I've been using my M7 for a few weeks now, and I really enjoy it. I did run the batteries down one day when I accidentaly switched it on when it went into my bag, so I was left with the two manual speeds for a day's shooting, but that's not my question.

When using a soft release (Tom A's), I've found that the shutter release is very notchy, requiring significant force to go past the AE lock point in it's travel. It's very noticiable vs other M's. So much so that I've removed my beloved SR's for now. So when I remove the SR, it's much better. Has anyone else found this issue with their M7?

-- Skip Williams (skipwilliams@pobox.com), May 29, 2002

Answers

I found this when trying a M7 in a shop, It no longer has the springy feeling of the mechanical Ms

-- Karl Yik (karl.yik@dk.com), May 29, 2002.

Yes, I've noticed it. I still prefer the feeling of the M7 release with SR so much over the plain release that I've retained it. I think it's mostly a matter of acclimatization. I find myself using the AE lock as a resting point when waiting for the right moment. When the moment happens, I just push that last little bit, and there's no sense of notchinesss.

-- Paul Chefurka (paul@chefurka.com), May 29, 2002.

Did you try the mini-soft release?

-- Olivier (olreiche@videotron.ca), May 29, 2002.

Could it be because you're not applying pressure (exactly) vertically?

-- Peter Mackay (pm@novonordisk.com), May 29, 2002.

The angle of the pressure doesn't make a difference.

-- Paul Chefurka (paul@chefurka.com), May 29, 2002.

FWIW...The shutter release on my new M6TTL is also notchy when using a softie.

-- Bob (robljones@attbi.com), May 29, 2002.

I am experiencing the same problem as you are that's why I am not using the SR on my M7. I would say that it's notchy but doesn't require '"significant force" to over come. No such problem with the M6.

-- Arthur Yue (yueart@netvigator.com), May 29, 2002.

<> i beg to differ. i also find the m7 shutter release to be notchy. the way to improve the situation is to use the standard finger rolling technique (which actually is the best way to release any m -- and by best i mean the way that moves the camera the least). press the release at the the very edge -- basicall press down into the gap between the release button and the collar. then roll your finger gently toward the center. with a little practice this makes the release quite smooth -- even on the 7. and it is quite easy to control the ae lock as well. p.s. i have always thought that the soft release wrecks the feel of an m shutter release. i want to like the product because i like tom and think his rapidwinder is swell (i have an m2, a gloss black m6 and a chrome m6). unfortunately, it always makes the release rough, makes it too easy for the meter to get activated in the bag, and makes it too easy for the shutter to fire in the bag (i hate bringing out a camera i think is cocked, press the release, and discover that it has fired in the bag).

-- roger michel (michel@tcn.org), May 29, 2002.