Soft release isn't soft on M7

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Maybe there's a law of physics that explains this, but just as a soft release amplifies the smoothness of the shutter release on the M6, it seems to amplify the detente (at the exposure lock point) on the M7, giving it a real ratchety feeling. In other words, for me, the soft release makes slow-speed, hand-held exposures more difficult. I took it off and while the detente in the M7 shutter release is still palpable, it isn't nearly as disturbing. I wonder if anyone else has had this experience?

-- Michael Stern (hoof@optonline.net), April 28, 2002

Answers

You're right - the notch is more noticeable with the Softie. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing overall is very personal. I just tried dry-firing the M7 for a few minutes with and without, and decided I much prefer the ergonomics with the Softie. My preference has two components: I really dislike the "stabbing" motion I have to use with the bare release, I like the overall feel with the Softie; secondly I like being able to depress the release to the notch and hold it there, whether or not I'm using the lock - this gives a nice positive feel when I release the shutter.

Frankly, when I was shooting a job with the camera on Monday, I didn't notice a thing except how crappy the light was. I think these sorts of differences are only significant during dry-firing practice (aka playing around).

-- Paul Chefurka (paul@chefurka.com), April 28, 2002.


Michael: It is certainly there but I think that you will get used to it quite rapidly. Like putting on a pair of brand new shoes for the first time.

-- Albert Knapp MD (albertknappmd@mac.com), April 28, 2002.

Pheww... thank you, guys, I thought it was only my M7 that felt strange with the «soft release.» What a relief, even thought it doesn't solve the problem. I'm expecting a couple of « mini-soft releases » (that I bought mostly for a Nikon FM2n) from Tom Abrahamsson. Maybe it'll be different with the smaller thing.

Olivier

-- Olivier Reichenbach (olreiche@videotron.ca), April 28, 2002.


It's not a question of getting used to the soft release. The M7 shutter release is different from all other M releases, precisely because of the second pressure point. This pressure point obviates the function of any soft release. And the pressure point remains whether or not you use exposure lock to lock exposure and recompose. I would use the soft release only on M6 and earlier cameras.

-- Eliot (erosen@lij.edu), April 28, 2002.

althought i like the feel of the softie better than using my fingertip, on the M7, i find that i can determine the meter activation point with more precising with no softie installed. i don't know how it would effect hand-held slow exposure shots though.

-- Tristan (emulsion71@hotmail.com), April 28, 2002.


I'm using a soft release on an M7 and prefer it not because of the two levels of release, but because it softens the kick back of the motor.

-- Marc Williams (mwilliams111313MI@comcast.net), April 28, 2002.

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