Official Nikon F/F2 soft release vs aftermarket

[MattKing]

I always understood with respect to soft releases in general that it was because it permitted releasing the shutter with a more gentle, rolling of the finger over the button.

 

[mshchem]

I used one of these when I got my 1st F2S in 1973. I always understood that these originated were the Nikon F and the huge Photomic meter finders to extend the shutter release to where the shutter speed dial was located on the finder. Getting a Nikon when I was a kid, first had to have a P "Apollo" focusing screen, and one of these AR-1 accessories.