The Soft Release Button Camera Compatibility Guide
So, you’re interested in buying a soft release button for your camera. Great idea! Although most cameras come in standard black or silver, soft release buttons can customize your gear with a unique touch of color. Has a deep red bloodwood caught your eye? How about the feel of laser engraved tortoise shell? Or maybe you want to go all-in with a rainbow skate deck design.
In addition to an enhanced aesthetic, soft release buttons give your camera an added level of precision. The larger surface area stabilizes your finger for added comfort and control. This comes in handy when shooting at low shutter speeds.
But here’s the problem – you’ve looked at a few websites (like Artisan Obscura), and you’ve noticed that soft release buttons come in a few different styles. Common questions we get are, “What does it mean for a button to be threaded?” and “ If I’m not sure I want to keep my button on all the time, should I get a sticky backed button so it’s easy to remove?” (The short answer to this is no. The idea behind why sticky backed buttons were created, is to allow the same comfort and control that our threaded soft releases provide to camera owners of non-threaded triggered cameras… ie. DSLR’s & Mirrorless cameras like the Canon EOS R, Nikon D750, Olympus OM-10, and Sony A7 series).
At the end of the day, you should always consult the complete camera compatibility list before purchasing a button. But the compatibility list can be overwhelming if you aren’t familiar with the different terms and button styles. Here’s a general overview to understanding soft release button compatibility with various camera makes and models.
Soft Release Buttons Come in Three Styles
Regular Threaded Buttons
The regular threaded style is the standard for soft release buttons. Most high-end and vintage film cameras, along with the majority of Fuji X-Series mirrorless cameras and Leica M-Series cameras use this design for their shutter buttons. As the name implies, threaded buttons use a small screw mechanism to secure the button into your camera.
Basically, If you can put a standard cable release in your camera, then our regular threaded buttons will fit your camera
FAT Threaded Buttons
The FAT threaded style soft release buttons are our solution for cameras that have a wider female thread on their shutter button. Most notably, vintage Hasselblad, Mamiya, and Rolleiflex cameras utilize these soft release buttons, along with a few versions of Leica M series cameras. As the name implies, threaded buttons use a small screw mechanism to secure the button into your camera.
If your camera requires the use of a wider cable release, our FAT threaded buttons will be the version for your camera.
Sticky Backed Buttons
Sticky backed buttons use a strong adhesive to attach to your smooth, non-threaded shutter button. Simply rub your shutter button with rubbing alcohol to remove any dirt, residue or finger oils, then attach the new button on top. However, you’ll want to make sure that you’re attaching the button you want. If you pull it off, you will likely ruin the adhesive and have to attach a new tab. *Each order comes with 4 additional adhesive tabs.*
Basically, if your camera's shutter DOES NOT have a hole in the middle of it, then our sticky-backed buttons will work on your camera!
Soft Release Buttons by Camera Make
Canon
Canon DSLR cameras use sticky backed buttons. This is because their DSLR line (their most popular) have shutter buttons that are built into the body. This includes the 1D-Series, 5D-Series, Rebels, and M-Series.
*Vintage Canon SLR’s and Rangefinders will use threaded soft releases, since they have a thread hole on their shutter button.*
Fuji
Fujis are a grab bag when it comes to compatibility. Their X-series are split between sticky backed and regular threaded soft releases. However, it’s safe to say that most use regular threaded release buttons.
Fuji’s medium format, GFX-Series on the other hand use sticky backed buttons.
Leica
Leica compatibility varies widely depending on the model of your camera. Leica Qs and Leica Ts use sticky backed buttons. Most (emphasis on “most”) Leica M Series will use a regular threaded soft release. Exceptions include the M3, M8, and M9 monochrome, which use a FAT Threaded soft release. As more and more people outfit their Leica’s with AO soft release buttons, we’ll continue to hone in our compatibility list.
Sony
Sony cameras mostly use sticky backed buttons. If you own a Sony A7 series or Sony RX100, you’ll want a sticky backed button. However, the Sony RX1(r) and Sony RX1 Mark II use FAT threaded buttons, so it’s important to pay attention to your camera’s model.
Olympus
If you own an Olympus OM-D (any model), you’ll be looking at a sticky backed button. But if you own an Olympus Pen F, you’ll want a regular threaded release button.
Other Makes and Models
For the sake of simplicity, we can’t list every camera make in this post. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find the perfect button! Just check out our growing list of compatible products.
Do you feel more confident finding a camera button that’s compatible with your camera? The next step is shopping! Browse our collection of exotic wood soft release buttons.
If you have a rare and/or older camera, you can always contact Artisan Obscura and the team will be happy to direct you to the correct button style.