Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/12/14
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In a message dated 12/14/99 6:22:31 AM Pacific Standard Time, bcaldwell@softcom.net writes: Tom, Thanks for the very thorough explanation. How does the Rapidwinder compare to the Leicavit in size and weight? Bryan >> The Rapidwinder is about 2 mm taller than the Leicavit MP and the lever is 5 mm longer than the one on the Leicavit MP. The height of the Rapidwinder is the same as the top-plate of a non-TTL M6. Weight-wise the Rapidwinder weighs in at about 130 grams and if I remember right, the Leicavit weighs about 90-100 grams. Maybe some LUGger with access to one can put it a pair of scales and give a more precise weight. The Rapidwinder allows a slightly higher frames per second speed as the return spring is stronger than the ones on the MP. The Leicavit MP has no tripod bushings and the Rapidwinder in its latest incarnation has two of them. The housing of the Rapidwinder is made from an aerospace alloy and all the drive components are either stainless steel or high tensile strength alloy. I wonder what the cost would be to make a replica Leicavit MP. A Japanese company, Kanto, made a replica of the old SCNOO rapidwinder some years ago. It sold in very limited quantities for in excess of US$ 1200 and considering the complexity of the Leicavit MP, I would suspect that the replica would cost at least twice that. Seems like the used price for the MP reflects that cost. Well, maybe one day the Rapidwinder will be highly priced collectible too! I have made just about as many Rapidwinders as Leica made Leicavit MP's so from supply side economics point of view, it is possible. All the best, Tom A Tom Abrahamsson www.rapidwinder.com