Re: [Leica] Rapid Load Kit

[Krechtz@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/13/00 7:55:40 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
mano@proxyma.net writes:

<< The problem, Stephen, is that the M3 rewind knob does not spin when 
advancing the
 film. Only the central shaft part with the little red dots on it makes a 
tight
 revolution and it is very easy to miss this when shooting action. The outer 
knob
 stays put.>>

    The time to make the necessary observation is during the loading process, 
while advancing through two or three blank frames, as with any manually 
loading camera body.  After that, it is conceded that the custom is to look 
through the finder while shooting action.  One must sooner or later accept 
the fact that with such bodies rewinding and reloading must inevitably 
interrupt one's shooting rhythm and be accorded the priority they deserve.  
No film exposed equals no photographs.
 
 <<Also, having to pull out the spool to reset the M3 frame counter makes 
this load
 gadget somewhat less than quick when used on the M3. It's really best for 
long-time
 M2 shooters who are used to having to reset frame counters. >>

    Good point.  However, in situations in which quick reloading becomes the 
highest priority, such as continuous fast action, keeping an accurate count 
of frames exposed is of secondary importance.  When one is shooting fifteen 
rolls at a clip, changing film every couple of minutes, there is no real need 
to stop and reset the frame counter with each roll, as I assume most shooters 
of M2's would attest.  
Moreover, if keeping the camera to the shooting eye were to prevent one from 
observing whether the core of the rewind knob is rotating, it would likewise 
obstruct the process of checking the film counter.
    My own difficulties with using the RL spool have occurred exclusively in 
situations where I was in near-total darkness, as in shooting dimly-lit 
scenes at a theatrical production.  With its smoother contours, it presents a 
less well-defined profile to the touch than do the prongs of the M4 and later 
spindles.  It is, however, no more difficult than finding and using the clip 
on the original spool in the dark, particularly if one is unfortunate enough 
to drop the spool. :)

Joe Sobel