The Leicavit MP

The Leica MP (P for professional), produced in 1956-57, was a special M3 model made for press photographers. Instead of the normal base plate it was equipped with the "Leicavit MP" rapid trigger wind, which makes operation faster for reportage and fast shooting sequences. There were only a few hundred Leica MP cameras produced in 1956-57 (311 chrome and 138 black). A reason for this was that many photographers preferred the M2 type of finder (35-50-90 mm). So, the Leica MP was discontinued, and instead the Leica M2 with Leicavit MP became standard equipment for many photographers.

Leica MP

The Leica MP is similar to the M3, with some changes. In order to accept the Leicavit MP, the shaft that takes the film take-up spool is longer and has a coupling for the Leicavit. Notice also the frame counter, that is of the same type as on the M2. These alterations became later standard features on the M2 cameras, and the Leicavit MP was produced as an accessory for Leica M2 during the 1960's.

The modern Rapidwinder looks similar as the Leicavit MP (except the engravings), and it is used in the same way. Below, Tom Abrahamsson and Ted Grant describe it from a users point of view::

-To use the Rapidwinder I curl my left middle fingers around the advance lever. This gives good leverage as well as creating a "cradle" in which the camera rests. Once you got the hang of it you can shoot 2-2,5 frames a second without dropping the camera from your eye. (Tom A)

-Tom's Rapidwinder is as quiet as if you advanced using the thumb of your right hand in the normal fashion. Quite frankly it is silent, fast and of efficient action in the use of the camera. For any M6 camera user it's wonderful. However it's a God sent gift for those of us who are left eyed shooters. (Ted Grant)

The standard M3 camera bodies could not use the Leicavit. But the M2 (1958-1966) was equipped with the same winding shaft as the MP, and during the 1960's the Leicavit MP was produced as an accessory for the M1/M2 cameras. However, it disappeared from the Leica catalogue when the M4 was launched in 1967. (Because of the new three-pronged rapid film take-up spool, the M4 body could not use the Leicavit). Today the original Leicavit MP is very hard to find on the used market, as it is a much sought after item by Leica collectors.
I used a M2 with Leicavit MP for many years, and I was glad to find out that Tom Abrahamsson had developed a modern improved version, using the new M4-2/M4-P/M6 winder coupling mechanism. Compared with the Leicavit MP, the Rapidwinder has the same size and outside looks as the original (except from the engravings) but it also centers the tripod bush, and the clutch permits multi-stroke advance (which the Leicavit MP did not). Personally, I prefer the Rapidwinder to the electrical M-winder: less bulk, no dependence on batteries and virtually silent in use. And last, but not least, I also like the "MP-look" of my M6-body.

Tom's M2 cameras with Rapidwinder, and also "goggled" Super Angulon 21/3,4. Design Tom Abrahamsson, conversion made by Reinhold Mueller, Toronto, Canada [fax 416-467-7447]. Conversion is also available on the 21/2,8