Installing soft release

[pcgarner]

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Apologies if this has been discussed, but ... how is a soft release button installed on a Q? The existing release appears to be fixed and I'm loath to try to "unscrew" it. Thanks!

[David Wien]

Perhaps is was glued in. There are reports of them falling off...

David

[bobtodrick]

Which Q?

Only the Q3 accepts a soft release.

[Siriusone59]

There were some available when the Q came out.  They had a flat circular plate at the bottom and were attached to the shutter release with a bit of double sided trim adhesive tape.  I don't think they gained much popularity and would probably be difficult to find now. 

[pcgarner]

1 hour ago, bobtodrick said:

Which Q?

Only the Q3 accepts a soft release.

Great question. I own a Q2 so, Q2. I wasn't aware they models varied. Thanks!

[Siriusone59]

Here's an example of the type I was referring to.

 https://leicarumors.com/2014/05/07/lolumina-introduced-new-soft-release-buttons-for-non-threaded-shutter-release-cameras.aspx/

 

[pcgarner]

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Great sleuthing on that. Unfortunately, the Leicarumors site links to another site for the release (which is dead). Ten years old. The inventors clearly didn't make their fortunes on this accessory. :-)

[Siriusone59]

I found another link that seems to work:

 https://lolumina.com/product/lolumina-button-cvx-13-rd-ck/

Or, just do a google search for "stick on soft release button"....There's more of them than I first thought.

[Aram Langhans]

Be ware.  A friend of mine bought my Q2 and attached a soft release to it via the stick-on method.  It stuck up quite a bit.  Well, within a short time the added sideways torque of the raised button broke the shutter release button off inside the Q2.  He could still operate it if he poked something inside the hole.  The button was not designed to take the stress of an added button that sticks up a lot.  

I was able to reattach the button using a small drop of epoxy.  Put the drop on the thin attachment point of the shutter release and held it straight until it cured overnight.  So far it is holding up but he abandoned all those stick-on raised buttons and now just attached a small circle of felt with some thin double sided tape to give him the tactile feel he was after.

I should add he is very careful and particular about his cameras. So, proceed with caution if you mount a soft release that stands up too high. I am assuming the Q3 is designed differently as it has the threads for a quick release.

Edited February 24, 2024 by Aram Langhans

[reynoldsyoung]

You guys may want to try Lock-Tite...a product used on firearms to keep screws in place.  Using a VERY small amount on the Q3 threads will assure the soft release will stay put.  It is easily removed with a little twist pressure.  Clean out the Lock-Tite residue from the Q3 threads and you are as good as new.

[mmk60]

11 hours ago, reynoldsyoung said:

You guys may want to try Lock-Tite...a product used on firearms to keep screws in place.  Using a VERY small amount on the Q3 threads will assure the soft release will stay put.  It is easily removed with a little twist pressure.  Clean out the Lock-Tite residue from the Q3 threads and you are as good as new.

Stay away from RED! You would need a heat gun to loosen it. 

[AndreasG]

Loctite 222 (purple color) would be material of choice, it is the weakest thread locker of the Loctite range. I use it for small screws down to 1mm.