nickd Posted January 9, 2015 Share #1 Posted January 9, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi. I'd like to buy a soft release for my M 240, and am looking for advice. Recently, I bought a Match Technical short-thread Boop, but found it very, very difficult to screw in to the shutter release. I managed to screw it in (just once!), but it appeared to be screwed in by only the very smallest of threads, and unfortunately unscrewed with the slightest anti-clockwise turn. Also, to be able to screw it in, I had to apply a LOT of pressure down on the shutter release, I'm guessing to compress the O-ring to allow the thread to take, to the point where it was actually very painful to my hand and/or thumb. In the end, after many many attempts, I didn't want to risk doing any damage to the shutter release with the amount of downward force I had to apply, so I returned it. Is this typical of soft releases for the M 240? Are there other soft releases available specifically for the M 240 that will screw in relatively easily, but will also be secure and won't fall off easily? I'd really like to try a soft release, so any advice would be appreciated. Nick Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 9, 2015 Posted January 9, 2015 Hi nickd, Take a look here Soft Releases for the M 240. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Joshua Lowe Posted January 9, 2015 Share #2 Posted January 9, 2015 Are you sure you didn't get a release meant for the M9? I think the thread pitch is different. There's something about that I read on Popflash's site.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickd Posted January 9, 2015 Author Share #3 Posted January 9, 2015 No, it was definitely an M 240 soft release. I am aware that Leica changed the screw pitch and/or length for the M 240. Other than the Match Technical Boop which I had a bed experience with, are there any soft releases specifically made for the M 240 that anyone can recommend? Any experience/advice? Nicholas Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonemeister Posted January 9, 2015 Share #4 Posted January 9, 2015 I have a Leica soft release for the M240. It doesn't fit flush against the top surface of the shutter release but it does screw into the SR a fair bit and doesn't come loose. When I had an M9, I had a Rapidwinder soft release and if memory serves it was a better fit to the M9 than what I have now. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dant Posted January 9, 2015 Share #5 Posted January 9, 2015 I use micro buttons and Loctite them in. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nickd Posted January 9, 2015 Author Share #6 Posted January 9, 2015 I have a Leica soft release for the M240. It doesn't fit flush against the top surface of the shutter release but it does screw into the SR a fair bit and doesn't come loose. When I had an M9, I had a Rapidwinder soft release and if memory serves it was a better fit to the M9 than what I have now. What brand/type is the soft release you have for the M 240? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lawman Posted January 10, 2015 Share #7 Posted January 10, 2015 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi. I'd like to buy a soft release for my M 240, and am looking for advice. Recently, I bought a Match Technical short-thread Boop, but found it very, very difficult to screw in to the shutter release. I managed to screw it in (just once!), but it appeared to be screwed in by only the very smallest of threads, and unfortunately unscrewed with the slightest anti-clockwise turn. Also, to be able to screw it in, I had to apply a LOT of pressure down on the shutter release, I'm guessing to compress the O-ring to allow the thread to take, to the point where it was actually very painful to my hand and/or thumb. In the end, after many many attempts, I didn't want to risk doing any damage to the shutter release with the amount of downward force I had to apply, so I returned it. Is this typical of soft releases for the M 240? Are there other soft releases available specifically for the M 240 that will screw in relatively easily, but will also be secure and won't fall off easily? I'd really like to try a soft release, so any advice would be appreciated. Nick Tom Abrahamson soft release is threaded for the M240 - use clear nail polish on the thread and it will not back out - comes in various colors. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted January 10, 2015 Share #8 Posted January 10, 2015 to be able to screw it in, I had to apply a LOT of pressure down on the shutter release, I seem to recall that Leica claimed a member broke his camera, probably an M9, by pressing too hard down on the shutter release. . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonemeister Posted January 10, 2015 Share #9 Posted January 10, 2015 Nickd; mine is one of Leica's own make. Costs around £30 or so. They come in two sizes and a variety of designs (all based on Leica etc). They're available from Leica stores. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mca Posted January 10, 2015 Share #10 Posted January 10, 2015 I have never tried a soft release but I wonder about their advantages, are they purely for looks or do they have a practical advantage in actual use? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonemeister Posted January 10, 2015 Share #11 Posted January 10, 2015 MCA; Speaking for myself, I find them beneficial in that it helps make for a smoother action of the shutter button and thus potentially sharper photos. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
robygio Posted January 11, 2015 Share #12 Posted January 11, 2015 Nikon AR -9 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-Photo Posted January 11, 2015 Share #13 Posted January 11, 2015 I know that they are working, but personally I am not using one. It is just not for me. This one for example fits the M240 / Monochrom, the cameras with the new thread, but the older ones like M9, etc., too. It is a prototype form a German Company, HRR, brass with a real platin galvanic coating. Before it is getting lost in my bag, whoever screams "give to me" first and will use it, too, will it get for free. ( hope this is fine for the mods. If i am selling something i always use the certain area for it ) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Z. Goriup Posted January 11, 2015 Share #14 Posted January 11, 2015 This will be a ridiculously long & detailed epistle about a very minor point, but one I believe to be a very fundamental point……..so here are my two cents worth of free advice. A. I consider a properly designed soft release button to be an essential part of all my Leicas - I merely exert downward pressure to take the photograph without ever even touching the switch-ring surrounding the shutter button. B. I also view a soft release as only one component in a package of components that help me take better, sharper photographs. To elaborate, the soft release button needs to have the correct threads so it screws all the way into the shutter button, and absolutely must seat onto the top rim of the shutter button. If the soft release you select provides for those characteristics, it will not come off at the slightest provocation, will look "of one piece" with the camera and will not require any such nonsense as excessive pressure, finger-nail polish or thread-locking compound, which I submit should be avoided at all costs because you want to be able to remove the button at will ( for example, exchanging it for a cable release, etc. ) and that should not be difficult, because if it is it may strees the shutter button past its failure point. I believe it should not be too large since big soft releases just get in the way and offer more area to snag and screw up the threads and the shutter button. I further believe soft releases should be CONCAVE. This is important because the tip of your index finger will always fall into the same position shot after shot. This becomes second nature after a while. The finger tip should only travel in a straight up-and-down vertical motion, in order to not induce unwanted camera movement. Talking about releasing the shutter on a camera reminds me of Marine Corps bootcamp, in the rifle-range phase of our training. The specialized weapons-training Drill instructors heavily & constantly emphasized the absolute need to "squeeze off your shots", and never to "jerk the trigger - imagine you're trying to break a glass rod, and if you're doing it right yuo'll never know when it's going to break" was their constant mantra. Applying that admonishment to the Leica shutter has helped immensly in improving my keeper-ratio. Taking all these points into consideration, I find it very beneficial to "free up" my index finger to allow it to only use it for releasing the shutter as smoothly as possible by allowing the rest of the fingers and palm of the right hand to firmly hold and support the camera. Thus, the left hand is used for focusing exclusively, while I grasp the camera firmly with three finger of my right hand with the aid of the Really Right Stuff grip, and pull the camera into my palm using the "Thumbs up" lug. I have large hands, so the RRS grip fits, others may prefer the Leica item, but I find a grip helps hugely. With this ( or a similar combination ) the camera is now under complete contral, the index finger opereates the shutter only, the left hand focuses only. One of the remaining issues, at least to some it seems, may be the aesthetic aspect of what I'm preaching, but frankly……..looks be damned. This is a camera for heaven's sake, not a fashion accessory, so do what's necessary to aid function and aid in effective picture taking and forget the looks. JZG Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/239616-soft-releases-for-the-m-240/?do=findComment&comment=2745695'>More sharing options...
nickd Posted January 12, 2015 Author Share #15 Posted January 12, 2015 This will be a ridiculously long & detailed epistle about a very minor point, but one I believe to be a very fundamental point……..so here are my two cents worth of free advice. A. I consider a properly designed soft release button to be an essential part of all my Leicas - I merely exert downward pressure to take the photograph without ever even touching the switch-ring surrounding the shutter button. B. I also view a soft release as only one component in a package of components that help me take better, sharper photographs. To elaborate, the soft release button needs to have the correct threads so it screws all the way into the shutter button, and absolutely must seat onto the top rim of the shutter button. If the soft release you select provides for those characteristics, it will not come off at the slightest provocation, will look "of one piece" with the camera and will not require any such nonsense as excessive pressure, finger-nail polish or thread-locking compound, which I submit should be avoided at all costs because you want to be able to remove the button at will ( for example, exchanging it for a cable release, etc. ) and that should not be difficult, because if it is it may strees the shutter button past its failure point. I believe it should not be too large since big soft releases just get in the way and offer more area to snag and screw up the threads and the shutter button. I further believe soft releases should be CONCAVE. This is important because the tip of your index finger will always fall into the same position shot after shot. This becomes second nature after a while. The finger tip should only travel in a straight up-and-down vertical motion, in order to not induce unwanted camera movement. Talking about releasing the shutter on a camera reminds me of Marine Corps bootcamp, in the rifle-range phase of our training. The specialized weapons-training Drill instructors heavily & constantly emphasized the absolute need to "squeeze off your shots", and never to "jerk the trigger - imagine you're trying to break a glass rod, and if you're doing it right yuo'll never know when it's going to break" was their constant mantra. Applying that admonishment to the Leica shutter has helped immensly in improving my keeper-ratio. Taking all these points into consideration, I find it very beneficial to "free up" my index finger to allow it to only use it for releasing the shutter as smoothly as possible by allowing the rest of the fingers and palm of the right hand to firmly hold and support the camera. Thus, the left hand is used for focusing exclusively, while I grasp the camera firmly with three finger of my right hand with the aid of the Really Right Stuff grip, and pull the camera into my palm using the "Thumbs up" lug. I have large hands, so the RRS grip fits, others may prefer the Leica item, but I find a grip helps hugely. With this ( or a similar combination ) the camera is now under complete contral, the index finger opereates the shutter only, the left hand focuses only. One of the remaining issues, at least to some it seems, may be the aesthetic aspect of what I'm preaching, but frankly……..looks be damned. This is a camera for heaven's sake, not a fashion accessory, so do what's necessary to aid function and aid in effective picture taking and forget the looks. JZG What soft release is that you have on your M-P? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Z. Goriup Posted January 12, 2015 Share #16 Posted January 12, 2015 I'm unable to tell you the name of the manufacturer - I know for a fact it's not made by Leica - but if you'll be good enough to check back tomorrow PM my time, I will go to the local Leica Boutique where I bought it ( Camera West, Walnut Creek, CA ) and post all the information. JZG Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
K-Photo Posted January 12, 2015 Share #17 Posted January 12, 2015 ...Before it is getting lost in my bag.... Done . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanJW Posted January 12, 2015 Share #18 Posted January 12, 2015 I have an Abrahamsonn, which is threaded for M240 and works fine. I like mine convex so I can drape a finger over it to release. The concave type IMHO invites you to punch with your fingertip. But that is a matter of preference and that's why they are made both ways. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Z. Goriup Posted January 13, 2015 Share #19 Posted January 13, 2015 What soft release is that you have on your M-P? Nick, It's made by "Thumbs Up", the same folks who make the thumb-lug that fits into the hot shoe. Best soft release I've ever used. JZG Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/239616-soft-releases-for-the-m-240/?do=findComment&comment=2746766'>More sharing options...
rscheffler Posted January 14, 2015 Share #20 Posted January 14, 2015 Very informative post John and is making me reconsider getting a proper soft release. One thing I found a bit irritating when I got the M240 last winter, and actually not sure if it's the same with the M9, but I had a lot of trouble finding the shutter release when shooting with gloves in cold conditions. I ended up buying a sheet of 'dome bumpers' from Lee Valley in the smallest size and stuck one on the shutter release, the info button and the front button. Made a world of difference in being able to activate these with gloves and left them on over the summer too (though they will eventually detach in hot/humid conditions). A potential problem is the one I stuck to the info button lifted off some of the lettering, so those concerned with cosmetic blemishes might not appreciate this. But I value the improved feel, at least for my needs. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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