TS ISAAC
Established
Thumbs Up CS, something new
Thumbs Up CS, something new
The Thumbs Up model 1 - CS design is nearly complete. Here I show some files of the final versions, and look forward to your comments both favorable and critical.
There are some features I feel are an important part of this design and I will list them for you here.
The Cold Shoe portion is an integral part of the Thumbs Up. It cannot be removed from the lower portion. The entire Thumbs Up CS is made from solid brass billet. I felt this to be an advantage as this will avoid any small parts from becoming lost. Also an integrated design will prevent any misalignment that might occur as might be possible, if the Thumbs Up CS were made from two separate parts.
The Thumbs Up CS can be locked to the camera’s cold shoe frame. A discreet recessed socket head capscrew can be seen centrally on top. The hexagonal socket is accessed through a small hole in the leaf spring. A 3 mm hex wrench is all that is needed to make the TU tight on the camera hot shoe. This will prevent any movement that might effect alignment of any accessory such as a WATE viewfinder. Additionally, this locking feature will also prevent the entire Thumbs Up CS and it’s attached accessory from inadvertently slipping off the camera.
The locking screw cannot come loose from the TU even if it is not tightened. It is held in place by the leaf spring, which must be removed first to completely remove the screw.
The leaf spring contains a small security tab on the trailing edge, to hold the accessory in the cold shoe. The accessory will not slip out accidentally.
The pocket on the rear or TU to accommodate the flash sync jack on older M’s has been increased in size and will now fit M7 and M6 TTL. The flash sync jack access hole on the front of TU is located for M6.
Again, costs prohibit engraving the Thumbs Up logo but the 3D models still represent this feature.
Also note I have reverted to the original font from previous prototypes.
Production of Thumbs Up CS is underway.
I anticipate completion of the first few production pieces in one week.
It is my sincere hope that this design will meet with the numerous requests I have received from many of you, who have thought a cold shoe or hot shoe version of Thumbs Up would better suit their needs. It has been my particular pleasure to even see numerous drawings and depictions, all of which would make excellent designs. Surely these have all influenced my own work. I extend my many thanks to you all.
Production parts will be painted black with white lettering. The polished brass version is shown to display detail more clearly.
Production parts will be painted black with white lettering. The polished brass version is shown to display detail more clearly. The enlarged flash sync jack pocket accommodates
M7 and M6 TTL versions.
Thumbs Up CS, something new
The Thumbs Up model 1 - CS design is nearly complete. Here I show some files of the final versions, and look forward to your comments both favorable and critical.
There are some features I feel are an important part of this design and I will list them for you here.
The Cold Shoe portion is an integral part of the Thumbs Up. It cannot be removed from the lower portion. The entire Thumbs Up CS is made from solid brass billet. I felt this to be an advantage as this will avoid any small parts from becoming lost. Also an integrated design will prevent any misalignment that might occur as might be possible, if the Thumbs Up CS were made from two separate parts.
The Thumbs Up CS can be locked to the camera’s cold shoe frame. A discreet recessed socket head capscrew can be seen centrally on top. The hexagonal socket is accessed through a small hole in the leaf spring. A 3 mm hex wrench is all that is needed to make the TU tight on the camera hot shoe. This will prevent any movement that might effect alignment of any accessory such as a WATE viewfinder. Additionally, this locking feature will also prevent the entire Thumbs Up CS and it’s attached accessory from inadvertently slipping off the camera.
The locking screw cannot come loose from the TU even if it is not tightened. It is held in place by the leaf spring, which must be removed first to completely remove the screw.
The leaf spring contains a small security tab on the trailing edge, to hold the accessory in the cold shoe. The accessory will not slip out accidentally.
The pocket on the rear or TU to accommodate the flash sync jack on older M’s has been increased in size and will now fit M7 and M6 TTL. The flash sync jack access hole on the front of TU is located for M6.
Again, costs prohibit engraving the Thumbs Up logo but the 3D models still represent this feature.
Also note I have reverted to the original font from previous prototypes.
Production of Thumbs Up CS is underway.
I anticipate completion of the first few production pieces in one week.
It is my sincere hope that this design will meet with the numerous requests I have received from many of you, who have thought a cold shoe or hot shoe version of Thumbs Up would better suit their needs. It has been my particular pleasure to even see numerous drawings and depictions, all of which would make excellent designs. Surely these have all influenced my own work. I extend my many thanks to you all.
Production parts will be painted black with white lettering. The polished brass version is shown to display detail more clearly.
Production parts will be painted black with white lettering. The polished brass version is shown to display detail more clearly. The enlarged flash sync jack pocket accommodates
M7 and M6 TTL versions.
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barjohn
Established
Tim, I am an early purchaser of your Model 3. I would really be interested in one with a hot shoe for use with flash. I don't use a separate viewfinder so a cold shoe is of less interest or value to me. A dual, one hot and one cold maybe, but really more interested in one hot.
TS ISAAC
Established
TU with Hot Shoe....its next up
TU with Hot Shoe....its next up
Greetings John,
Thanks for your kind comment.
I am well into the Thumbs Up CS model produciton phase. Notwithstanding, I too realise the value of a hot shoe to many photographers, and I am investigating the various components I will require to 'electrify' the Thumbs Up. As I start to make some progress on that design I will be sure to let you know and display the results here. That would be the final level of complexity for TU.
Good to hear your Thumbs Up is working well for you.
I am also considering a double shoe version as I showed on LUF.
TU with Hot Shoe....its next up
Greetings John,
Thanks for your kind comment.
I am well into the Thumbs Up CS model produciton phase. Notwithstanding, I too realise the value of a hot shoe to many photographers, and I am investigating the various components I will require to 'electrify' the Thumbs Up. As I start to make some progress on that design I will be sure to let you know and display the results here. That would be the final level of complexity for TU.
Good to hear your Thumbs Up is working well for you.
I am also considering a double shoe version as I showed on LUF.
etrigan63
Rangefinder Padawan
Following your naming convention, I gather that the hot shoe version the TU will be dubbed the "Thumbs Up HS"? What is the ETA for the HS? I would like to be on that list as well.
KM-25
Well-known
Wow, it's been awhile since checking in but it is good to see you guys are still at it.
Personally, I don't have a need for a "Thumbs-up" but it is good to see that for those who do, it is coming along nicely.
Best of luck to all of you and Happy Holidays!
Personally, I don't have a need for a "Thumbs-up" but it is good to see that for those who do, it is coming along nicely.
Best of luck to all of you and Happy Holidays!
Jeffg53
Newbie
I'd like to add my to cents worth, having just got my TU model 3. Apart from the packaging and design of the TU which was earlier compared to Apple and found better, I have never purchased any accessory which looked more like it should be part of the product, or which just worked so well that I was left wondering how I survived without it.
The TU is one of those rare things that works as advertised.
Many thanks, Tim
The TU is one of those rare things that works as advertised.
Many thanks, Tim
jack palmer
Well-known
Looks to be beatifully made. Any possiablty of a Silver chrome version?
ali_baba
Well-known
tim -- keep me posted on the HS version!
thanks.
thanks.
ali_baba
Well-known
tim -- keep me posted on the HS version!
thanks.
thanks.
etrigan63
Rangefinder Padawan
TS ISAAC
Established
Thumbs Up CS is shipping
Thumbs Up CS is shipping
I would like to offer a silver color for Thumbs Up, but the additional production requirements, or smaller runs would drive up the costs. Now my Thumbs Up CS are available in the same two lengths; model 1 and model 3. This is the Cold Shoe version and will enable the traditional Thumbs Up ergonomics with the added feature which allows attaching a wide angle viewfinder. Black is the only color I can offer for now.
On my own M8 I am having a lot of fun becoming familiar with the CV 15mm 4.5 and trying to keep my left hand out of the composition. Here I show some shots of the CV 35 1.4 Nokton and its 35mm viewfinder. The Asph 15mm Super Wide Heliar requires a 21mm viewfinder which is also pictured.
Thumbs Up CS is shipping
I would like to offer a silver color for Thumbs Up, but the additional production requirements, or smaller runs would drive up the costs. Now my Thumbs Up CS are available in the same two lengths; model 1 and model 3. This is the Cold Shoe version and will enable the traditional Thumbs Up ergonomics with the added feature which allows attaching a wide angle viewfinder. Black is the only color I can offer for now.
On my own M8 I am having a lot of fun becoming familiar with the CV 15mm 4.5 and trying to keep my left hand out of the composition. Here I show some shots of the CV 35 1.4 Nokton and its 35mm viewfinder. The Asph 15mm Super Wide Heliar requires a 21mm viewfinder which is also pictured.
Attachments
etrigan63
Rangefinder Padawan
A little camera porn showing the TU CS doing its thing. Lens is a Zeiss 21 mm Biogon f/2.8 and the external viewfinder is the Leica 21-24-28.
ali_baba
Well-known
any developments on a HS version?
it's time i get one - please contact me!
thanks
it's time i get one - please contact me!
thanks
TS ISAAC
Established
New Soft Wear 1.0 now installed with Thumbs Up and Thumbs Up CS
New Soft Wear 1.0 now installed with Thumbs Up and Thumbs Up CS
JeffG,
Many thanks for your fine comment. It has proved to be a most inspirational to me. Sorry I am so very late in answering.
Some time has passed since I posted here in RFF. It has been a remarkable year with so many of you contributing ideas to me here and in e-mails. I have shipped Thumbs Up to more than 28 countries now with dealers in 8 cities around the planet. I owe so much gratitude to you all for the encouragement and support. Thank you RangeFinderForum and members.
There is a new development as encouraged by a member: Thumbs Up now comes with free Soft Wear. Thumbs Up Soft Wear 1.0 has passed the beta stage and is now offered on each Thumbs Up and the Thumbs Up CS. This rubber button is primarily for the M8 owners. It closes the flash sync hole and adds a bit of padding (0.2mm) on the camera body side.
For older M users, the rubber button must come off to accommodate the sync socket, but you can reinstall your plastic sync cover cap from Leica.
A very clever engineer and member suggested this addition some time ago and I suspect it may have been in another thread, since I cannot find him here. If any of you recall, please pass along his thread so I may give him thanks by name. I have been developing an Eye Cup for all M’s, and while I was in the rubber mold phase, it was a good time to go ahead with the little button!
Etrigan63...
Carlos, many thanks for the fine photos you made and the ones you supplied using the light tent. You pushed me to be more professional, many thanks again.
Luigi,
Thank you for now adapting the design of your half cases to fit Thumbs Up. Perhaps you have given me the ultimate praise in doing this. Many Thanks
Below: The Thumbs Up CS model 3 with the new rubber button addition. It is small but mighty!
Below is the Thumbs Up CS also fitted with the new rubber button. This photo was made primarily to show the Eye Cup prototype I have developed and now nearing production.
New Soft Wear 1.0 now installed with Thumbs Up and Thumbs Up CS
JeffG,
Many thanks for your fine comment. It has proved to be a most inspirational to me. Sorry I am so very late in answering.
Some time has passed since I posted here in RFF. It has been a remarkable year with so many of you contributing ideas to me here and in e-mails. I have shipped Thumbs Up to more than 28 countries now with dealers in 8 cities around the planet. I owe so much gratitude to you all for the encouragement and support. Thank you RangeFinderForum and members.
There is a new development as encouraged by a member: Thumbs Up now comes with free Soft Wear. Thumbs Up Soft Wear 1.0 has passed the beta stage and is now offered on each Thumbs Up and the Thumbs Up CS. This rubber button is primarily for the M8 owners. It closes the flash sync hole and adds a bit of padding (0.2mm) on the camera body side.
For older M users, the rubber button must come off to accommodate the sync socket, but you can reinstall your plastic sync cover cap from Leica.
A very clever engineer and member suggested this addition some time ago and I suspect it may have been in another thread, since I cannot find him here. If any of you recall, please pass along his thread so I may give him thanks by name. I have been developing an Eye Cup for all M’s, and while I was in the rubber mold phase, it was a good time to go ahead with the little button!
Etrigan63...
Carlos, many thanks for the fine photos you made and the ones you supplied using the light tent. You pushed me to be more professional, many thanks again.
Luigi,
Thank you for now adapting the design of your half cases to fit Thumbs Up. Perhaps you have given me the ultimate praise in doing this. Many Thanks
Below: The Thumbs Up CS model 3 with the new rubber button addition. It is small but mighty!
Below is the Thumbs Up CS also fitted with the new rubber button. This photo was made primarily to show the Eye Cup prototype I have developed and now nearing production.
Last edited:
POINT OF VIEW
Established
Will not work on my M8
Will not work on my M8
There’s no question you have a sweet product. Unfortunately it will not work on my M8. I use as you can see a Luigi’s Leicatime half case. The leather comes to the top edge of the camera. That of course means the Thumbs up would not fit tight to the M8 body. No offense but this case is the best investment I’ve made for the camera. I do not intend to modify it. One last point, the case has a raised bump on the front right side that makes holding the camera in creditably stable. Shooting at ½ sec. is no problem. The reason for this information is if any body planing to to get a case they may not be aware of it's compatibility with your Thumbs up. Bill
Will not work on my M8
There’s no question you have a sweet product. Unfortunately it will not work on my M8. I use as you can see a Luigi’s Leicatime half case. The leather comes to the top edge of the camera. That of course means the Thumbs up would not fit tight to the M8 body. No offense but this case is the best investment I’ve made for the camera. I do not intend to modify it. One last point, the case has a raised bump on the front right side that makes holding the camera in creditably stable. Shooting at ½ sec. is no problem. The reason for this information is if any body planing to to get a case they may not be aware of it's compatibility with your Thumbs up. Bill
RichC
Well-known
Luigi can make or modify a case to fit Thumbs Up - in fact, Tim, owns one of these alternative Luigi cases himself - why not have the best of both worlds! <grin>
etrigan63
Rangefinder Padawan
Hope is not lost PoV! Luigi, in fact, now makes his cases with a cutout for the Thumbs Up! He will modify your existing case to add the requisite cutout. Contact him to make arrangements. Tim and I both worked with Luigi to perfect the modification of his most excellent cases.
POINT OF VIEW
Established
where to buy?
where to buy?
This makes a perfect match. So I do not to wade through the thread, could you advise the location to purchase a thumbs up. Bill
where to buy?
This makes a perfect match. So I do not to wade through the thread, could you advise the location to purchase a thumbs up. Bill
RichC
Well-known
POINT OF VIEW
Established
It appears luigi, ihttp://leicatime.com/, is not accepting E Mail request for price quotes. Do you know how to contact him?