Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/01/26
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]My $0.02 > >> Weird loading system? (can be updated?) >> > Yes DAG can modify the loading system to the M4-6 style. It > is not > inexpensive I just happen to have just had this done by DAG. Price was less than US$300 for M4-6 loading and motor coupling. I wanted this to be able to use my Rapidwinder, but it also allows the use of the M Motor. One tiny concern is that I understand the M3 had a brass gear train, which was switched to steel with the M4-2 and the original M winder. Does anyone out there have any feedback on how a converted M3 has fared with long-term use of the M Motor? > You could just get the Leica rapid load kit which works > great on M2s but you > have to pull the spool up to reset the M3 counter; not a > big deal. $25US to > $80US I will take five of those $25 kits ;-) All the ones I've seen lately have gone for $100 (good user) to $150 (w/box, collectible) unfortunately. Makes DAG's conversion VERY attractive. > >> Annoying rewind knob (add one of those doohickys that > make it faster - are >> they still available) >> > > Yes ($35US I think), Richard Wasserman makes them and his > email address is > > disfromage@aol.com Richard's lever works a charm, but it sticks up about 1 cm and snags the inside of my camera bag every time I put it in or take it out. I had one custom-made years ago that is a bit better (simply because it has a shorter knob to grab) and Stephen Gandy's Cameraquest.com website has a collection (many thanks to Tom Abrahamson) of aftermarket add-on rewind knobs. I'd love to get my hands on one of the fold up types... > >> Later M rewind lever (is this more useful...) >> (actually advance lever, I think) > I actually prefer the M3 style lever as you can get at it > even with a flash It is a five-minute job. I believe a current M advance lever is about US$40? Or, no doubt, CDN$40? It's possible to do this without the proper tools (I admit to having used wel--padded small Vice Grips a few times) if you have a real user. You risk scarring the chrome on the retaining ring. Some old Ms you can do this using your fingertips and some rubber sheeting or masking tape. > Me? I prefer the M2... I'm a big M3 fan, but it's just sentimental. For a day-to-day shooter, I would have to agree that the M2 load, ease of load conversion, and inclusion of 35 framing - not to mention the usually lower asking prices - makes it a better choice. Go for a lever rewind, though (not button). > Steve Patriquen - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html