....
>
> Am looking for shutter release cables for Betax and Alphax
shutters. I have
> posted this request on the f32.net Forum at
http://www.f32.net/discus/ and
> someone did try to help out but it turned out that the
cables had a tapered
> end in common with most contemporary release cables.
>
> The cables for Alphax and Betax shutters have a parallel
or "square"
> threaded business end and a relatively long throw to trip
the self cocking
> mechanism. I did have a couple of these that did the trick
but have managed
> to lose my last one on a recent field trip in Wales. If
someone comes
> across a damp lens cap and a release cable with a square
end then please
> return 'em!
>
> The best place to find the cables would probably be in a
junk box at your
> local long established camera emporium if you are in North
America. Perhaps
> the next time you visit you would be so kind as to ask the
staff if you can
> have a rummage through their old cables.
>
> These cables are uncommon in the UK as there were not too
many of the
> larger Alphax and Betax shuttered lenses imported.
>
> Happy to pay the going rate (whatever that is!) +
shipping.
>
> Thanks in anticipation.
>
> Cheers, Clive
>
  Compur pattern cable releases should work OK in Kodak
style sockets provided their throw is long enough. Enough of
the tapered thread will catch to hold the cable.
  Kodak, Ilex, and Wollensak used the parallel sided
threads, most other manufacturers use the Compur style
tapered thread. I think late Wollensake Rapax/Graphex
shutters use the Compur thread.
  One problem with Ilex shutters is that that they often are
missing a plunger which goes in the cable release socket.
The result is that the cable release tip can get jammed in
the interior mechanism plus they need an inordinately long
throw. The plunger can be lost when the shutter is partly
disassembled for cleaning.
  Test the shutter with a common or garden variety cable
release before searching for Kodak style.
---
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles, CA, USA
dickburk@ix.netcom.com