I've searched this site, but unless I'm overlooking it there's no information on Tom Abrahamsson Rapidwinder.Any information on this accessory would be welcome, as it has been on my long term "to-be-considered" list.

In particular,

1. How does it handle? What does it do to the overall heft of the camera? 2. How exactly is it operated-is it as smooth as the wind lever? 3. What exactly is the technique for using it? 4. What does it do to camera stability? 5. Does it improve portraiture? In particular, any experiences to relate on getting 2nd/followup shots?

Of course any other information would be welcome.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), November 27, 2000

Answers

I assume you've studied the information Mr. Abrahamsson provides at his web site www.rapidwinder.com.

-- Keith Nichols (knichols@iopener.net), November 27, 2000.

I've got one, but rarely use it. Many people like it, especially those who are left-eyed and as a result have to take the camera away from their eye when winding.

It adds a bit of bulk, weight and depth to the camera. Whether it adds too much or not depends on the size of your hands. I find it changes the classic shape of the camera enough to make it awkward, and if I want a heavier rig I can always mount a faster lens - to greater benefit too, IMO.

To use it in a horizontal shot you put your left hand under the camera supporting it in the palm, with the index finger in the focussing tab of the lens and your pinky and ring fingers (and maybe the middle finger) curled around the lever that projects down vertically from the camera. One stroke of the lever winds the film and cocks the shutter. It's very smooth, especially after it's been broken in for a while.

To use it in a vertical shot is another kettle of fish (at least for me). I can't find any comfortable way to do it, no matter which way up I hold the camera. As a result, I think it bites for portraiture.

It may be a bit faster than the thumb lever for getting follow-on shots, but it takes a bit of practice. I find my thumb just as fast, and I dislike the ergonomics of the thing so much that there's no incentive for me to practice. The thumb lever is a bit quieter, too.

The original Leicavit was faster than thumb wind, but remember that was back in the days of double-stroke winding. The Rapidwindwer has lost this advantage. The only reason I'd ever start to use one full time is if someone poked out my right eye.

Don't get me wrong - it's a cool acessory, and lots of people love them (specially the lefties), I'm just not one of them. Give me a bare Leica with an M-grip and I'm a happy camper.

-- Paul Chefurka (paul_chefurka@pmc-sierra.com), November 27, 2000.

I thought I'd answered this one before - take a look in the thread "Leica Motor-M #14408 (due 2/01)" in the Accessories folder. I've got the same rant in there :-)

-- Paul Chefurka (paul_chefurka@pmc-sierra.com), November 27, 2000.

I love mine. It absolutely does what it was intended to -- ie offer you the chance to shoot a sequence of shots much more rapidly than would otherwise be possible, without lifting your (left) eye from the viewfinder. The nice thing is you can use it, or the ordinary winder, interchangeably. Slight snag is it takes a second or two to dig out the winder lever from the camera base, and while extended, it does rather protrude! You wouldnt want to leave it extended all the time! (You'd run the risk of skewering yourself if you did!)

You may, of course, want to check out the new motorwinder, that in UK at least costs about 420 pounds, as opposed to 300 for the Rapidwinder.

-- alexander (martin@foxcombe1.demon.co.uk), December 10, 2000.