RapidWinder on a IIIG

[Rhodie]

I have just ordered one of Tom Abrahamssons' RapidWinders for my IIIG.

Having the Leicavit permanently attached to my MP, it appeared that
the RapidWinder is the logical solution for faster winding with my IIIG.
It will also counterbalance my rather cumbersome 8.5cm portrait lens

I just wondered if anyone else is using one?

By the way T&T Abrahamssons are a delight to deal with.
Only at the weekend a strange "Mr B" appears to deal with correspondence.

 

[xayraa33]

if you are a Canon man, you would like the Vt ot the VI-T.

 

[MartinP]

Are the e-mails/ letters from Mr.B signed with a paw-print I wonder ? 😉

 

[peter_n]

I bought a Rapidwinder from an RFFer a couple of weeks ago and I like it so much I've just bought another and a second Rapidgrip from the Abrahamssons. I also received emails from TT and a Mr. B but disappointingly no paw... 🙂

 

[pdx138]

Does anyone have any experience with the Rapid Winder vs. the original Leicavit for screwmount? I've been thinking I'd like to get one or the other for my IIIg.

I've been leaning towards the Leicavit because it looks a little smaller, but I can't seem to find one - which is strange because I thought the screwmount versions were supposed to be fairly common.

Anyone try both? Impressions?

Thanks.

 

[peter_n]

I have both for the M and the Rapidwinder is definitely a more sturdy beast than the Leicavit, although that build difference may be smaller with the older Leicavits. The Rapidwinder has far fewer moving parts and will likely be much more reliable I think.

The screwmount Leicavit is really nice looking, there's one on eBay at the moment:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290161799783

 

[Ken Ford]

I very much like my M RapidWinder, and would love a BarnackWinder for my new If. Tom and Tuulikki are both a pleasure to deal with besides!

 

[pdx138]

The screwmount Leicavit is really nice looking, there's one on eBay at the moment:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290161799783

That is a great looking example, but if that BIN price is anywhere near the going price, I guess I won't be getting one anytime soon. I haven't seen enough to know what a fair price is, but that seems steep. Anyonre know what these usually go for?

 

[peter_n]

I saw one go on eBay for ~US$600 recently. If you check the completed listings on eBay every now and then you'll get a sense of the eBay price at least.

Got an email tonight that my new Rapidwinder & Rapidgrip have shipped. 🙂

 

[FrankS]

IMO the TA rapidwinders are better designed and engineered than the original. (more robust, fewer moving parts) That's quite an accomplishment! I have one permanently attached to my M6 since RFF Montreal '07. (Thanks Nancy!)

 

[peter_n]

I bought my first one from zoom2zoom (thanks Erik!) 2 or 3 weeks ago and it has been on my 0.85x M7 since I got it. I really like using it and I'm not a left-eyed shooter. Once you get used to it you really can shoot faster. I also like being able to rewind the film without taking my eye from the VF. I never really comfortably managed that with the regular film advance lever.

 

[BillBingham2]

I bought my RWII from T&T and it rocks. I would have purchased one for LTM, but it's a IIIa and I already have a mooly (sp?).

While I have never seen the IIIg version of from Tom or Leica, I would go with Toms without a second thought. His M winder is better than any drive/winder/thing Solms has ever made. If I ever get a IIIc, I will be getting a winder from Tom. I have a RWII on my M4-P and a original on my M6. Other than changing film, they never come off!

Drop Tom a line and ask him what the difference is. He's a straight shooter and will tell you the truth.

B2 (;->