Re: [Leica] Tom Abrahamsson's Soft Release Prototype Trial

[Five Senses Productions <fls@5senses.com>]

Where can I buy one?

At 02:49 PM 5/28/98 , Leikon35@aol.com wrote:
> After using a prototype of Tom Abrahamsson's soft release for a week,
>my first impressions are that Tom has another winner.  The device seems
>to be made from aluminum or a similar alloy just like Fred Ward's (which
>I had been using on my M2, M3 & M4 -- but it has a wider diameter than
>Freds (15mm compared to 12mm) therefore fits flush with the cameras
>release ring and the heftier release also has a knurled rim compared to
>the sharp rim allowing a better finger grip.  I didn't try it on a M6 because
>I am rough on my Leicas and want them always to be in a ready to shoot
>condition, so I put them in my bag with the shutter cocked.
>
>I don't like the term "snap-shot" & prefer & recommend "sqeeze-off" as a
>better word as well as a better method of taking pictures.  Even though the
>M2,M3 & M4 have no meters to activate - there is still almost 1/8" of play
>before the shutter goes off and it is only the last millimeter that activates
>the shutter.  I wonder if there is any adjustment for this play?  Tom would
>probably know but he is still in Tokyo. The important thing to remember
>for shooting at slow shutter speeds is to squeeze not snap.
>
>Before Tom left on his trip, he told me that one of the changes will be to
>shave 1/1000" off the thread, which will enable the release to "sit" on the
>shoulder of the camera release button & thereby "pull" the thread against
>the camera thread making it less likely to come off & get lost.  I don't like
>the idea of using lock-tite or anything like that and I have used all three
>releases: Fred's, Tom's & the Leitz OZTNO without any coming off and
>getting lost.  Maybe Ted and I have both been fortunate & born under a
>a lucky star about a year apart or maybe it is treating a Leica like you
>would treat a car, with a CLA at least every 5 to 10 years although I have
>heard that the suggested first tune-up for the new BMW is 100,000 miles.
>
>As far as cosmetic looks, if there is any demand for it they can be made
>in red or black, like the idea behind the after market US made Leica hand-
>grip so that the user of 2 Leicas with 2 films can easily tell them apart.
>
>Marvin Moss
>
>   
>