I get through cable releases, I also find a need for different types depending on the shutters used. For multiple exposures, the lightweight cloth or braided metal one are the best. The heavier, less flexible, plastic covered ones can cause slight movement of the camera.
Then there's length of throw, I used some front mounted leaf shutters, Gitzo, LUC, AGI, etc, some need a longer throw than many cable releases are capable of, they cock and then release the shutter in one depression. Press shutters like Prontor, Ibsor, Betax & Alpax are the same, and hey also stress lighter cable releases quickly.
And then there's the really heavy duty Sinar Copal DB shutter cables, they have 40mm throw, and need quite a lot of pressure in use. First pressure stop down the aperture, second cocks the shutter, and the final third push trips the shutter.
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@MartyNL I have quite a lot of cable releases. In recent years I've bought them in bulk at Camera Fairs, back maybe 2007/8 I asked a stallholder how much are your cable releases, you can have the lot for £20, there were more than 20. I think I sold one that covered that purchase, it was non-standard in terms of fit.
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@Dave_P posted the electrical heat shrink insulation tubing is very useful. I've rescued a few cable releases using it, I also usec it to reinforce a new cable release for my £20 Sinar Copal shutter last year. The seller thought the shutter was broken, as it didn't work with a normal shutter release.
Every similar cable I have or had with plastic tube covering has parted like that. It's not the plastic, it's the metal spiral tube inside, it's an expanding spring, each use it opens slightly.
Ian
