The new "re-release" Leicavit is now available for preorder

[Roy Bigsby]

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Some camera stores in Canada are now allowing preorders of the new Leicavit, which is being offered in three colours: chrome, glossy black, and black. I assume the latter is matt black paint over brass, like the new M6, rather than black chrome, like the M-A. The release date is listed as August 21:  

https://downtowncamera.com/blog/leica-leicavit-m-launch?srsltid=AfmBOoo-8jOQulgg8IXWh45eXhEJKYApSuvCGmtxAO1ZDEa7H60JsDzz

[Pyrogallol]

If you cannot afford a Leicavit, for a tenth of the price you can buy a Canon rangefinder camera with a rapid winder. 
 

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[TomB_tx]

1 minute ago, Pyrogallol said:

If you cannot afford a Leicavit, for a tenth of the price you can buy a Canon rangefinder camera with a rapid winder. 
 

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Having disassembled both Canon and Leica winders, I think the Canon Rapid Winder is better made. Also you can find a bargain in Canon VT or VIT which have the winder built-in.

[TomB_tx]

3 hours ago, Roy Bigsby said:

Some camera stores in Canada are now allowing preorders of the new Leicavit, which is being offered in three colours: chrome, glossy black, and black. I assume the latter is matt black paint over brass, like the new M6, rather than black chrome, like the M-A. The release date is listed as August 21:  

https://downtowncamera.com/blog/leica-leicavit-m-launch?srsltid=AfmBOoo-8jOQulgg8IXWh45eXhEJKYApSuvCGmtxAO1ZDEa7H60JsDzz

And if you have an M2 or M3 where the new Leicavit won't work, there's the KEKS Rapid Winder: https://www.kekscameras.com/store/p27/keksrapidwinder.html#/

[spydrxx]

And if you like the concept and don't want to pay the price, and are up for using non- Leica/Canon cameras and lenses, there are several fixed lens 35mm cameras which use a bottom lever winder. I've been using one for almost 50 years periodically (50mm 0nly).

[jakontil]

9 hours ago, TomB_tx said:

And if you have an M2 or M3 where the new Leicavit won't work, there's the KEKS Rapid Winder: https://www.kekscameras.com/store/p27/keksrapidwinder.html#/

Keks for half the price is interesting.. but i dont think i would use it practically.. just like the looks of the M with leicavit

[Roy Bigsby]

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For the Leicavit nerds out there:

It is noteworthy that the release is made in Portugal. This might make the previous German-made versions of the Leicavit slightly more collectible.

Also, the rerelease in black (not the one in glossy black paint) is indeed matt black paint over brass, meaning it will match the current 2022 re-issue of the M6. However, if you have a black M-A or earlier black M6 (M4-P, etc.), the new black Leicavit will brass differently than those bodies and might look strange (or cool)... 

[250swb]

47 minutes ago, Roy Bigsby said:

For the Leicavit nerds out there:

It is noteworthy that the release is made in Portugal. This might make the previous German-made versions of the Leicavit slightly more collectible.

Also, the rerelease in black (not the one in glossy black paint) is indeed matt black paint over brass, meaning it will match the current 2022 re-issue of the M6. However, if you have a black M-A or earlier black M6 (M4-P, etc.), the new black Leicavit will brass differently than those bodies and might look strange (or cool)... 

Will match, won't match, Leica at their best. Still a useless accessory unless an ornament is essential to the ensemble. 

[Roy Bigsby]

1 hour ago, 250swb said:

Will match, won't match, Leica at their best. Still a useless accessory unless an ornament is essential to the ensemble. 

I guess I'm in the minority, but I really love the Leicavit. I like how it looks and feels on the camera, balancing out the top. And I do use it for most of my shooting. But I understand that for others it's just a romantic ornament.   

[TomB_tx]

My arthritis in my right thumb is getting worse, so i was thinking of an M Leicavit for my M6 & 7 - but found a used Leica motor M  in great condition for a fraction of Leicavit cost. Works very well.

[Matlock]

9 hours ago, 250swb said:

Will match, won't match, Leica at their best. Still a useless accessory unless an ornament is essential to the ensemble. 

I have two, one came with my MP3. I can't say I'm greatly impressed but each to their own.