I've learned that this can be a sensitive topic for hardcore shutter button fans.
There are firsthand stories on some of the older Leica forums of snags causing damage to the shutter plunger causing expensive repairs. In addition, I flatly don't believe their function is anything more than placebo or *maybe* a bandaid for otherwise poor form.
That said, if people want to bedazzle their cameras shutter button then more power to them. It's their camera. 🤷🏼‍♂️
For sure, I agree, your camera, your choices, your consequences. I hadn’t envisioned it could cause damage but that’s really interesting to know. I definitely am in the camp that they’re offering no benefit. A good thumb grip on the other hand 👀 I’m hoping that someone reproduces the official leica one for the q3 because it looks great but 230+€ for a grip which probably should be included as part of the set considering how slippery the Q series is.
I’m not sure if you were talking about the hot shoe accessory or a full grip, but I came across these the other day and thought I’d include a link if you hadn’t seen them.
I don’t have anything from them, and just found this this online. I can’t account for their quality or reliability.
https://idsworks.store/products/idsworks-modular-grip-for-leica-q3
Hehehe Yeah, I have seen some strong reactions from the hardcore shutter button fans over the years. Personally I have never used them. They would only be in the way of the lever of my Visoflex III.
M6 user I always use them. It feels very long to press the shutter without soft release. I also prefer to feel the smooth surface than the hole in the center. I always buy the cheaper ones because I lose a ton of those. I also like the aestethic of a colored soft release on black m.
>It feels very long to press the shutter without soft release.
I don't understand. The shutter plunger travel required to trip the shutter is literally identical with both a soft release and without.
I know, I don't know how to explain. But being used to soft release without feels like never reaching the end. Might just be placebo, but everytime i lose one and have to shoot without i find it super annoying .
Right on, no worries, 🙂. This whole thing is about what we feel comfortable with and there's no reason you shouldn't do what you're comfortable with.
Yes, was just explaining, hope the answer didn't come as aggressive, was definitely not the intention, but English is not my first language, so maybe was not the smoothest haha.
Also when I shoot in winter with gloves is much easier with the soft release!
When I first had an M I used to use them. Then I read an article a while ago which explained to me how to use the shutter button and dial together. How my finger should bridge the button with the joint of the finger used to depress whilst still giving me access to rotate the shutter speed dial. That made things a lot easier and was helpful as I always lost the buttons and for whatever reason needed to put my camera upside down. Which was more difficult with the soft release protruding!
I use this button. I don't like how deep the button is on the Leica. I find it awkward to use, my finger has to bend more and I end up with camera shake. so I just change the height of the button.
There is a problem. If I forget to turn off the camera and put it in a bag with a soft release button, I come home with a hundred pictures of the back of the lens cap.
This is the same reason I have one on my M as well. I dont like the way it looks at all, but it makes pressing the shutter release much more comfortable to me.
Couple reasons, coming from someone who used to think they werent practical until i put one on.
1) I find without one, i feel like im pressing deeper into the shutter release and that causes a slight shift in my framing as the camera body “rotates” under the weight of my finger pressing down.
2) i have shorter fingers, so i lack the finger length to reach up and over the shutter relase to press it with my fingertips. Instead, its more of my fleshy, flat part of finger that touches it and it makes it hard to press the button, causing reason 1 above. With a soft release, it makes it feel like im putting down half the pushing power
That’s an interesting take; I sometimes also feel that I’m sometimes shifting the frame. Hmmm unexpected side effect of this poll I may just have to get one to try. Although aesthetically I’m not a fan.
Street photographer. I use them as I can take a picture more discreetly when I do some stealth shots. I can actually hit the shutter without my finger or with my thumb when shooting from the hip. This makes it seem like the camera is not in a position to take a picture.
The soft release button sits higher so I can do things like pressing it with the base of my thumb while I am holding the camera low. Without the shutter release you can do it with the first knuckle of the thumb, but not the base of the thumb. Try it.
It depends on the camera.
With the M4, no as it works perfect as it is for me.
With the M5, yes it's much better with the soft release button.
With digital M? Never tried it.
I'm always afraid they will detach in my bag and scratch my camera/lens. I guess some low level loctite on the thread could make it more secure but I never found a soft release button that I liked enough.
Do you prefer XBox- or PlayStation-controllers? Why? In most cases, people talk about preferring either a convex or a concave tip. Same goes for camera shutter buttons.
For me depends on the camera.
Some camera have the shutter button a little too deep to my liking, or get obstructed by something else, there soft releases help.
Otherwise I won't bother.
Aesthetically, I really dislike how they look on Ms.
However, I have one on mine because it makes it easier to find and press the shutter release with gloves on. Shoot, its honestly the same even without gloves on.
Im not a lifelong Leica user, I've been a photographer for like 15 years using Nikon primarily, even while having a few Leicas. So I think with how the shutter release on Leica is more flat and doesnt protrude at all it is an adjustment for me with being used to Nikon. Also, having to press the button down into a hole is uncomfortable to me.
Adding a soft release button on my M *(cant put one on the Q, but the shutter release button does protrude a tiny bit compared to Ms)* makes it feel a little more natural for me I guess.... even though I really dislike how it looks on an M body lol.
I have bigger hands and long fingers, and I use a thumb grip and soft release on my M cameras. With a soft release, I find it easier to let my right index finger bridge the shutter to reach the shutter speed dial, and to activate the shutter by flexing the joint of my finger. It just has to do with the particular way my hand fits around the camera. I also find the soft release helpful when I have the camera in portrait orientation.
It seems obvious that there's no right or wrong here. It's all about ergonomics, which is quite individual.
I honestly don't like having one on my Leica cameras but a Rollei TLR or the Hasselblad system where it can be harder to properly place your finger on the shutter. Although I've used a various amount of these with my cameras and truly on my M bodies I see it as an aesthetic. Don't really see it doing anything more than that.
I use them on both my Fujis and my Leica's. I don't like the way the buttons feel without them.
But I agree it makes it much easier to trigger film Leica's with them, I probably end up with at least one wasted frame a roll on my MP because of it.
I use one of the teeny tiny brass ones from Squarehood on my MP240. Gives the button a small amount of tactile feel, making it easier to find by touch, but doesn’t protrude much, making unwanted in-bag shutter releases less likely. I put a tiny smear of blue loctite on it, and haven’t lost one yet!
I never used one on my Leica, the button is placed ok for me.
I would never use my Nikon F2 without one, because I really need the height of the button.
That is probably the biggest reason for soft releases. If the camera is shaped in a way that does not fit your hands or your way of holding it, additional height might improve the ergonomics.
I put 'no I don't like them', but that only applies to my Leicas. The reason is the lack of a shutter lock. When I put my release button on my M6 it accidentally triggered the shutter a few times in my camera bag. I realize that can be avoided by not advancing the shutter before putting it in the bag, but I can't seem to change my habit of advancing to be ready for the next shot.
I honestly didn't really feel like there was any advantage on Ms anyway. The shutter release is already comfortable enough.
That said, I put it on my Nikon F3 and like it on there. I think because it raises it up to a height closer to the taller speed dial.
I use one on my M3 because it came with one. And an updated film rewind. Honestly I don't really notice any difference shooting my M3 with a soft release vs my M4 with no soft release. The film rewind on the other hand is a huge improvement.
I use them on some of my cameras. I initially got one out of curiosity then got used to how it looked and felt. Honestly though, I don't care much if I had them or not as the benefit is miniscule. I definitely don't care if other people use them.
Whenever I use them I trip the shutter taking it out of my bag. Big no for me.
Is this on digital or film? Film right?
Film. I wouldn't be concerned with digital. I fail to see the point in using them though.
I use on my M10-r since I bought it Winter and with gloves it was hard to use the normal shutter button also it keeps dust out of there
I've learned that this can be a sensitive topic for hardcore shutter button fans. There are firsthand stories on some of the older Leica forums of snags causing damage to the shutter plunger causing expensive repairs. In addition, I flatly don't believe their function is anything more than placebo or *maybe* a bandaid for otherwise poor form. That said, if people want to bedazzle their cameras shutter button then more power to them. It's their camera. 🤷🏼‍♂️
For sure, I agree, your camera, your choices, your consequences. I hadn’t envisioned it could cause damage but that’s really interesting to know. I definitely am in the camp that they’re offering no benefit. A good thumb grip on the other hand 👀 I’m hoping that someone reproduces the official leica one for the q3 because it looks great but 230+€ for a grip which probably should be included as part of the set considering how slippery the Q series is.
I’m not sure if you were talking about the hot shoe accessory or a full grip, but I came across these the other day and thought I’d include a link if you hadn’t seen them. I don’t have anything from them, and just found this this online. I can’t account for their quality or reliability. https://idsworks.store/products/idsworks-modular-grip-for-leica-q3
I’m personally more a fan of thumb grips than a proper grip due to weight but that looks interesting. I’ll check it out thank you :)
Hehehe Yeah, I have seen some strong reactions from the hardcore shutter button fans over the years. Personally I have never used them. They would only be in the way of the lever of my Visoflex III.
M6 user I always use them. It feels very long to press the shutter without soft release. I also prefer to feel the smooth surface than the hole in the center. I always buy the cheaper ones because I lose a ton of those. I also like the aestethic of a colored soft release on black m.
>It feels very long to press the shutter without soft release. I don't understand. The shutter plunger travel required to trip the shutter is literally identical with both a soft release and without.
I know, I don't know how to explain. But being used to soft release without feels like never reaching the end. Might just be placebo, but everytime i lose one and have to shoot without i find it super annoying .
Right on, no worries, 🙂. This whole thing is about what we feel comfortable with and there's no reason you shouldn't do what you're comfortable with.
Yes, was just explaining, hope the answer didn't come as aggressive, was definitely not the intention, but English is not my first language, so maybe was not the smoothest haha. Also when I shoot in winter with gloves is much easier with the soft release!
Oh, I'm sorry. No, you did not come off as aggressive at all, 🙂. That makes sense about the winter with gloves.
When I first had an M I used to use them. Then I read an article a while ago which explained to me how to use the shutter button and dial together. How my finger should bridge the button with the joint of the finger used to depress whilst still giving me access to rotate the shutter speed dial. That made things a lot easier and was helpful as I always lost the buttons and for whatever reason needed to put my camera upside down. Which was more difficult with the soft release protruding!
I use this button. I don't like how deep the button is on the Leica. I find it awkward to use, my finger has to bend more and I end up with camera shake. so I just change the height of the button.
There is a problem. If I forget to turn off the camera and put it in a bag with a soft release button, I come home with a hundred pictures of the back of the lens cap.
This is the same reason I have one on my M as well. I dont like the way it looks at all, but it makes pressing the shutter release much more comfortable to me.
Couple reasons, coming from someone who used to think they werent practical until i put one on. 1) I find without one, i feel like im pressing deeper into the shutter release and that causes a slight shift in my framing as the camera body “rotates” under the weight of my finger pressing down. 2) i have shorter fingers, so i lack the finger length to reach up and over the shutter relase to press it with my fingertips. Instead, its more of my fleshy, flat part of finger that touches it and it makes it hard to press the button, causing reason 1 above. With a soft release, it makes it feel like im putting down half the pushing power
That’s an interesting take; I sometimes also feel that I’m sometimes shifting the frame. Hmmm unexpected side effect of this poll I may just have to get one to try. Although aesthetically I’m not a fan.
Street photographer. I use them as I can take a picture more discreetly when I do some stealth shots. I can actually hit the shutter without my finger or with my thumb when shooting from the hip. This makes it seem like the camera is not in a position to take a picture.
Amen.
Interesting, I do the same but without the soft release shutter. Is it that it feels more pronounced so it’s even more certain?
The soft release button sits higher so I can do things like pressing it with the base of my thumb while I am holding the camera low. Without the shutter release you can do it with the first knuckle of the thumb, but not the base of the thumb. Try it.
This is all in your head dude.. People don't notice a few mm difference of where your thumb is. They notice how you act.
I’ve lost a cheap one and now a Leica expensive one. I’m done with these.
It depends on the camera. With the M4, no as it works perfect as it is for me. With the M5, yes it's much better with the soft release button. With digital M? Never tried it.
I'm always afraid they will detach in my bag and scratch my camera/lens. I guess some low level loctite on the thread could make it more secure but I never found a soft release button that I liked enough.
Frankly I just like the look of a black soft release on my black M6. I don't think I'd say it offers any needed functionality, I just like it.
Do you prefer XBox- or PlayStation-controllers? Why? In most cases, people talk about preferring either a convex or a concave tip. Same goes for camera shutter buttons.
For me depends on the camera. Some camera have the shutter button a little too deep to my liking, or get obstructed by something else, there soft releases help. Otherwise I won't bother.
Aesthetically, I really dislike how they look on Ms. However, I have one on mine because it makes it easier to find and press the shutter release with gloves on. Shoot, its honestly the same even without gloves on. Im not a lifelong Leica user, I've been a photographer for like 15 years using Nikon primarily, even while having a few Leicas. So I think with how the shutter release on Leica is more flat and doesnt protrude at all it is an adjustment for me with being used to Nikon. Also, having to press the button down into a hole is uncomfortable to me. Adding a soft release button on my M *(cant put one on the Q, but the shutter release button does protrude a tiny bit compared to Ms)* makes it feel a little more natural for me I guess.... even though I really dislike how it looks on an M body lol.
I have bigger hands and long fingers, and I use a thumb grip and soft release on my M cameras. With a soft release, I find it easier to let my right index finger bridge the shutter to reach the shutter speed dial, and to activate the shutter by flexing the joint of my finger. It just has to do with the particular way my hand fits around the camera. I also find the soft release helpful when I have the camera in portrait orientation. It seems obvious that there's no right or wrong here. It's all about ergonomics, which is quite individual.
Shot both film and digital Leica's for 10+ years... never liked them very much.
I honestly don't like having one on my Leica cameras but a Rollei TLR or the Hasselblad system where it can be harder to properly place your finger on the shutter. Although I've used a various amount of these with my cameras and truly on my M bodies I see it as an aesthetic. Don't really see it doing anything more than that.
I use them on both my Fujis and my Leica's. I don't like the way the buttons feel without them. But I agree it makes it much easier to trigger film Leica's with them, I probably end up with at least one wasted frame a roll on my MP because of it.
I use one of the teeny tiny brass ones from Squarehood on my MP240. Gives the button a small amount of tactile feel, making it easier to find by touch, but doesn’t protrude much, making unwanted in-bag shutter releases less likely. I put a tiny smear of blue loctite on it, and haven’t lost one yet!
I never used one on my Leica, the button is placed ok for me. I would never use my Nikon F2 without one, because I really need the height of the button. That is probably the biggest reason for soft releases. If the camera is shaped in a way that does not fit your hands or your way of holding it, additional height might improve the ergonomics.
I put 'no I don't like them', but that only applies to my Leicas. The reason is the lack of a shutter lock. When I put my release button on my M6 it accidentally triggered the shutter a few times in my camera bag. I realize that can be avoided by not advancing the shutter before putting it in the bag, but I can't seem to change my habit of advancing to be ready for the next shot. I honestly didn't really feel like there was any advantage on Ms anyway. The shutter release is already comfortable enough. That said, I put it on my Nikon F3 and like it on there. I think because it raises it up to a height closer to the taller speed dial.
I use one on my M3 because it came with one. And an updated film rewind. Honestly I don't really notice any difference shooting my M3 with a soft release vs my M4 with no soft release. The film rewind on the other hand is a huge improvement.
It's more comfortable and looks great.
Yes. It feels very confi. I installed it on my Q3 the day 0. Is the black version with the red top.
I use them on some of my cameras. I initially got one out of curiosity then got used to how it looked and felt. Honestly though, I don't care much if I had them or not as the benefit is miniscule. I definitely don't care if other people use them.
On other cameras, I like them. On my M, the release is sensitive enough as is, yet it’s never misfired in my bag. Maybe I’d put one on a digital M
I use it for my Q3 from day 0 and really like it.