[Leica] Rapidgrip & Competitors

[cochranpr at mac.com (David Cochran)]

Hi Ted, is there a RapidWinder for a Leica IIIf? I also need a 
RapidFocuser for the same camera. Any pointers?


;-)

David

On Nov 11, 2005, at 1:55 PM, Ted Grant wrote:

> Matt asked:
>> Tom Abrahamsson's RapidGrip looks like the best, but his website
>> suggests they're made for the Noctilux and other large lenses - is
>> there any reason one might interfere with using a 35 'lux ASPH (my
>> only lens currently, maybe an older 50 of some sort coming soon)?
>
> Hi Matt,
> I have 3 RapidWinders on my 3 M7's and had them on the M6's before 
> that and they're the best piece of equipment any left eyed 
> photographer , let alone one who's one eyed using an M camera could 
> possibly own! So many years I always had to remove the M's from my eye 
> to advance film and cock shutter. While damn near everytime it 
> happened I missed a key moment.
>
> Yep I bought a Leica battery operated winder and it was nothing but a 
> piece of junk with all it's clunking, thunking and shutter release 
> popping up and down everytime I shot. Sold it and swore I'd never buy 
> another.
>
> Later I stupidly I believed a Leica rep who said there was an improved 
> version and I bought 2. The moment I put them on the camera's and 
> began shooting it proved to be just another piece of junk at a 
> ridiculous Leica price. Sold them immediately!
>
> Then I was introduced to Tom Abrahamsson's RapidWinder and Grip and 
> for a left eyed one eyed photographer I had a whole new world 
> presented after so many years of shooting with three M cameras and 
> missing picture moments due to the necessity of moving the cameras 
> away from my face to advance.
>
> They are on and working all the time regardless of how many cameras, 
> one, two or three. I change lenses without thought of any lens shape 
> or size as my changing is relevant to what I see and want to capture. 
> This cuts down missed action working 3 cameras at a time!  While 
> shooting the photography for my/our book, "Women in Medicine." the 
> RapidWinder was a God give piece of gear! Certainly for me.
>
> I realize when I get on a roll about how good a piece of gear is some 
> folks think I over do it with my enthusiasm. Their prerogative, quite 
> frankly I don't give a damn as I don't make comments in the use of a 
> few rolls on a weekend photo safari, I'm talking about dozens rolls a 
> day! Day after day for months.
>
>>>> I never thought of myself as having big hands, but I guess they're
>> bigger than Leica had in mind as I can never get a comfortable grip on
>> the body.<
>
> I do have big hands and this grip and winder work beautifully with the 
> least amount of hand strain after a day of shooting 10-12 hours. You 
> can still hold a good refreshing cold glass of beer while relaxing and 
> reflecting on a day well shot! ;-)
>
> Trust me get Tom's RapidWider and grip you'll never be sorry.
>
> ted
>
>
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