APUS SMOOTH Soft Release Button: Fit and Installation Guide

By T K FOTO TECHNIC PTE LTD | Published: 2026-11-01

Category: How-to Guides

Learn how to choose between the 8.2mm and 10.7mm APUS SMOOTH soft release buttons and install one correctly on your camera's shutter for a more comfortable press.

Quick answer

Choose the 8.2mm APUS SMOOTH if you want a subtle, low-profile addition to your shutter, or the 10.7mm version if you prefer a larger surface for your fingertip. Then screw it gently onto your camera's threaded shutter release until it is snug, never over-tightened.

Why the thread and material matter more than the look

The APUS SMOOTH uses an S925 body with a brass thread. That brass thread is the part that actually mates with your camera's shutter release, so it deserves more attention than the button's finish. Before you buy, check that your camera has a standard threaded shutter release socket; many modern cameras do, but some compact and entry-level models do not. If yours lacks the thread, no soft release button will fit without an adapter, and this guide's installation steps will not apply.

S925 is a silver alloy, which is softer than stainless steel. That is fine for normal use, but it means you should avoid cross-threading or forcing the button. A gentle, aligned start protects both the button and the camera's internal thread.

When a soft release button helps, and when it does not

A soft release button raises and widens the shutter contact point, which can make half-press focusing and full-press shooting feel more deliberate, especially for people with larger fingers or those who shoot at slow shutter speeds. The benefit is ergonomic, not mechanical: it does not change your camera's shutter mechanism or add stabilization.

It is not for everyone. If you often carry your camera loose in a bag, a protruding button can catch on fabric, and a button that is not fully seated can work loose over time. Photographers who rely on a very low-profile setup may prefer to skip it. Also, if your camera's shutter release sits inside a recessed collar, a wider button may rub against the surrounding body; check clearance before committing to the 10.7mm size.

Choosing between the two sizes

The APUS SMOOTH comes in Small (8.2mm) and Normal (10.7mm). The difference is the surface area your finger contacts. The 8.2mm version stays closer to the camera's original shutter feel and is less likely to interfere with a tight recess or a half-case. The 10.7mm version gives a broader, more tactile target, which some users find easier to locate by feel without looking.

There is no universal correct size. If you are unsure, start with the Small version for a more discreet fit, or measure the clear space around your existing shutter release to see whether a 10.7mm button would overhang. Neither size changes the shutter's travel or sensitivity.

How to install the APUS SMOOTH soft release button

Confirm your camera has a threaded shutter release: Look at the center of your shutter button for a small threaded hole. If there is no thread, stop here; this button cannot be fitted without a compatible adapter. Common mistake: assuming every camera has one, then forcing the button onto a plain post. Check the socket first; a missing thread is a hard stop, not a tight fit.
Clean the shutter thread: Use a soft brush or a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust or grit from the camera's shutter release thread and the button's brass thread. Common mistake: skipping this step and grinding debris into the thread, which can make the button sit unevenly. A clean thread prevents cross-threading and wobble.
Test-fit without force: Hold the button between thumb and forefinger and bring it straight down onto the shutter. Turn it counterclockwise slightly until you feel the thread drop into its starting groove, then turn clockwise. If it resists immediately, back off and restart. Common mistake: forcing a misaligned thread because the button looks almost seated. If it does not start easily, the thread is misaligned; never force it.
Tighten until snug, not tight: Turn the button clockwise with light finger pressure until it stops naturally against the shutter collar. Do not use tools or a strong grip. Common mistake: over-tightening, which can compress the thread or make removal difficult later. Finger-snug is enough; the button only needs to stay in place.
Check clearance and operation: Press the shutter halfway and fully to confirm the button does not rub against the camera body or a case, and that it returns freely. If it rubs, remove it and switch to the smaller size. Common mistake: noticing rubbing only after the first outing. Test half-press and full-press before you rely on it.
Recheck after the first use: After a day of shooting, check that the button is still snug. Brass threads can settle slightly with repeated pressing. Common mistake: assuming it will stay tight forever and losing the button. A quick periodic check keeps the button secure.

Product facts

APUS SMOOTH Camera Soft Release Button: The APUS SMOOTH Camera Soft Release Button is made with S925 material and a brass thread, and is offered in Small (8.2mm) and Normal (10.7mm) sizes. The brass thread is the critical fitting surface, and the two sizes let you match the button to your finger size and the clearance around your shutter.
APUS SMOOTH Camera Soft Release Button