Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I was looking for a modern Leicavit for my MP (bought one!) and saw many SYOOM available for sale online not terribly expensive for Leica. I know it’s only compatible with later models which is fine with me. How is the SYOOM as a user? Is it plug and play like the modern Leicavit or is it a pain? Thanks.

Link to post
Share on other sites

x

FYR...

SYOOM

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 
  • Code name - SYOOM also known as Leicavit SYOOM-M 14450
  • Production era - 1950-2003
  • Type - Rapid winder for Leica IIIf or Leica IIIg
  • Evolution - a similar item was made for the first MP which also worked on M4-2, M4-P, M6, and M6 TTL cameras in black or silver. Since 1987, Tom Abrahamsson has been making a quality replacement called the Rapidwinder in Vancouver, Canada.
Edited by Erato
  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, rtai said:

I was looking for a modern Leicavit for my MP (bought one!) and saw many SYOOM available for sale online not terribly expensive for Leica. I know it’s only compatible with later models which is fine with me. How is the SYOOM as a user? Is it plug and play like the modern Leicavit or is it a pain? Thanks.

Leicavit-M is user friendly for me.

https://leica-camera.com/en-int/photography/accessories/tripods/leicavit-m-black

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

sorry this is M7 but this 14450/14008 can be used on other M also ( MP, M-A, M4-2, M4-P,M6, etc. )

Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks but let me rephrase the question:

If I buy an SYOOM for my IIIG or IIIF RD how good of a user is it? Can I just attach the winder to the camera and expect it to work or will it require some fuss like adjustments etc?

Link to post
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, 250swb said:

  No, a SYOOM doesn't physically fit an MP, or any M camera, there are no modifications that can make it fit.

Thanks. I an aware of that. How well does it work on an IIIG or F? My opening post wasn’t very clear. My fault.

Edited by rtai
Link to post
Share on other sites

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

1 hour ago, rtai said:

Thanks. I an aware of that. How well does it work on an IIIG or F? My opening post wasn’t very clear. My fault.

The SYOOM on a IIIG or IIIF is far better than a Leicavit on an M. I had a Leicavit for my MP (bought in haste), and it was useless, the film advance lever is just as fast. But for a Barnack Leica the SYOOM works really well if the camera is in the horizontal position, however in the vertical position the action isn't as fluid and I always end up using the film advance knob. You may find a comfortable grip for vertical shooting but either way it still adds up to a nice feeling most of the time.

Edited by 250swb
Link to post
Share on other sites

9 minutes ago, 250swb said:

The SYOOM on a IIIG or IIIF is far better than a Leicavit on an M. I had a Leicavit for my MP (bought in haste), and it was useless, the film advance lever is just as fast. But for a Barnack Leica the SYOOM works really well if the camera is in the horizontal position, however in the vertical position the action isn't as fluid and I always end up using the film advance knob. You may find a comfortable grip for vertical shooting but either way it still adds up to a nice feeling most of the time.

Oh that looks nice! I read the SYOOM only works on later models beyond a certain serial number. Where’s the cut off? Any IIIf will work including black dial?

Tom A made some for the Barnack and I owned one. I wish I still have it. At the time I had several IIIf but can’t remember which vintage. I recall Tom’s winder only worked on one of them, the other refused to advance all the way and cock the shutter despite both cleaned and adjusted. I was wondering if the SYOOM is as finicky. 

Link to post
Share on other sites

7 minutes ago, rtai said:

Oh that looks nice! I read the SYOOM only works on later models beyond a certain serial number. Where’s the cut off? Any IIIf will work including black dial?

Tom A made some for the Barnack and I owned one. I wish I still have it. At the time I had several IIIf but can’t remember which vintage. I recall Tom’s winder only worked on one of them, the other refused to advance all the way and cock the shutter despite both cleaned and adjusted. I was wondering if the SYOOM is as finicky. 

I think there is a serial number range but I can't remember where I read it, my SYOOM came with the camera but it is a black dial. Come to think about it I've never tried it with my red dial IIIf.

Edited by 250swb
  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

I have one for my IIIc (converted to a IIIf) and it will wind the camera much faster than winding the knob on top.  The harder you pull the bottom lever, the faster you can shoot.  However the faster you try and wind the camera using the Leicavit the more stress you are putting on the small chain (that runs from the bottom lever) that actually winds the camera.  If you stress the assembly enough it will break.  If you get an original Leitz design probably good to inspect and lubricate the chain drive.  I believe that Tom Abrahamsson has improved this mechanism in his design.

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

Hello Everybody,

The 14th Leica Manual from May of 1961 writes that: Because of a smaller body size: Camera bodies below 400.000 cannot be used with a Leicavit. Only bodies from the I, II & III versions of the "c" & the "f" models. & the I & III versions of the "g" models are listed as usable. There is no mention of the "d" model. There never was an "e" model.

Some early Leicavits were manufactured with an   "Einzle"   "Serie"   switch. Turning the switch to "Serie" allowed the user to wind the film onward & then release the shutter in 1 continuous motion. An example is shown on Page 139 of Jim Lager's "Leica Illustrated Guide II" of 1978.

Best Regards,

Michael

Edited by Michael Geschlecht
  • Like 4
Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...