Leicavit sizes and M Cameras

[erikhaugsby]

Maybe I am not understanding correctly, but on Tom Abrahamson's Rapidwinder <a href="http://www.rapidwinder.com/">website</a> he states that there are two different sizes of the Rapidwinder: one for M2 and one for M3/4/6/7. What is different about the M2 that keeps it from properly mounting a "normal" Rapidwinder.

Also, would a Leicavit for the MP (1950s one, Classic, or MP 2003) fit on the M2 or the M3?

 

[dreamsandart]

Its not that the 'sizes' are different, its how the M2 and the older 'motor' M2/M4 cameras differs in coupling the Leicavit/Rapidwinder to the camera compared to the M4-2/M4-P/M6/M7/MP.

The M2 has a long 'arm' sprocket that extends from the center of the take-up spool advance area and the Leicavit/Rapidwinder or old first style 'NY Motor' would couple to it for rapid advance.

Starting with the M4-2 Leica incorporated a round coupling disk in the bottom of the camera where the film diagram is located. By using the disk method the rapid film loading 'rose' in the baseplate couple can still be used. Having used both the old Motor, older style Leicavits and a M2 Rapidwinder this is an advantage ( unless you have the modified Leica 'motor' baseplate with a film shim to push the film in place ) and maybe is a easier on the gearing/film.

The M2 Rapidwinder is a 'limited edition'. Tom first produced a total of 300 and that was suppose to be it ( there were only about 3000 of the original Leicavits made, so it was a corresponding number ). But with M2 users asking [ pleading with ] him, Tom has issued another limited number of 100. So if you want one - get them while they are HOT!

 

[dreamsandart]

And just to make sure you understand... the new Leicavit has the disk method , and the 50s/60s rare Leicavit ( collector's or well off users ) has the film spool area advance sprocket coupling. So you can not use a new Leicavit on a M2, that is unless you have a good repair person modify your M2 with a disk sprocket which is possible.