Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/12/14
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In a message dated 12/13/00 7:55:40 PM Eastern Standard Time, mano@proxyma.net writes: << The problem, Stephen, is that the M3 rewind knob does not spin when advancing the film. Only the central shaft part with the little red dots on it makes a tight revolution and it is very easy to miss this when shooting action. The outer knob stays put.>> The time to make the necessary observation is during the loading process, while advancing through two or three blank frames, as with any manually loading camera body. After that, it is conceded that the custom is to look through the finder while shooting action. One must sooner or later accept the fact that with such bodies rewinding and reloading must inevitably interrupt one's shooting rhythm and be accorded the priority they deserve. No film exposed equals no photographs. <<Also, having to pull out the spool to reset the M3 frame counter makes this load gadget somewhat less than quick when used on the M3. It's really best for long-time M2 shooters who are used to having to reset frame counters. >> Good point. However, in situations in which quick reloading becomes the highest priority, such as continuous fast action, keeping an accurate count of frames exposed is of secondary importance. When one is shooting fifteen rolls at a clip, changing film every couple of minutes, there is no real need to stop and reset the frame counter with each roll, as I assume most shooters of M2's would attest. Moreover, if keeping the camera to the shooting eye were to prevent one from observing whether the core of the rewind knob is rotating, it would likewise obstruct the process of checking the film counter. My own difficulties with using the RL spool have occurred exclusively in situations where I was in near-total darkness, as in shooting dimly-lit scenes at a theatrical production. With its smoother contours, it presents a less well-defined profile to the touch than do the prongs of the M4 and later spindles. It is, however, no more difficult than finding and using the clip on the original spool in the dark, particularly if one is unfortunate enough to drop the spool. :) Joe Sobel