Mini Soft Release for Bessa R2A?

P

photophorous

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Hi Everybody,

I'm planning to buy an R2A soon and I was wondering if anyone has bought the mini soft release offered on Camera Quest. It looks like it might be nice to have, but I don't know if it would really help. Is the shutter button fairly soft already? Does this thing even help?

Thanks,
Paul
 
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I got one and love it.
I have a R2 and think it makes the shutter release easier to use...it allows me a better feel for the half release (metering) and then taking the picture.
Honestly I never used the camera without it, so when I have removed it, the camera felt strange and it immediately went back on.
For the cost, I say get it.
 
Hi Paul,
Welcome.
I have that soft release on my R2A. It definitely makes the release lighter. It's actually a bit of a hair trigger with the soft-release on. I can't quantify how much it helps, but from the ease of release, I'd have to say that it does actually make a difference.
One thing though, you will certainly waste a couple of shots per roll until you get used to it or build the habit of locking the shutter before putting the camera away in your bag. The soft release makes it easy to accidentaly fire off a shot as you handle the camera.
 
Thanks for the quick replies. I was thinking it might help with holding the camera steady at slower shutter speeds. Do you guys think it helps with that? Sounds like something I should try.

PlantedTao, I think I know you from another website. Funny, because the Yashica in your "inventory" reminded me. I'm actually in the process of auctioning mine off to help fund this purchase.

Paul
 
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"they" claim the release can make the camera more steady because the shutter release is more sensitive, but I wouldn't go that far...it does make the camera feel more comfortable. (comfortable = steady ???) The little thing aint magic.

huh, your name looked familiar so I thought you had posted here before, but then I looked at your post count...
I have used this nickname on the critique section of photographyreview.com
Haven't spent much time over there in awhile, this site suits my photo style a bit more.
Welcome and hope you stick around.
Cheers.

Jason
 
Hey!!
So does this mean you have bought the R2A or are you doing some last minute research?
I have thought of a soft release as well, but I haven't figured out if I really need one or not.
Brian
 
Jason,

Yep, that's where I saw you. I think you posted something you took with your TLR, or for some reason I knew you had it anyway. It was probably back when I was just starting to use mine. That's why I remember.

I was thinking the soft release could help at slower shutter speeds, because a stiff shutter release might interfere with holding still at shutter speeds of 1/30 or slower. I know it's not magic, but at those speeds, every little bit helps.

Thanks for the info.

Paul
 
Hey Brian,

Just last minute research. I figure if I'm going to buy a $15 accessory, I don't want to have to pay shipping on it at a later time. I think I'll go ahead and get one.

I just put my Bessa funding up on the 'bay last night. So, I'll know how big my camera quest order is going to be approximately one week from yesterday. :D

Paul
 
Soft release

Soft release

Paul,
It really does improve the feel of the shutter. Even if the "magic" is only in my mind, the soft release was worth the price to me. The soft release does make it easier for accidental exposures when the camera is in a bag, so use the excellent shutter release lock on the R2A.

Mike
 
Hi... I use the small, Tom Abrahamsson soft release on my Leica M2.
Remember, that the profile of an M2 shutter button is lower than that
of a Bessa.

In any event, if you are placing an order with CQ... sure, go another $15-
for the soft release. Tho' some like a wider soft release, I think the small one is more generally useful on a variety of cameras. In some camera designs, the available space between the top of the advance crank and shutter speed dial, is tight.

Enjoy, mike
 
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Mike, Mike, & Robin,

Thanks for your comments. I'm convinced that it's at least worth a try. I was expecting at least one person to say it's an overpriced thumbscrew. :D ;)

Paul
 
i would agree it's worth the money to try it. i find it indespensible on full-sized leica M bodies, and also on the CL. but honestly (for me)...i prefer the R2/3A shutter release without the softie. again...just my take on things. the stock shutter release on the bessas seems to be perfect for me, and it doesn't feel like you need to jam your finger down into the mechanism like the leicas do.
 
Its a dead horse now, but I echo everyone else ... buy it.

Sometimes I forget to put mine back on after using a cable release, and it makes me sad to use the camera without it. The shutter release feels great with it on the camera, and so-so without.
 
I bought a used R3a and could not get the thing off of the camera fast enough!
It's all what you're used to, I have two bessa T and an R already- with no softies on, so with the r3a, i was accidently fireing the shutter while struggling to get my eye in the right spot to see the meter numbers, being accustumed to the feel of the other bessa buttons...
But the release is pure gold on the fed 2!
 
I won't say that it makes the shutter release feel any lighter but with my big hands that little bit of extra reach is very welcome.
 
photophorous said:
Mike, Mike, & Robin,

Thanks for your comments. I'm convinced that it's at least worth a try. I was expecting at least one person to say it's an overpriced thumbscrew. :D ;)

Paul
Click to expand...
ok, it is an over priced thumb screw... :eek:

and I have one on each of my Bessa's L, T, R, R2 and will get one with my R4M when it is released for sale:D
 
Thanks for the replies, everyone! It's too bad I can't ask which 50mm lens is best and get the same kind of agreement. :eek: :D Just kidding.

Paul
 
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