[Leica] Rapidgrip & Competitors

[tedgrant at shaw.ca (Ted Grant)]

Matt asked:
> Tom Abrahamsson's RapidGrip looks like the best, but his website
> suggests they're made for the Noctilux and other large lenses - is
> there any reason one might interfere with using a 35 'lux ASPH (my
> only lens currently, maybe an older 50 of some sort coming soon)?

Hi Matt,
I have 3 RapidWinders on my 3 M7's and had them on the M6's before that and 
they're the best piece of equipment any left eyed photographer , let alone 
one who's one eyed using an M camera could possibly own! So many years I 
always had to remove the M's from my eye to advance film and cock shutter. 
While damn near everytime it happened I missed a key moment.

Yep I bought a Leica battery operated winder and it was nothing but a piece 
of junk with all it's clunking, thunking and shutter release popping up and 
down everytime I shot. Sold it and swore I'd never buy another.

Later I stupidly I believed a Leica rep who said there was an improved 
version and I bought 2. The moment I put them on the camera's and began 
shooting it proved to be just another piece of junk at a ridiculous Leica 
price. Sold them immediately!

Then I was introduced to Tom Abrahamsson's RapidWinder and Grip and for a 
left eyed one eyed photographer I had a whole new world presented after so 
many years of shooting with three M cameras and missing picture moments due 
to the necessity of moving the cameras away from my face to advance.

They are on and working all the time regardless of how many cameras, one, 
two or three. I change lenses without thought of any lens shape or size as 
my changing is relevant to what I see and want to capture. This cuts down 
missed action working 3 cameras at a time!  While shooting the photography 
for my/our book, "Women in Medicine." the RapidWinder was a God give piece 
of gear! Certainly for me.

I realize when I get on a roll about how good a piece of gear is some folks 
think I over do it with my enthusiasm. Their prerogative, quite frankly I 
don't give a damn as I don't make comments in the use of a few rolls on a 
weekend photo safari, I'm talking about dozens rolls a day! Day after day 
for months.

>>>I never thought of myself as having big hands, but I guess they're
> bigger than Leica had in mind as I can never get a comfortable grip on
> the body.<

I do have big hands and this grip and winder work beautifully with the least 
amount of hand strain after a day of shooting 10-12 hours. You can still 
hold a good refreshing cold glass of beer while relaxing and reflecting on a 
day well shot! ;-)

Trust me get Tom's RapidWider and grip you'll never be sorry.

ted