"trigger Softener"

[monopix]

I use them. I've found they really help on my Contax IIa because of the need to focus with one finger and trigger with another - it just makes it easier.

I've also made my own from the end of an old cable release with a button stuck on top - it works and didn't cost me anything.

Oops! Sorry about the picture of a Contax in a Leica forum.

 

[capitalK]

My teal green softie gets more compliments than my camera does. In fact most people think it's a part of the camera and ask "why is that part green? That's cool."

I think it helps but I didn't really have a problem shooting at 1/15th of a second and sometimes at 1/8th. The softie probably helps me get a higher percentage of keepers.

I could see how people would lose a frame when they put their camera in their bag but my Bessa R2A has a handy OFF switch which gets tripped before the camera goes back in the bag.

 

[John Elder]

I have ben shooting a Leica M since 1990. The first time I tried a softie(2008) was on my Mentor's M6( former professor of photography at RIT) . I couldn't believe the difference. The softie gives me at least 1 stop slower shutter speed hand held and probably two. I haven't lost a frame yet to inadvertant exposure. Al kaplan good to see you posting on this forum. I think this is the first time i ever disagreed with you. If you remember i'm the guy who gave you the metal film casettes.

 

[januaryman]

If you are constantly tripping the shutter accidentally with a soft release in place your style of shooting doesn't go with the soft release. I never advance to the next frame until I intend to shoot and I never put a camera back in the bag with the shutter cocked. Can't recall any accidental releases with a soft release in place.

Bob

You've never owned a Fed, then! I learned to do the shutter advance as soon as I pulled off a shot. Changing the speed before cocking the shutter will cause you no end of grief and misery on an FSU camera. I carried over the habit to my Leicas, and yes, bumping into my soft release will result in an off frame or two in maybe five rolls of film. But al I need is ONE good accidental shot and I'll be happy!

But a YELLOW softie? I don't think so. Mine are black or steel.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Jim

I think it still boils down to shooting style. I have LTM Leica bodies for which I have made a soft release and not lost a shot to accidentally releasing the shutter. When I am ready to take a photo, I wind on and then reset my shutter speed if need be as it is just as bad on an LTM Leica as a Fed to change the speed first. If you must go around cocked and locked to be ready to take the decisive moment then your style is different than mine and you could have accidental shutter releases. It is just a matter of style.

Bob

 

[januaryman]

Yeah, habits, style... we are in agreement about that. I like the softie and miss it when it's not on. But if it disappeared forever, I'd manage.

 

[cwatgo1970]

They CAN significantly increase the number of accidental exposures for SOME new users of them. After about 3-4 (OOOPPPS!) accutations, one learns quickly they can no longer get away with a hasty and un-mindful grab of their M from the camera bag. I have much appreciated use of them however, and glad I finally made to move to get them. I had long been curious about them, and just last year, couldn't turn down buying two stainless Luigi buttons for a Buy-It-Now at $10.00. While I agree they are definately an enhancement in shooting , I don't think one has to have one to live.

 

[Teus]

I quite like the soft-release, again it's the fingers. With a soft release I get motion free exposures at 1/8 easily, 1/4 if I'm really un-caffeinated, without one I'm good to 1/15 at very best, 1/30 reliably.

The softie gives me at least 1 stop slower shutter speed hand held and probably two

so it's confirmed you can gain about 1stop of handheld shutter speed?
then I must definately get one. I often shoot at the limit - 1/15 f/2, and would be happy if my shots at 1/8 would be acceptably sharp as well.

 

[monopix]

They DO significantly increase the number of accidental exposures for new users of them.

[pedantic mode]I really think you should stick with saying what they did/do for you as you can't make statements like that unless you have spoken to every new user and have the real facts. I was a new user once, like everyone else at sometime, and I've NEVER had an accidental exposure due to the softie. It's all down to how individuals use their cameras.[/pedantic mode]🙂

 

[januaryman]

so it's confirmed you can gain about 1stop of handheld shutter speed?
then I must definately get one. I often shoot at the limit - 1/15 f/2, and would be happy if my shots at 1/8 would be acceptably sharp as well.

I'll answer to this and the posting by monopix; if you're a klutz, you're a klutz (and I am).

I do shoot the occasional "oops!" but I also doubt that I gain much stability to shoot slower than 1/30 using the button. It's just easier to shoot for me.

The non-guarantee works boths ways - you are not GUARANTEED to lose a frame accidentally, and you are not GUARANTEED to pick up an extra stop of stability. But both are possible.

I have softies for every one of my cameras, except the digitals, of course. Oh. And not the Canonet. For some reason, it just doesn't feel right with a softy button on top.

 

[cwatgo1970]

Greetings Monopix, You are totally correct and I have edited it for the better. I can get loose with my words at times, and I had expected a few, if not many, who might have easily related to my "oopps" exposures upon the initial use of a soft release. As Jim best put it, some of us are just "Klutz" and I shouldn't assume that I speak for everyone. Kind regards- Charles

 

[KM-25]

As much as I love my MP 3, the shutter release on it is really deep, meaning that I have to push the button quite far to get it to release the shutter.

I might have to try a "Softie" and see if it helps. All my other M's are fine.

 

[RF_newbie]

i want to get a Hot Pink Softie for my black M2,
i thought tom sold a similar "shutter Nipple" softie type button and Winders also, here on RFF.

 

[Sjixxxy]

I love mine, and not for any gains in low light situations. I just love that the shutter button is now huge. Around here when it is cold & miserable most of the year, it really helps shooting when I have gloves on. Also, the ease of being able to trip the shutter with any part of the hand often helps when I just need to hold the camera in an unconventional way when I lean up against something to brace for an exposure when using slow shutter speeds.

If you are finding yourself blowing too many accidental frames with it on, check out my very cheap DIY solution to aide against them.

 

[_goodtimez]

They generate a lot of "False Triggers", kinds of Friendly Fire so to say !
Secondly they protrude over the top of the Camera and bump into things a lot more than without.
I believe the OEM solution is better.

 

[RichC]

Here are some nice ones from Tim Isaac (he of M-Coder and Thumbs Up fame): http://matchtechnical.com/Beep.aspx

I'd tried a couple of soft releases from eBay in the past, but wasn't impressed - not only did they make little difference but were so badly made that they wouldn't stay tightened.

Anyway, I bought one of Tim's to try. I was somewhat skeptical, having thought soft releases were a waste of time before... Not only is Tim's comfortable and very well made but it really worked! 😀

It's now a permanent fixture on my Leica M8! I tested it by taking a dozen shots at 1/10s without and a dozen with the soft release: most of the former had some camera shake, most of the latter didn't. I'd say I'd gained an extra hand-holding stop.

I need to practice the new "trigger" method of releasing the shutter, as it still feels a little strange, but I'm getting there...

 

[boy_lah]

I like these softies and do find they help me achieve shots at lower shutter speeds. I think they reduce the travel distance when pressing the shutter button hence i use less force and therefore less shake. Just like steadying a gun, I 'squeeze' instead of 'press'.

BUT....you must get a good one. I tried 3 from ebay china and I concur they're poorly made. Doesn't screw on, wrong height and if anything, doesn't allow me to lock AE (half depressing the trigger).

The one that was well made...screws in perfectly, the height is right (AE lock possible) and I love it. Moral of story? Some things from ebay china is as good as the branded stuff (i've bought many), others no. This is a case of 'no'.

I'm new to Ms and at first I did have various 'false' fires but I adjusted accordingly and no probs now. Again, the 'good' softie was shorter and that reduced 'false' fires as well.

I will be getting another one - perhaps Tim Issac. Oh...i have small fingers.