Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/02/10
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Bob Keene wrote: >is this a Tom A Rapidwinder? >Now, I'm thinking about winders vs. Rapidwinders (Tom A) and received alot >of negative comments about the Leica Winders. However, I got some input >from a local photog who used to shoot at Boston's Symphony Hall- he used a >Leica Winder, and the one he had was 'silent'- the Symphony Hall people >can be very picky about winder or even shutter 'noise'! >Any comments?>>>>>> Hi Bob, Not answering for Sandy, but here's experience and includes opera and symphony shooting. I'm sorry but there isn't a Leica winder quiet enough to work within the hearing of the conductor of any symphony! Boston or otherwise. Not saying your friend hasn't as there are times when the music completely overrides any mechanical sound. However there is always the time when you "miss the beat" and click at precisely the "almost silent moment of the piece!" Really bad news!! It's tough enough to shoot with an M camera only and not be "talked to later" about the "camera noise!" Trust me, been there done that.:) Tom A's rapidwinder is "as silent" as you can get and even though I'm a complete beleiver-user in the Rapidwinder, I'd have white knuckles of worry in the symphony scene. The success of shooting this kind of assignment is absolutely knowing the music as though you are playing a musical instrument, then you know just when the volume is the greatest, as well as the movements of the conductor. Your associate with the winder sure doesn't have any of the three winders I've used and dumped because of noise and camera body thunking and clunking each time the shutter was released. For what it's worth forget the winder and get a Tom A. Rapidwinder, save you getting rid of the winder later. Besides the winder cost way too much money for what they do. In Canada, roughly $900 plus dollars, plus taxes! Forget it new or used! Go Rapidwinder! ted Ted Grant This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler. http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant