Leicavit or Motor, Which do you prefer and why?

[35mmdelux]

Acquired a new black paint Leicavit last week. Still trying to coordinate its use. Then I started thinking a motor might be cool, just snap away and the thing winds itself. I never gave the motor much credence until now.

What say ye? Leicavit? Motor?

 

[FrankS]

I have both a Leica winder (M4-2 version that I hand picked from several available, trying them all on my M6 and choosing the smoothest) and recently "won" an Abrahamsson rapidwinder. Of the 2, I prefer the Abarahamsson rapidwinder for 2 reasons. The rapidwinder can be left on the camera all the time, adding little in the way of size and weight. Fitting the motor winder is a commitment to having it there and I remove it as soon as its capabilities are not needed. Secondly, the rapidwinder is not reliant on batteries. I like that. So, I prefer the Abrahamsson rapidwinder.

 

[Ken Ford]

I have both one of Tom's Rapidwinders and a late model Motor M - the current one with the hand grip.

I really like the RW, but it makes my hand arthritis act up (no fault of the RW). Because of this I use the Motor more often, which isn't very frequently at all! In low speed mode, it's unobtrusive.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

The current Motor-M is by far the best Leica M motor/winder to date. However, it adds substantial weight to the camera (about half again the weight of the body). You don't notice it at first, but after an hour, or so, of lugging the camera & winder around you really feel it.

 

[laptoprob]

The Canon VT has the rapidwinder built in. With that addition, it is as lightweight as my M2.
The VIT is heavier, prpbably because of the metal curtains.
I don't have or used an M motor but like Frank stated: these special bottoms are fixed to the camera and not interchangeable mid-roll. And the motor makes the camera quite a lot bigger and heavier.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[FrankS]

For some reason I too dislike the way the motorwinder pushes the shutter button up against the presussure of your finger which is required to release the shutter in the first place.

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

I had the M4-2 winder some years back and used it with an M4-P and had many problems with it and eventually dumped it. Based on that experience i never looked a the Motor versions. I purchased a new Leciavit-M off a friend recently and find it very smooth, not battery dependent and a very natural action to get used to. I agree with magus about the extra weight offering a better balance and bit more to grip. I'm also left eyed so it's an added bonus. Price-wise i think Tom A's Rapidwinder is a much better deal but as i purchased my Leicavit-M in London it actually cost me a bit less because i didn't get hit for the Import Duty and VAT and shipping which can make things purchased abroad much more expensive than just the retail price.

 

[x-ray]

I hava a retired and in need of repair M4-2 winder. On my 3 MP's I have leicavits and keep them attached all the time. It's there if you need it but not in the way if you don't. No batteries to go dead and makes no noise. I would'nt part with them.

 

[Turtle]

I have a current Leicavit which I have only just started to use. I was sceptical of it before use (got it as part of the MP3 kit and at the price was affectively free) but as soon as I added it I noticed the improved balance with heavier lenses (which tent to pull teh nose down otherwise) and the wonderful handling. Smooth as butter and as Xray says, there when you want it and 'invisible' when you dont. Great bit of kit. I ate my hat.

Tom

 

[35mmdelux]

Hey, thanks all for your insights. I think I'll stick with my black paint Leicavit and may add one to my M7 when the opp arises.

Your comment about the extra weight settled it. My camera goes everywhere and the last thing I need is to increase its weight by a factor of 50% (+/-).

At first I was skeptical about the Leicavit, but I really haven't noticed the slight increase in height nor the extra grams. It kinda looks nice on my MP too.

Thanks all!

 

[RichardB]

I have Motor M's on my M6 and M7.
The real test for me is 'Does the device improve my ability to capture in a photograph what I want'.
The Motor M has three Modes, O or OFF, I, which allows continuous picture taking at a slower rate and is designed to be as silent as possible and II, which allows continuous picture taking at a faster rate. There is no C or S.
The I Mode is very quiet to the extent that in practical terms, thre is not much difference between I and using the camera in the O Mode by manual winding. I never use Manual winding anymore, the Motor M is that quiet.
Being able to concentrate on framing and especially with the M7 in AUTO, leaves Focus as the only other factor needed to be done. Even with the SF24, the TTL exposure is transparent and again Focus and framing are the only requirements.
I even use my 128mm 2.8 RF on these cameras by installing the RF lens before the film and Motor.
I wouldn't be without them.-Dick

 

[35mmdelux]

I have Motor M's on my M6 and M7.

I wouldn't be without them.-Dick

Dick -

Thanks for the FYI. No doubt for certain applications its the way to go. For me tho, in my applications, the xtra weight would be more than I'm prepared to deal with. As it is, I'm trying to keep it down to two cams (M7, MP backup mit Leicavit), 50mm/1.4, 28mm type IV, and 90 Elmarit-M chrome for any meaningful shoot.

Overseas I loose the 90 Elmarit-M and replace it with a 21mm VC.

Thanks much, its appreciated.