Bought A Tom A Rapidwinder today

[Nick De Marco]

..... didn't mean to, but was looking for a Leica base plate with a tripod hole in the middle for a small table tripod. The guy in the shot said he had not seen such a thing and then pulled out a RW he just had in second hand, lovely condition. I'd always admired them but never thought I needed one. Of course once I picked it up and felt the qulity I had to have it.

Well done Tom for what looks and feels like an excellant product.

2 questions: I assume there are now dedicated half cases to make up for the RW, and if I have it on a tripod, and don't want to use the winder on the bottom, as it might hit the tripod, is this possible (i.e. use winder on top)?

Nick

 

[Tom A]

There are some halfcases made for the Rapidwinder and the Leicavit - I think Luigi makes one. I never use cases so my information is a bit "guess" work here.
The Rapidwinder does not affect the use of the "regular" top advance. There is a fractional more of a "drag" when using it as it also has to turn the clutch/drive in the winder - but not enough to be noticable.

 

[Roger Hicks]

No doubt Tom appreciates the kind words but I wonder if he feels the same way I do when someone says they've bought one of my books second-hand: "I'm really pleased you appreciate it, but I don't see a penny of second-hand sales and I have a weakness for eating and paying my utility bills."

Cheers,

R.

 

[Tom A]

Reminds me of Picasso when one of his paintings hit $1 million and someone asked him what he felt "Oh, I sold that one for $25 forty years ago!"
I appreciate that shooters are using the winders, new or used, as it means they are using film and that keeps Kodak.Fuji,Ilford etc. in business - and that is good for all of us!

 

[Nick De Marco]

Thanks for the info Tom

Fair point about buying used goods, though to be fair I when I buy them it it usually because the price has decreased rather than (as with a Picasso) increased. I just thought if I did not by used stuff I would never have got into Leicas or RFs at all, and probably not back into film, so Tom's right about that too. I did buy a brand new Leica M8 and 28 Elmarit from Leica a while back, but I contributed to the cycle by later selling them both. Although one reason people can justify buying quality goods like Leica and Tom's rapidwinder is because they can hold their resale price well so everyone benefits really.

 

[Benjamin Marks]

Hey, I'm also a happy Rapidwinder user. In fact I currently have one more RW than I have M body to use it on . . . can't bring myself to part with it, though. Hmmm, maybe I need an MP . . . ;-)

Cheers, Tom.

Ben Marks

 

[Pickett Wilson]

I'm currently saving my nickels for a Rapidwinder. Since I'm a left eyed shooter, I've decided my M6 must have one. Beautifully made device.

 

[Roger Hicks]

I'm currently saving my nickels for a Rapidwinder. Since I'm a left eyed shooter, I've decided my M6 must have one. Beautifully made device.

No argument there!

Cheers,

R.

 

[Benjamin]

No doubt Tom appreciates the kind words but I wonder if he feels the same way I do when someone says they've bought one of my books second-hand: "I'm really pleased you appreciate it, but I don't see a penny of second-hand sales and I have a weakness for eating and paying my utility bills."

Cheers,

R.

Well Roger, if I ever happen to come across one of your books second hand, I at least shall be sure to send you enough 'nickels' to buy a pint!

 

[Roger Hicks]

Well Roger, if I ever happen to come across one of your books second hand, I at least shall be sure to send you enough 'nickels' to buy a pint!

It will be gratefully appreciated, not least because a pint costs a lot more nowadays than the royalty on a new book!

Cheers,

R.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Roger, speaking of books, thank you again for the introduction on American Gothic -- I just got my copy and my mother was very complimentary about your writing -- "Some people have a gift - his is words - mine is cleaning this floor" --- the book printed wonderfully and i've got my blurb workflow down --- might have to look into getting a toma rapidwinder and one of roger's books --- Once my finances are together, I'll buy you a copy Roger...

You're very welcome, and please thank your mother for the kind words -- and tell her that another of her talents is producing very fine photographers (or at least, one very fine photographer).

Cheers,

R.

 

[wjlapier]

Speaking of Rapid Winders. Tom, do they fit the MP ( newer version ) and can they be had in black paint? Erik van Straten's MP/Leicavit M combo looks great, and I too am a left eye shooter, how ever I've been trying to use my right eye lately 😉

 

[bobkonos]

Speaking of Rapid Winders. Tom, do they fit the MP ( newer version ) and can they be had in black paint? Erik van Straten's MP/Leicavit M combo looks great, and I too am a left eye shooter, how ever I've been trying to use my right eye lately 😉

Bill,

I use a chrome finish Rapidwinder (Roger, please note: bought directly from Tom) on my chrome MP and it works perfectly.

Bob (another proud left-eyed shooter)

 

[bob338]

No doubt Tom appreciates the kind words but I wonder if he feels the same way I do when someone says they've bought one of my books second-hand: "I'm really pleased you appreciate it, but I don't see a penny of second-hand sales and I have a weakness for eating and paying my utility bills."

Cheers,

R.

i'd would add at the risk of offending roger that most people buy second hand so that they also can eat and pay their bills. not everyone has $700 for a new rapidwinder when they can get a used one off of ebay for $300. isn't that how an open economy works?

bob

 

[Damaso]

Just picked up another one and can't wait to get it!

 

[peter_n]

Speaking of Rapid Winders. Tom, do they fit the MP ( newer version ) and can they be had in black paint? Erik van Straten's MP/Leicavit M combo looks great, and I too am a left eye shooter, how ever I've been trying to use my right eye lately 😉

Tom's web site speaks to a "glossy version" by which I assume he means BP. There's $10 added to the price for it.

Just sold the last of my Rapidwinders a couple of weeks ago.

 

[rlouzan]

Hi Tom,

Is Jim Marshall usin one of your rare M6 Titanium models w/stainless steel drive😎 on his M6T?

I can see his Janis Jopling backstage at San Francisco´s winterland, 1968 print behind Mr B😉.

Regards,
RLouzan

Photo: Copyright Tom Abrahamsson

 

[Tom A]

Jim used my Rapidwinders for years, but Leica did nitride coat some of theirs for him.
Indeed, there are two of his Janis Joplin prints hanging behind Mr B.

 

[Tom A]

Tom's web site speaks to a "glossy version" by which I assume he means BP. There's $10 added to the price for it.

Just sold the last of my Rapidwinders a couple of weeks ago.

The Glossy black finish is an anodized finish - but the housing is polished to a mirror gloss before it is anodized and it looks like black gloss paint - but wears better. They are special order items as it takes a while to get the polished finish. None in stock at the moment.