Re: [Leica] Rapidwinder Report

["ALR" <fink@alr.de>]

Richard,

what is the price for it?


Regards


K.-H. Fink



>
>I received my new hand made Rapidwinder manufactured by Tom Abrahamsson in
>Canada.  I would like to submit the following report on its use and
>evaluation.
>
>Essentially the Rapidwinder attaches to the bottom of the Leica M6 and
>replaces the bottom metal plate.  Once the film is properly loaded, the
>Rapidwinder attaches to the bottom of the M6 as if it was made by Leica
>(Leitz).  Good fit and excellent finish.  It is milled out of metal and
>contains brass internal components.  You turn a recessed knob to lock it in
>place similar to the standard bottom plate on Leica M cameras.  Once
>installed, it changes the appearance very little of the black M6.  The
>camera now sits a little taller - but nothing like the very tall motor
>winder for the M6.
>
>A small 2 inch metal bar is folded out from the bottom of the winder and is
>moved laterally to wind the film and cock the shutter.  It can be done in a
>very quick reflex action.  As a left eye shooter, I don't even have to
>remove the camera from my eye.  This is a major accomplishment for someone
>who wants to concentrate on their shooting and not take the camera away
>from eye level to advance the film.  The noise level during winding is
>similar to that of the standard film advance mechanism.  You can shoot
>quickly, quietly and discretely with the Rapidwinder.
>
>Disadvantages:  If you have more than one M6, you can't remove the
>Rapidwinder mid-roll to switch it from one camera to another - or you will
>fog the film.  This is not a major disadvantage.  It just means you have to
>have a Rapidwinder for each M6.  Right Ted???
>
>After using the Rapidwinder this week,  my other M6 looks naked without
>one.  Great product at a very reasonable price.  Its enjoyable just to hold
>this mechanical device and play with it on an empty M6.  The quality is
>there.  I'm not sure why I never purchased one earlier.  I thought the
>device was no longer available.  This email group was helpful in finding
>the source for the Rapidwinder.  If Tom Abrahamsson wants to stay very
>busy, all he would have to do would be to run an ad in Leica Fotographie
>and I am sure orders would pour in from around the world for this product.
>It is the best accessory I can think of for the M6.  Now I just have to
>save up for another one.  There goes my daughter's college tuition fund...
>
>Tom Abrahamsson can be reached at TTAbrahams@aol.com
>
>Happy Shooting,
>
>Richard
>----------------
>Richard Clompus, OD
>West Chester, PA, USA
>Not a paid consultant or financially involved with Tom Abrahamsson
>