Re: [Leica] SOFTLY RELEASE YOURSELF

["phong (Doan huu Phong)" <phong@doan-ltd.com>]

Hi Walt,

You are right that Tom Abrahamsson's soft release buttons
and Rapidwinder are expensive.  But I like them, although
I have 2 problems with soft release buttons with the non-TTL
M6 (I sometimes accidentally trips the shutter release 
when I reach for the speed dial and also the bag tripping 
the shutter).   The bigger speed dial on the M6 TTL should
help.  And thanks for the tip re: "the one for the OLD Canon
MF motor drive";  I should try to remember to check it out
at the local photo show next spring.

Regarding the Rapidwinder:  All I can say is I love it;  I have no
experience with the Leicavit, so I cannot compare.  It fits well
with my M6, is very smooth and small.   The Rapidwinder is
elegant, not only  much in terms of style, but primarily
as an engineering work.   It works, and works well. 

And Tom Abrahamsson should better watch out for those 
japanese kitchen appliance manufacturers with their  $39.95
retail winders.  I'd buy three of those as soon as they come
out and do the job.   Perhaps they will make the softies for
$1.00 retail;  I'll take ten of those, and solve the Asian financial
crisis in the process ;-)


- - Phong, O.D.A.Y.M member

Order of Dedicated Abrahamsson Yes Men
ABRAHAMSSON FOREVER  (or until the $39.95 winder comes out)







- -----Original Message-----
From: Walter S Delesandri <walt@jove.acs.unt.edu>


Hi, Nigel


Actually, the nicest soft button I've ever seen is the one for the 
OLD Canon MF motor drive!!  Matches the diameter of the Leica M button 
exactly, and PERFECTLY matches the lovely satin chrome of the body --
looks like leica made it and chromed it in the same batch!!

Don't know if you can buy it as a replacement anymore as we used 
to steal them off of used MF drives!!

R.e the price of the Abrahamson (sp?) release buttons : look at the 
m4-2-M6 rapid winder!!  ("leicavit")  -- you can buy a NEW, CURRENT
motor in the most expensie salon store CHEAPER!!!  Any good japanese
kitchen appliance manufacturer could make a good one for $39.95 retail.

...
As for the flames from Mr. Abrahamson and his yes men, YES, I certainly 
understand the problems of making a limited production product for an 
elitist market -blahblahblah-  THATs NOT MY PROBLEM>  I know it's a 
labor of love and you had to sell your kids' shoes to make that last 
production run................I've heard it all in high-end audio.

BTW, Nigel, the reason I don't like the soft releases made and sold 
under a dozen importer names, is that I don't like the cheap finish.
SOME might feel that finish is worth the extra $8.  Since I carry my 
leicas in a bag, I quit using them because the bag tripped the shutter 
everytime I moved (if it was cocked).

Carry on, 
WaltOn