M8 Hair Trigger

[chanyr]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

The M9 has a nice hair trigger function that reduces camera shake when using low shutter speeds. Is it possible to request that Leica back-port this feature to the M8?

[jaapv]

They won't. There will be no changes to the M8 any more.

[wstotler]

I think Jaapv is right: They won't add the feature in firmware. But . . . .

 

When I use Match Technical's Boop soft release on either of my M8s the release becomes a "hair trigger." Slightest touch will set it off. The Beep and Bip don't give the same effect on both M8s--they do work but aren't as sensitive. Not sure why. (I wasn't sure which one I would like, they're cheap, so I bought all three to compare.) It's OK--I see the reduced sensitivity over the Boop--but still sensitive--as a feature, not a flaw.

 

Have a look:

match Technical Services - Beep - Boop - Bip - Bug

 

Note that some Forum members have reported that soft releases make the M8's shutter release "notchy." I personally like how they make the stages of the shutter release plunger "crisp," although much more sensitive.

 

I used them for a year and then took them off, just to see how I liked the release when "naked"--like it with the soft release better.

 

And, to add, when they're screwed in there isn't a hole on the top of the camera. Helpful for shooting in the rain and snow, and, apparently, will protect your M8's shutter release from a new enemy: kir.

 

Cheers!

Will

 

P.S. I've seen claims that you can get "one more stop" and more steadier shooting out of a soft release. Not arguing with people who claim that, but I've not found that to be the case. The Thumbs Up, grip, and correct bracing/breathing technique has more to do with that than a soft release, IMO. But they're nice to have--bigger hit area, different feel, plug the hole. And cheap.

[zombii]

I've tried a couple of "soft" releases (none of the Match) and I got more camera shake rather than less. Noticed I was having more blurry shots and realized the release was giving more of a crunch feel rather than a smooth release. I'm tempted to try the Boop now as I'd like for it to be smoother than the standard release.

[wstotler]

I've tried a couple of "soft" releases (none of the Match) and I got more camera shake rather than less. Noticed I was having more blurry shots and realized the release was giving more of a crunch feel rather than a smooth release. I'm tempted to try the Boop now as I'd like for it to be smoother than the standard release.

 

The Boop is very sensitive. Yes, it does add a bit of what I suspect people are reporting as "crunchy" to the feel, but it's so sensitive compared to the standard release I don't know if this is going to matter. For example, I have to be very careful if I want to test/lock metering without accidentally shooting off an image. But, if speed is manually set, this is not an issue.

 

Cheers!

Will

[adan]

On the general issue of furture M8 firmware, there is always the question of new lenses (which require new firmware to be recognized). The only new lens Leica has introduced since the M9 replaced the M8 is the revised 35 f/1.4 (which uses the same code pattern).

 

If Leica comes out with, say, a 21 Elmar or 28 'lux at some point, it is a fair question as to whether they can get away with not upgrading M8 firmware to recognize them.

 

In fact the most recent upgrade may contain recognition for any lenses Leica may be introducing next month at photokina - invisible, of course, until one mounts the (theoretical) new lens on the camera.

 

So I think there will be future M8 FW upgrades for quite a while - at least to address that issue.

 

As to whether Leica can or will slip in any "easter eggs" such as the soft-release option at the same time: it probably does not require much additional code, probably less than they had to add already for the "discrete" mode. Doesn't take up any more menu space, since there is already a shutter release-mode line for "discrete." It probably depends on how much Jenoptik would charge for the rewrite.

[LuxBob]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

One of the really pleasing aspects of the M8 is that I have found that I can even manage a shutter sped of 1/8 and in one case 1/4 seems to be perfectly sharp. Biologically maybe this is not possible but when I think of my D700 even 1/30 is difficult and one has to question the weight of DSLR and the possible added weight of VR.

There are things that only my wonderful D700 can do and so I do not see this as a competition, more a comparison.

If M9 is even better then sometime in the far distant future, maybe.