Thinking of a rapid winder for my IIIF/G. Your suggestion?

[roundg]

I am almost done with my IIIF and IIIG. I can't help thinking of buying a rapid winder, as it's a very cool accessory.

The leica one is called SYOOM. and Tom A also produces rapidwinder for screw mount leica. Which one should I pick? and their Advantages and Disadvantages?

Any comments are welcome.

 

[Beemermark]

I have Tom's on my M7 and it works extremely well. I suppose you could spend the extra $$$ for the Leica model but for practical use I'm not sure it buys anything.

Do you have to modify the IIIG to use a rapid winder?

 

[BillBingham2]

Robin,

What a beautiful kit you've assembled. I agree with you that a rapid winder is a VERY cool accessory. I think the one Pres K does for most of the Bessa line is a requirement for every owner of every R2 and newer.

Between a Leica or one from Tom A, I'd strongly recommend Tom's. I purchased my first Rapid Winder from Tom and Tuulikki and got fast shipment and was surprised at the fit and finish of the winder. I had a Leica motor/winder for my Ms but never really liked it. I loved the winder. It added very little weight to the camera (compared to the motor with 4 AA batteries) and worked perfectly. A few years later I found a used one on EvilBay and as I had to Ms I sniped it. As with much of Evil Bay stuff it was more abused than used. I wrote T&T about how much it would cost to fix and they said send it in. It turned out to be a very early one and they fixed it better than new and sent it back for free. Tom had improved the design over the years and applied a few tweaks to his old baby.

Tom is a great guy who builds his products to last many years and stands behind them better than any manufacturer I've ever dealt with or heard of. I would not hesitate about buying any product he sells because he is a true artist/engineer who investigates new ideas and approaches that selects the best for everything he does. He dig deep in to products as seemingly simple as the Softy to see how each manufacturer designs their screw holes atop their shutter release. Minute angles and lengths make a world of difference how well a product will work and not damage your camera.

Drop Tom and Tuulikki and line and see what they say. They are great people who happen to sell IMHO the best line of accessories out there.

YMWNV (Your Mileage Will Not Vary)

B2 (;->

 

[roundg]

My dear friends, thanks for your input.

The original reason to buy a rapid winder is to complete my set with IIIF and IIIG. Maybe mainly with the IIIG as I want to build a set like "Ultimate" Leica screw mount set (hope u won't feel it a silly reason). So I am prefer an original Liecavit for the collection purpose.

Then too much things happened in the past 8 hours since I posted this thread.

First, I read your great comment and I also check with other old thread discussing and realize TA's rapidwinder has the several advantages,
1. More rigid built
2. Life Time warranty and Top service from TA
3. Reasonable Priced

I wrote an email to Dr. Joseph Yao to check his stock and price, who is the closest dealer to my place.

Before I got a reply from him, I saw a very beautiful condition Leicavit on Ebay and quite reasonable priced (USD650 how do you think?) I bought it.

So finally I got a Leicavit and I am done now.

Thanks for reading my long and messy story.

 

[raydm6]

Hey Robin I saw that Leicavit and bookmarked it just to keep an eye on it. A small part of me wanted to buy it but I passed. Congratulations! Enjoy!!

 

[Film dino]

Greetings Robin & congratulations on getting a Leicavit. I used to have a IIIf-Leicavit combination & there's no doubt in my mind that the winder transforms use of any IIIf or IIIg without adding a lot of weight & bulk.
David

 

[Rayt]

I have a Rapidwinder for my IIIf and it works very well. If you get a Leicavit then I am sure you will need to put some work into it as the drive chain can get a bit stretched in use.

 

[roundg]

Hey Robin I saw that Leicavit and bookmarked it just to keep an eye on it. A small part of me wanted to buy it but I passed. Congratulations! Enjoy!!

Thanks. It is the one I purchased.

 

[roundg]

Greetings Robin & congratulations on getting a Leicavit. I used to have a IIIf-Leicavit combination & there's no doubt in my mind that the winder transforms use of any IIIf or IIIg without adding a lot of weight & bulk.
David

Thanks David. I think it will be great to stay on my IIIG.

 

[roundg]

I have a Rapidwinder for my IIIf and it works very well. If you get a Leicavit then I am sure you will need to put some work into it as the drive chain can get a bit stretched in use.

Dear Rayt,

Thanks for the comments. I know little on either Leicavit or Rapidwinder. Do they work in similar way to advance film?

 

[Vince Lupo]

I've often wondered if the TSA would go crazy if you had your camera with the Leicavit in your carryon -- that lever would probably make for quite a weapon!

 

[roundg]

Here it is. BTW, the seller is a very nice gentleman.


One question, does the Leicavit much tighter to fit to body compare to the original baseplate. I mean I have to push the lock/unlock button quite hard to get it in postion. Is it normal for a Leicavit?