Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/10/10
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In a message dated 97-10-10 11:03:55 EDT, you write: > The Quick-Load Kit was a Leica product, 14260, introduced in 1968 and still > in the '75 General Catalogue. It dropped out around 1980. > > These are common and, while some dealers try to sell them for an arm and a > leg, you can often find them quite reasonably -- I recall I paid $5 for > mine from KEH. > > The downside is that they are not nearly as effective as the M3/M2 system > and have been sarcastically called the 'Never-Load' kits. The M3/M2 > system, while cumbersome, is sure and certain; the never-load kit is > unreliable. Pretty much the reason I'm having mine replaced with the M6 spool, although I know some people who curse that also. The way I always used the aftermarket quick-load was to watch the leader wind on one turn before replacing the baseplate. It never slipped out on me that way. With my M6's I just close it up and watch the rewind crank and so far it always seems to "grab". I agree that the original M3/M2 system is very reliable, but it's also slow and if you don't have pockets or can't sit down or it's cold out, that system is a royal pain in the behind. Doc Doc