rapidwinder ???? [Archive] - Rangefinderforum.com

Mpmckenzie

03-02-2011, 09:57

Tom, you mention that both the m3 and m4 can be converted to fit your rapidwinder, what is the conversion ? so does that mean a new leicavit will work also, and why does the m2 require its own winder design and how many are left,(why will it not work on the m3) can the regular rapidwinder ,leicavit be converted to work with IXMOO ?, i think you mentioned on one of your posts that the baseplate design on the m6 changed is that the reason .
thanks Tom in advance, folks like yourself really make this website!!!!!

Tom A

03-02-2011, 17:20

M3's and M4's can be converted to work with the Leicavit M or Rapidwinder. The intermediate drive from M4-2/M4P or M6 needs to be installed. Not a big deal and though I recommend that you send either the Leicavit M/Rapidwinder with the camera to DAG or sherry for the conversion to "match" them up. Dont know how much they charge for it though..
The M2 uses a different drive. The long take-up shaft for the film take-up spool has a notched shaft that engages a shaft from the Leicavit MP/M2 Rapdwinder. I find that the direct drive tends to be smoother - but thats just me. As for how many are left - about 30 housings/top-plates out of which 8-10 are for my own cameras and another 5-6 are on hold for a friend. The reason I re-designed the the M2 "regular" Rapidwinder to work with the IXMOOS is that I have about 200 IXMOO's and use the with my XX and bulk TriX. This year will see the last of them being made of the IXMOO Rapidwinder being produced.
As for making a M6/MP Rapid-winder being made. Not in the plan as IXMOO's are not compatible with cameras like the M7 (would damage the ISO contacts) and some of the later M6TTL's and MP's will not accept them.
Leica changed the lock on the baseplate sometimes in the 90's to the flat disc (which will not open/close the IXMOO). For a while they would exchange the baseplate to one that would, but too my knowledge they dont do that anymore - probably because of the internal changes to the shell of the M6TTL/MP and the contacts in the M7.
My "run" of Rapidwinders has actually been longer than Leica's run of Leicavit MP's. I have been making them for 24 years and though demand has slowed down (fine with me) it is still there!
The M2 Rapidwinder was a natural development, considering my love of that camera and the IXMOO version was simply a small run (100 in all) mainly to supply my own demand.
Hell, I am getting old and want to take pictures too - there are still close to 7000 ft of XX in the freezer and 600-1000 rolls of TriX.

Calzone

03-03-2011, 07:16

I can't live without my Rapidwinder. Also have a TA Rapidgrip and many-many softies.

Thanks To for making me so very happy.

Cal

buzzardkid

06-09-2011, 06:50

Tom,

I recently acquired an M2 Rapidwinder (from Dan) and had hoped for it to be an IXMOO version but it is a 'regular' M2 version.

How hard would it be to adapt a regular M2 version to an IXMOO version? At the moment I only own one IXMOO but would definitely be interested in having many more since re-using regular cassettes sometimes fails in that I cannot close the cassette up again once I have attached bulk film to the film spool...

Also, the RapidWinder I now own looks pretty stainless steel to me, how can I tell if it is a stainless steel version?

Tom A

06-09-2011, 07:58

Unfortunately the version 1 M2 Rapidwinder cannot be converted to take IXMOO's. It requires a different lock and in the IXMOO version this is machined into the top-plate. The top-plate is also a different design - it is made out of alloy and drops down into the bodyshell and is held in place with two stainless steel screw.
I did make a couple of prototypes of the earlier version for testing purposes - but they are very time-consuming to get right. It was much easier to tell the CNC computer what to do - rather than file and solder!

Nokton48

06-09-2011, 15:42

Hi Johann,
I went to the local one-hour lab, and acquired hundreds and hundreds of Fuji and Kodak cassettes, for nothing in terms of cost. I use scotch tape to attach the leader to the bulk roll, and spool the film out in a daylight loader. I've never had any scratches at all using this method.

Kodak Snap Cap Cassettes also work with that M2, using the "TomA" stretch-out-your-arms method. But attaching the endcap is a PITA, I have lost a few rolls that way, when the cap pops off.

Better to use the discarded cassettes, there are no downsides. Buying a daylight loader is alot cheaper than buying a bunch of IXMOO's.

QUOTE=buzzardkid;1640345]Tom,

I recently acquired an M2 Rapidwinder (from Dan) and had hoped for it to be an IXMOO version but it is a 'regular' M2 version.

How hard would it be to adapt a regular M2 version to an IXMOO version? At the moment I only own one IXMOO but would definitely be interested in having many more since re-using regular cassettes sometimes fails in that I cannot close the cassette up again once I have attached bulk film to the film spool...

Also, the RapidWinder I now own looks pretty stainless steel to me, how can I tell if it is a stainless steel version?[/QUOTE]

ItsReallyDarren

06-09-2011, 16:14

buzzardkid

06-10-2011, 13:23

Thanks for your replies, Tom, Dan and Darren!

I guess I'm okay with the use of regular cassettes, but those IXMOO's always give me that 'built to last forever' feel, just so cool.

Using the regular cassettes of course is a lot cheaper, point taken. Currently I'm re-using the cassettes from my developed B&W film, only making sure that the newly spooled film is of the same speed as the cassette says.

I will be stocking up more on RolleiRetro100 and 400 to keep me in business for years to come ;)

Shin Oyama

07-06-2011, 05:35

Tom A

07-06-2011, 08:58

I've been playing with the idea of converting one of my M3s to take a Rapidwinder. To convert to M4P to M7 Rapidwinder would require major surgery. But to convert to the M2 winder--would that only need an M2 shaft to be installed in the M3?

Converting the M3 is a fairly simple job for someone like Don Goldberg. It involves installing a M6/M7 intermediate drive in the bottom and then you can also use the "new" Leicavit MP.
Converting the M2 is more complex as just installing the long shaft disconnects the filmcounter for the M3 - unless you can source a M4M/Mot drive - which are betting a bit scarce.
If you are converting for a Rapidwinder on the M3 I always advice getting the winder and supply that with the camera to the "converter" as it can then be matched to the set-up.

Calzone

07-06-2011, 09:28

Converting the M3 is a fairly simple job for someone like Don Goldberg. It involves installing a M6/M7 intermediate drive in the bottom and then you can also use the "new" Leicavit MP.
Converting the M2 is more complex as just installing the long shaft disconnects the filmcounter for the M3 - unless you can source a M4M/Mot drive - which are betting a bit scarce.
If you are converting for a Rapidwinder on the M3 I always advice getting the winder and supply that with the camera to the "converter" as it can then be matched to the set-up.

Tom,

Thanks for the info. This offers some possibilities (GAS).

Cal

RFluhver

10-19-2011, 05:56

maddoc

10-19-2011, 06:13

Hello guys.

I found a Rapidwinder in Tokyo for a reasonable price, much cheaper than Leicavit. Do these things fit M4-P and M6TTL? And I presume that they are just as good as Leicavits right?

I never used such devices before and don't know much about them actually.

The Rapidwinder for the M4-2 onwards fits the M4-2 and any later M Leica, the M2 Rapidwinder fits the M2. :) So you just have to figure out, which Rapidwinder you have found.

RFluhver

10-19-2011, 06:36

The Rapidwinder for the M4-2 onwards fits the M4-2 and any later M Leica, the M2 Rapidwinder fits the M2. :) So you just have to figure out, which Rapidwinder you have found.

So they come in different versions? Different versions fit different cameras is what you're saying right? How can I know what is the version of this thing?

Btw, I found it in that joint above ABC Mart in Shinjuku. Do you know it?

Mpmckenzie

10-19-2011, 07:57

hi, i am pretty sure that m2 version will be marked M2 and only fit the M2 as stated in above post,the others are just marked rapidwinder, please Toms website he has more info listed

michaelbialecki

10-19-2011, 08:35

Hell, I am getting old and want to take pictures too - there are still close to 7000 ft of XX in the freezer and 600-1000 rolls of TriX.

That has to be one of the coolest things that I have read here in a long time.....

One day I will own a rapidwinder for my m2 or m3......

cheers, michael

RFluhver

11-20-2011, 02:27

Today I went to the camera market in Shinjuku to pick up a Rapidwinder. As I'm inspecting this thing I asked the guy if it fits the M6. He says, no; only the M4-P apparently. I'm now totally confused!

I thought these things were designed to fit from M4-2 to the M7!

mgd711

11-20-2011, 02:40

I thought these things were designed to fit from M4-2 to the M7!

They are, if it fit's the M4-2 it will fit the M6/7. The guy doesn't know what he's talking about.

RFluhver

11-20-2011, 03:15

OK, I will go back there tomorrow as I'm absolutely dead set on getting one of them.

Yeah, the guy isn't the friendliest looking. He always strikes me as a bit of gaijin hater, so I always feel uncomfortable whenever I'm in there. But I like this joint because certain items are reasonably priced.

Anyway, I just went around the corner to Lemonsha instead. Didn't even know they opened there, but there it is - Lemonsha! The guy told me they opened in April, but then Rob, the German bloke, told me on Twitter that they may have opened only as recently as August.

RobVinc

11-20-2011, 03:55

RFluhver, I was wrong they really opened the Shinjuku branch in April: http://www.lemonsha.com/shinjuku/ .

But now back to the topic of rapidwinders..

B-9

01-31-2012, 09:21

Johann,
Too bad your not in the States, I have bag fulls of Kodak cassettes sitting around. I kept them originally thinking I would bulk load but that day hasn't come. Even if I did start I don't think I can afford enough reels to load all of them!

Ill take some , was gifted a bulkloader and a reel of tmax recently.
really wish i could afford a rapidwinder for my MD
im working on unloading some nikon gear, hopefully have enough$$ by my birthday to snatch up a rw-ixmoo

Would it be possible to hold one Mr.A?
Ive got a F2 W/De-1 that ide be willing to send out for a little trade value/ hold on a Rapidwinder

dnp

07-01-2012, 19:37

Bringing back a very old thread (apologies) - Tom, when you say the M3 needs an M4-2/M4P/M6 'Intermediate Drive', are you referring to the intermediate gear, shaft or the whole intermediate drive including all of the gears, shaft etc...?

Thanks much,
-AD

Tom A

07-01-2012, 19:44

You need the drive component from a M4P/M6 (basically a shaft with the drive take-up and the gear) It more or less drops in place - not a huge job, but it has to be matched to the cameras innards. You also need the interior base cover plate with the hole for the drive take-up. It is not a do-it-yourself kind of operation (unless you know the inside of your M3/M4 very well.

dnp

07-01-2012, 20:54

Thanks for the quick reply Tom - I was going to see if I can spec the parts - no way I'm poking around in there myself though :)

alex_m3_1959

10-05-2012, 04:23

Hello Tom, i recently have bought a rapidwinder for my M3, you said that the conversion could be made in the USA by DAG, the problem is that i live in Europe, do you know where the conversion could be made in Europe?

Thanks.

Rangefinderfreak

10-31-2012, 04:35

I talked to leica M product manager at Photokina and expressed a wish: Bring back the IXMOO. he remembered the item, I also said that the "New IXMOO" has to be modified a little ( thinner) as it does not fit the M7 and MP. He promised to take up the subject in future meet. We will see if anything will happen. If yes, leica has to provide a tune up kit for the bottom lock up mechanism. That is not a very complicated thing: loose one setscrew and change the plate...

Calzone

02-01-2013, 09:20

It has been a long time, but I secured a very nice chrome M4 that was a "Shelf Queen" that I got at a good price because of a sticky shutter and other small issues from being unused.

I'll likely be sending it to Sherry later in the spring to bet overhauled and modded for use with a TA Rapidwinder. Tom thanks for a great-great product and for the support. I'll post later with the results.

Cal

Calzone

02-05-2013, 10:52

I e-mailed Sherry today and was informed that she will not mod my M4 with the required drive-shaft that is needed for a Rapidwinder.

Anyways my old recently acquired shelf queen with intact "L" seal needs an overhaul anyway.

Cal

JMQ

02-05-2013, 10:57

Did you check with DAG? I had a 35 Lux Asph that need recalibration for the M9. Sherry wouldn't touch it, and DAG did it for me in 1 week.

Calzone

02-06-2013, 06:03

Did you check with DAG? I had a 35 Lux Asph that need recalibration for the M9. Sherry wouldn't touch it, and DAG did it for me in 1 week.

So far I did not check with DAG. Since I have a chrome 50 Lux ASPH, I'm not sure I really need the added weight of the TA Rapidwinder. Towards the end of the month I'll make the executive decision, but the M4 with a 50 Lux ASPH is a killer rig. Right now it features a TA Rapidgrip.

Cal

JMQ

02-06-2013, 06:06

Cal, with all these new toys, you'll be a kid in a candy story -- MM, (possibly) M4 with w/ TA RA and grip....

Calzone

02-06-2013, 08:00

Cal, with all these new toys, you'll be a kid in a candy story -- MM, (possibly) M4 with w/ TA RA and grip....

My friend Dave once said, "It's later than you think."

I have always lived life rather passionately, done a lot of crazy things, and lived like I had no future. Somehow I became a 55 year old man, and became older than I thought I'd ever be.

While I have a brother who is very wealthy, but it is me who has the richer life. Digital is new to me, but I still intend on shooting as much film as I can.

Cal

Srono

04-19-2013, 01:42

Hi Tom,

Can an M4-Mot be used with Rapidwinder without modification? Thanks :)

Tom A

04-19-2013, 17:04

Yes, the M4M and M4Mot can be used with the M2 Rapidwinder. If you are using this combination - I would make the drive slightly different. On the "regular" M2 drive - the small coupling pin is only "one-sided" - i.e sticks out only on one side of the stainless shaft. On the M4M/Mot it is better to have the pin stick out on both sides. The drive coupling on the original motor used this type of coupling - and I just matched it.
Tom

Rangefinderfreak

04-29-2013, 08:14

If you want to use the IXMOO in ordinary rapiwinder with plate type closing mechanism, you have to get a machinist to make a ring type adapter that you glue on the plate closure mechanism and also modify each of your IXMOO`s so they open easier in the body. Not a complicated matter at all...

Tom A

04-29-2013, 08:33

You can put the "flange" on a regular looking disc. The problem is that the spring on the IXMOO will not "mate" to the stop-screw and you will have problem opening/closing the IXMOO. I dont want to make M6 Rapidiwnders with the IXMOO feature. Users would try it on their M7's and damage the "readers" for the film cassette. The M2 has no electronics so that is fine.
Glueing the flange on is possible - but I suspect that the flange would have to be "pinned" to ensure sufficient strength - or simply soldered on.

Rangefinderfreak

04-29-2013, 10:04