[Leica] WINDER R8: First impression.

[Lucien_vD <Lucien_vD@compuserve.com>]

I've just received a Winder R8.

- -Better handling, specially with lens like 80-200/4.
- -The material used for the base is the same as for the
base of the camera =3D great.
- -really quiet, IMO quieter than the winder R4 etc..
 (maybe it's the camera).
- -more 1,6 than 2 frames per second with fresh batteries.
(O.K. Stephen, I know...)
- -16 sec. for a 36 exp.rewind.(12 sec. by hand)
(O.K. F5 users, we know...)
- -Power-Pack MW-R8 will supply only the winder, not the camera.
- -to bad it's not possible to select single frame.

- -The "not so convenient" Nikon AH-4 hand grip strap for F5, F4 etc.. =

is more or less usable on the R8 + Winder.
(I already customized it by removing the leather strap, keeping
the plastic base and adding a OP/TECH wrist strap attached =

on both the plastic base and the ring of the camera strap.
If you don't have it, don't buy it for that.
I'm sure there is a cheaper solution.)
It is not of Leica standard, but it make me feel a little bit safer.
I hope that Leica will provide us soon with a better solution,
because I'm still missing the leather strap of the R7 Hand Grip.
I'm also missing the second release of the R7 winder, but you need
some good reason to order the R8 motor. :-(
A solution for that is for Leica to provide us a short (1 cm) =

electrical release, that we will screw in the socket for remote control.
(For royalties in cash only)

Conclusion: the winder is not perfect but much better than no winder.

O.K. enough about this R stuff, let's discuss the real Leica.


Lucien