Leica III gets a Thumbs Up

[Garyn]

I started an interesting project a few weeks ago, I had a Thumbs Up nickel plated and that I have now fitted onto my 1936 Leica III. The Thumbs Up which are sold by Match Technical Services are made for various rangefinder cameras, this one actually is made for the digital Leica X1. I stripped off the black paint and sent it over to Specialty Plating in North Vancouver, they were able to nickel plate the item which is made of solid brass. I think it fits quite well with the other parts of camera which has nickel finish, also the Thumbs Up makes the camera handle just great.

 

[tyrone.s]

Looks like a perfect fit. What's it like to use in practice?

 

[Garyn]

Hi Tyrone,

I have been shooting with it over the past few days, and for myself I really like it, it makes the camera feel very comfortable to use, I wouldn't want to be with out it.

 

[fbf]

Doesn't make much sense to me. If you have a triggerwinder/rapidwinder on it, that's another story.

 

[Jamie Pillers]

I love the feel of the Thumbs Up on these small cameras. They feel much more secure in my hand with it. I use one on my Fuji X100 now.

 

[russelljtdyer]

That's a very nice enhancement, Gary. I particularly like that you did the extra work of stripping it and having it nickel plated. You really make your cameras your own; you give them your own touch. I like that.

I wonder if I could use one of these on one of my cameras, like the Canon P or the Leica CL. I guess it would get in the way of the film winding levers on those models.

-Russell

 

[Phil_F_NM]

It would be nice on one of the trigger winder Canons...

That is a beautiful mod you've done with the TU. Gorgeous camera too. I love nickel plating. Wish it were offered on more modern pieces of gear. Like the M9.

Phil Forrest

 

[Garyn]

fbf,

Yes, it may not be everyone's cup of tea.


Jamie,

I agree, I like the feel of the TU's on small cameras, I also use one with my Fuji X10.

Russell,

I have heard of photographers using the TU on their Leica M's I'm not sure about the Canon P or the Leica CL, best to send an email to Tim at Match Technical Services who designed and makes the Thumbs Up.

Phil,

Thanks, I certainly like it, I thought it fits in well with the camera, it would be interesting to see a M9 with nickel plate, it would look pretty nice !

 

[easyrider]

Maybe I am slow but I really don't see what it does. Could you post a pic of someone holding the camera, using it?
Tnx.

 

[Garyn]

Hello easyrider,

Here is another thread showing another version of the Thumbs Up, scroll part way down and it shows someone holding a Leica camera with a TU: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41649&page=2

 

[hexiplex]

Seems to be very comfortable! My IIIf has feels a bit front heavy with the Summitar mounted, with the CV21 or the J-8, that was never a problem, but now I feel that some more stability wouldn't go amiss.

 

[batterytypehah!]

I like it but looking at the second photo, it doesn't seem to sit straight and firm in the accessory shoe. A deal-breaker if you use an accessory VF, I find.

 

[dave lackey]

Very nice... great mod and functional too! Gotta remember this.:angel:

 

[jsrockit]

Beautiful black III.

 

[dogberryjr]

Nice! 10 chars...

 

[Garyn]

hexiplex: Yes its very comfortable, I really like shooting with my Leica III with the Thumbs Up.

batterytypehah!: The TU is rock solid. the TU sits straight in the accessory shoe, there is a small set screw that tightens the TU onto the cold shoe, it works like a clamp.

dave lackey: Thanks, please do remember !

jsrockit: Thanks !

dogberryjr: Yes, I think its nice too !