Stef63 Posted August 29 Share #1 Posted August 29 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) I know this is the definition of a first world Leica problem… but here goes : Picked up two official Leica soft release buttons (with the “100” script) for my M11 and M10 Monochrom. Screwed them in, admired the craftsmanship… and then realized the engraving doesn’t sit parallel with the top plate on either camera. The promo picture shows the word 100 lined up with almost Bauhaus-like precision. Mine? More like Picasso on a Sunday morning. Of course, I know the shutter release thread is fixed and not designed for cosmetic alignment — but still, this is Leica, so a man can dream. So… is there any secret trick to this (short of prayer, O-rings, or simply learning to let go)? Or should I just accept that the soft release button, like life, is never perfectly aligned? 1) A Leica promo shot where “100” sits perfectly aligned like it’s meant to be 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! 2) My two bodies, both slightly off, mocking me every time I look down Edited August 29 by Stef63 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 2) My two bodies, both slightly off, mocking me every time I look down ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/423954-100-years-of-leica-precision%E2%80%A6-except-my-soft-release/?do=findComment&comment=5855389'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 29 Posted August 29 Hi Stef63, Take a look here 100 Years of Leica Precision… except my soft release. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jaapv Posted August 29 Share #2 Posted August 29 So- just return them and ask for a replacement. I’m sure that Leica does not make these and orders them -somewhere. It may be however that you need to send the cameras in. It is quite possible that the rotational position of the shutter button-being a technical irrelevancy- is not specified. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stef63 Posted August 29 Author Share #3 Posted August 29 @jaapv Exactly! I did the test — swapped the buttons between the M11 and the M10M — and sure enough, the “crookedness” travelled with the soft release, not the body. Proof that my cameras aren’t the guilty party. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted August 29 Share #4 Posted August 29 So-off to the seller or Leica they are, I guess? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pedaes Posted August 29 Share #5 Posted August 29 (edited) 34 minutes ago, Stef63 said: A Leica promo shot where “100” sits perfectly aligned like it’s meant to be You could align yours like that for a photo, but it will be a loose fit.. Just wrap a bit of thread around top of screw on button to align it. Edited August 29 by pedaes Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stef63 Posted August 29 Author Share #6 Posted August 29 Already contacted both the store and Leica Customer Care. While this is of course a very minor “problem”, it doesn’t feel so minor when you consider the price tag of €80 per piece. Before I start experimenting with a DIY fix, I’m curious to hear what the seller and Leica themselves have to say. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
businessasusual Posted August 29 Share #7 Posted August 29 Advertisement (gone after registration) I have 2 genuine Leica soft shutter releases with Leica and the letter M - not one of them lines up. My M is a part W. W for Wabi Sabi. I switched to plain colour buttons instead. (lost one already - @$140 - ouch - bought 4 non Leica ones for that amount) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlesphoto99 Posted August 29 Share #8 Posted August 29 Soft releases are made to be lost. Return them while you can. Use the button that came with the camera. It works just fine. 8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M11 for me Posted August 29 Share #9 Posted August 29 vor 2 Stunden schrieb businessasusual: not one of them lines up +1. My experience here too Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaapv Posted August 29 Share #10 Posted August 29 I find the use of soft releases questionable -they destabilize the camera by destroying the intelligent design of the original shutter release. Rest your finger- lightly and relaxed on the ring around the button. The slightest twitch will release the shutter to an extent that you only have to think “shoot “ and the camera will do so. Like a hair trigger. If you use a soft release it will promote jabbing which will cause camera shake. Still, people seem to like them for cosmetic reasons. 4 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M11 for me Posted August 29 Share #11 Posted August 29 vor 2 Minuten schrieb jaapv: I find the use of soft releases questionable -they destabilize the camera by destroying the intelligent design of the original shutter release. That's so true. They are just in the way and it often happens that I release without ever wanting to take a picture. I have a few of these items but use them only very rarely. Mainly when I have a tie and a suit on and want to do something good for my camera as well . . . 6 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JNK100 Posted August 29 Share #12 Posted August 29 1 hour ago, jaapv said: I find the use of soft releases questionable -they destabilize the camera by destroying the intelligent design of the original shutter release. Rest your finger- lightly and relaxed on the ring around the button. The slightest twitch will release the shutter to an extent that you only have to think “shoot “ and the camera will do so. Like a hair trigger. If you use a soft release it will promote jabbing which will cause camera shake. Still, people seem to like them for cosmetic reasons. I agree and cannot see what the purpose is. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kiwimac Posted September 6 Share #13 Posted September 6 I bought one of the ones with M on. Screwed it on to firm finger tight and took the camera for a walk on a cross body strap. Arrived back home…. M release had unscrewed itself and now lies buried somewhere in the countryside to be discovered long after I’ve turned to dust by a future archaeological dig! Switched back to my other one. I don’t recall the brand but it’s black with a dragon engraved in red on the top if that helps Screwed that on and there it has remained unmoving , as it did on my previous M11, M10R and M240! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
darlesch Posted September 7 Share #14 Posted September 7 Easy fix: buy a small rubber O-ring that sits between the shutter release and your button. As you tighten it it’ll get tighter but you can decide when to stop to align it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen.s1 Posted September 7 Share #15 Posted September 7 (edited) I recall buying 9 soft releases from amazon. 3 each of flat, concave, and convex. Red, silver and black. Complete with O rings. Cost of the whole shebang? Around $10... They look perfectly aligned... wink.. Try using a soft grip pliers and tighten them, It's necessary. Edited September 7 by Stephen.s1 typo 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlashGordonPhotography Posted September 8 Share #16 Posted September 8 On 8/30/2025 at 12:40 AM, jaapv said: I find the use of soft releases questionable -they destabilize the camera by destroying the intelligent design of the original shutter release. Rest your finger- lightly and relaxed on the ring around the button. The slightest twitch will release the shutter to an extent that you only have to think “shoot “ and the camera will do so. Like a hair trigger. If you use a soft release it will promote jabbing which will cause camera shake. Still, people seem to like them for cosmetic reasons. I disagree entirely. The M release is flat and surrounded by the on off switch. It’s not ergonomic and promotes using the tip of your finger. A decent soft release (I prefer convex) raises the shutter slightly and allows the broad pad of the finger to *squeeze* the shutter. I find this smoother and more predictable. Gordon 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronaldc Posted September 17 Share #17 Posted September 17 I must be lucky mine fits perfect 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/423954-100-years-of-leica-precision%E2%80%A6-except-my-soft-release/?do=findComment&comment=5864713'>More sharing options...
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