Another M3 question (is it that obvious that I am about to buy an M3??):

I have read about a "quick load" accessory for the M3, but in looking at all the usual sites have not seen any for sale or been able to find out more about this. One thing I read said that it was made for the M4 but many people use it for the M3. How does it work? Does anyone know what the Leica part number was? Anyone know where I can find one?

In another place someone wrote that you should substitute the M4 takeup spool for the M3 spool for easier loading. Is this true and why does it help?

thanks!

-- Steve Rosenblum (stevierose@yahoo.com), February 02, 2002

Answers

Leitz made a "quick-loading spool" for the M3, M2, M1, and MD which consists of a new take up spool ( not the tulip of the m4 or later), and a spacer attached to the bottom plate. The spacer pushes the film leader further into the spool in a similar fashion to the M4 and later loading.

I have an M2, and later bought Leitz part 14260 on e**y for too much money. ; )

I find I can load my M2 as quickly as my M6 about 80% of the time. It is much better than the original spool, and I never have to take the spool out of the M2 anymore and risk losing the darn thing. On the M3, unfortunately you need to pull the takeup spool out just a bit each time you load to reset the frame counter. On the M2 it doesn't matter.

-- Michael Rivers (mrivers@mac.com), February 02, 2002.

I, for 1, don't see what the big deal is about loading the M3 & M2 (as opposed to the M4 & M6). Yeah, it's a bit slower, but unless you're really going to be reloading on the fly, it shouldn't be a problem.

-- Chris Chen (Washington, DC) (furcafe@ NOSPAMcris.com), February 02, 2002.

I've used the quick loader on an M3 for 15 years + and highly recommend it. Far far easier than the original setup. And of course, that's why Leica made the device. Keep looking. Sooner or later you'll find the piece. When you do, as noted above, you should receive a baseplate piece, as well as the new spool...

-- Patrick (pg@patrickgarner.com), February 02, 2002.

Until I got a rapidload kit i followed this proceedure for fast loading on the run:

1) camera in right hand, remove baseplare with left hand and put it in your mouth.

2) invert camera and catch rewound film and take-up spool

3) drop rewound film into pocket and grap next roll, do not drop t-up spool

4) hold the next film in your left hand and use your free hand to attach spool

5) drop in film into camera still in your right hand

6) remove wet baseplate from mouth, shake off the drool and put it back on the camera

7) now you are ready to go

Simple eh? :-)

The rapid load kit is very easy to use a makes two hand loads actually possible while you are on the run. You can also carry spare take-up spools already attached or have the camera modified by DAG to full M4 rapidload.

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), February 02, 2002.

I had the QL kits on both my M2's (when I had them). They work very well, maybe even better than the M4 and later. Loading the M3 without a QL kit is not tremendously slow, but you need lots of hands and pockets.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), February 02, 2002.

I agree with JCs loading method. I've been using it for years except for one minor change. Years ago a Leica M3 user showed me to hold the baseplate between the third and fourth fingers of the left hand which leaves the finger and thumb free to hold the film. Everything else works as John said except that the baseplate stays dry and ready. Good luck.

-- Don (wgpinc@yahoo.com), February 02, 2002.

Ummm, Don, my proceedure calls for three hands!

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), February 03, 2002.

Hell, when I finish a roll, I just take my M3 to the local camera shop and let the guy there change the film for me.

Seriously, does anyone know a good source for Rapidload kits? On e- bay a new one goes for about $150, which seems like a lot for two little pieces of metal. Everytime I've bitten the bullet and decided to spend the money and buy one, it's gone. Pardon the pun, but they disappear "Rapidly" on e-bay. Anyone know where else we can find them at a reasonable price? (BTW, I had one on an M3 years ago and they do indeed work great.)

Cheers,

Dennis

-- Dennis Couvillion (couvilaw@aol.com), February 03, 2002.

I have one that I bought on ebay for if memory serves around $100. I guess I'm old fashioned or something because I don't mind the loading on my M2/3. I don't think my M6 classic loads that much better or quicker. That said if anyone wants the quick loader kit you can have it for what I think I remember I paid for it. Just email me. Cheers.

-- Don (wgpinc@yahoo.com), February 03, 2002.