I emailed Tom to find out when he will have is rapids in stock and guess what? This is what he told me: Matte black Rapidwinder II which fits M 4-2, M4-P, M6, M7 delivery by is June/July. The price is up to US$ 450 from the $ 425 (as shown on our website - which needs updating once again) as the top-plate is now machined by a CNC-machine rather than hand-soldered by Tom. It not only looks better but speeds up the assembly and deliveries. Sounds nice but wish I could see one. Any info?

-- John Abela (jamriman@yahoo.com), May 02, 2002

Answers

Sounds nice indeed - an update of the Rapidwinder. If TomA makes it, its good, period. No need to worry there.

But... having said that, the Rapidwinder I got from Godfrey took a turn for the worse after about 10 rolls. To his credit, Tom asked that I send it back rather than sell me the parts (I think the rack is stripped), so he could update it as well as repair it. While I cant say if there will be a charge, his usual policy is "no charge". Thats no slight against Godfrey either, as everything he sent was in perfect condition when it got here.

-- Charles (cbarcellona@telocity.com), May 02, 2002.

I had a very nice communication with Tom via email a week or so ago regarding a Leicaflex I purchased that previously belonged to him. Anyway, from the bottom of his email, 'Rapidwinder for Leica III c/f/ g to be introduced this spring; prototypes available at the end of April 2002'

Surely this should excite a few LTM shooters!

-- Carlin (carlinm@abac.com), May 03, 2002.

Dear Friends of Tom and Tuulikki Abrahamsson,

I had to have Rapidwinder service. Sent at end of Feb. Back very soon. No charge. The Barnack Rapidwinder had been brewing for a long time but its release at end of April is news to me.

Do try the new Mini-Softrelease. I have a rare orange one on my Bessa R2 and it is great. Only way to go if you have Cannon RFs.

Cheers,

Alex

-- Alex Shishin (shishin@pp.iij4-u.or.jp), May 03, 2002.

Guess what--

Looks like I'll be testing the new Barnack Rapidwinder. Will keep you posted.

Best,

Alex

-- Alex Shishin (shishin@pp.iij4-u.or.jp), May 03, 2002.