Modified softie for digital M's

[icebear]

Hello Tom,
on your website you mention a new version coming soon.
I also experienced some issues using the regular softies :
On Sunday the softie came off from my MM - not for the first time..
And occasionally the metering at the first pressure point doesn't work when you aren't paying attention to press down exactly vertical. Will this be improved with the modified thread ?

Another issue - your e-mail link for questions and order doesn't work - at least not with my browser and I couldn't find your email address on your site to copy it to my email program.

Thanks and best regards

 

[Tom A]

Klaus, for some unfathomable reason Leica changed the "pitch" on the M-E/MM/M digitals. After about 120 or 130 years of having the rather standardized thread - it now has a different thread. There is a re-worked Softie coming that will work. I am changing the knurling on the edge to a cross hatch to set them apart. The MM style does not work on the older thread!!!!! The other problem is that if you screw in a standard cable release in the new cameras release - it will pop out when you press the plunger.
You should be able to access the e-mail through the Rapidwinder adress. I will let Tuulikki know as she is the one keeping track of stuff like that.
Tom

 

[mdwsta4]

Tom - Will you be releasing new colors as well? I'd love to get a brass colored one.

Have used your mini soft release on my M9, X100, and X-Pro 1 with excellent results! Keep up the awesome work

 

[icebear]

Hello Tom,

thanks for your quick reply, I have tried the links but there seems to be a problem. It might be just some of my browser settings but it just doesn't start the e-mail program.

 

[ChrisLivsey]

Klaus, Just checked from my mac using Safari, link opens e-mail no problem here.
Best

 

[sepiareverb]

Is there any rational in Leica changing the threads? Do they have a cable release now?

 

[Calzone]

Thanks for the thread. I need a TA softy for my MM.

Thanks Tom for creating great products.

Cal

 

[icebear]

Hi Tom,

I logged in from a different PC and the e-mail link worked, I sent you a message.

 

[Archiver]

Very strange that Leica would change the pitch of the cable release threading. If a standard cable release no longer works properly, do they have something else in mind? Proprietary Leica cable releases and soft releases, maybe?

 

[Calzone]

I just got an e-mailed from TT.

The new softies are ready.

Thanks Tom and TT.

Cal

 

[Tom A]

The M- Monochrome, the M-E and the M240 has a different thread in the cable release. Now, why Leica changed it is a bit of an unknown. The old thread has worked well for the last 120-130 years. This of course means that the older Softies will not work very well on these cameras, different "pitch" on the thread and it is shorter too.
Took us a while to figure out the new thread - but now it is done. The initial run sold out quickly - but a new batch will come. Only the Classic style and in black/chrome and grey.
To differentiate between them, the M Softie has a groove cut in the knurling (as per the picture). The new version does not work on the older cameras as the changed pitch will not engage the thread on the old ones.
Thanks to a lot of help from Henning for the loan of his M 240 for testing the thread and Branco, master lathe operator for getting it done.
Picture courtesy of Henning - as he has good digital close up stuff.

 

[onesixeight]

Hi Tom:

I'll be in Vancouver this weekend. Any chance I could pick up a few softies from you?

Thanks

Chris