RAPID FILM ADVANCE ACCESSORIES
REMOTE RELEASE WINDER
The Remote Release Winder, code-named OOFRC, was available in very limited quantities from 1935 to 1940.360 When the upper cord is pulled, the spring-loaded drum advances the film, while the lower cord releases the shutter360. This mechanism allows the Leica camera to be used in challenging situations, such as photographing a bird's nest from a tree360. The cable rollers, which have adjustable angles, ensure a friction-free pull360.
RAPIDO FILM WINDER
The RAPIDO film winder operates on the same principle as a Remote Release Winder, code-named OOFRC: a sharp pull on a metal cable advances the film as it normally would360. The device consists of a spring-tensioned pulley with a wire wound around it, and a pull ring attached to the exposed end of the wire33. The device can be installed using a screwdriver and does not require any special modifications to the camera body170.
Literature of 1934-1935170 claimed that 36 exposures could be taken in under a minute33.
It is a beautifully designed accessory, though there is some uncertainty about whether it was actually manufactured by Leitz360. Ernst Leitz New York marketed this winder under the name "RAPIDO," while in Germany, the same product was referred to as "REPLEI" and was advertised purely as an aftermarket accessory242. The REPLEI was apparently available through Finaccord-Vertrieb of Berlin-Zehlendorf, Germany278. Some sources believe that the RAPIDO film winder was manufactured by an external company, possibly Finaccord-Vertrieb242. A report dated February 7, 1934, indicates that Oskar Barnack applied for a patent (Swiss Patent CH000000173771A) for a film winder known as "Schnellrückspulung" ("Fast rewind mechanism").364.
The RAPIDO film winder is available in at least two distinct configurations278. The earlier version required the removal of the Leica's advance knob before attaching the RAPIDO film winder to the exposed thread278. In contrast, the later, more refined model is designed to fit directly over the advance knob and is secured in place by a set screw278.
It can be found with or without the manufacturer's D.R.G.M. (Deutsches Reich Gesellschaft Muster278) marking170.
In 1935, the RAPIDO film winder was replaced by Leitz's own SCNOO trigger base170. The RAPIDO film winder is quite rare, having been catalogued in 1935242 under item #51806170, produced and sold for only one year, from 1936 to 1937360 at a price of 9.60 USD33. Fewer than a dozen of the RAPIDO film winder units have survived intact, as the pull wire often experiences metal fatigue failure, making the device unusable170.
SCNOO TRIGGER BASE
The SCNOO Trigger Base, introduced in 193533, is an alternative to a standard camera baseplate360. According to a report from September 26, 1934, Wilhelm Albert developer a trigger base for Leica in 1934 and designed a ready-to-use camera case for the Leica camera with such trigger base364. It advances the film through a lateral movement of the trigger, making it particularly beneficial for action or sports photography, where quick operation is essential360. The photographer could produced 1-2 exposures per second using the SCNOO Trigger Base33. The SCNOO Trigger Base is likely the first commercial example of a mechanism that enhances film winding for photographers242. It features a trigger winder, which allows the photographer to keep their eye on the viewfinder while capturing a series of images242. This mechanism enables faster winding than a traditional wind-on knob, and in the case of most photographers, it is even quicker than a lever wind242.
The SCNOO Trigger Base attaches to the camera by replacing its baseplate242. It utilizes a silk tape connected to a short, fold-down curved trigger, which applies torque to the film take-up shaft242. When the winding sequence is finished, spring tension returns the tape and trigger to their original position242. The SCNOO Trigger Base has a partially open mechanism, allowing users to see the tape during its movement, while the spring is housed in a compact cylinder242.
Trigger bases have the same fitting requirements as early motor drives: they require a large-pin baseplate and a slotted take-up spool360. Leica cameras with trigger bases from serial number 111450 (or 11144933) are equipped with a large-pin baseplate, while only those from serial number 159000 and later come with a slotted take-up spool360. If the camera's serial number ranged between and 111450 and 159000 inclusive, the winding spindle had to be exchanged for a notched one and a new winding knob was also required33. When the serial number of a Leica camera falls below 111449 (i.e., cameras produced before 1933), it is necessary to replace the pin at the bottom of the camera that holds the base plate at one end with a larger pin, in addition to using a notched spindle33.
The design of these trigger bases is protected by British Patent 479453 from 1935, and they became commercially available in that same year360. The original SCNOO Trigger Base featured a metal winding strip, but later models incorporated a cloth strip360. The SCNOO Trigger Base was driven by a spring33.
The following variations exist:
- Variant 1 had black base, nickel trigger360. This variant was offered for 19.50 USD in November 1935 catalog and for 21.60 USD in November 1936 Leitz Price Listing33.
- Variant 2 had black base, chrome trigger360
- Variant 3 had chrome base, chrome trigger360
- Variant 4 was a small-pin version made to fit Leicas with serial numbers below 111450360
- Variant 5 was a special, longer, chrome base, chrome trigger version to fit the Leica IIIc360 and Leica IIId242 introduced in about 1940242. This variant is also known as "long base" or "SCNOO-C" among collectors242.
- Variant 6 was a special version for the X-ray (Roentgen) camera360
- Variant 7 was a special model for the Leica 250360
SYOOM TRIGGER BASE
In 195333, a completely redesigned spring-driven33 trigger base, code-named SYOOM and engraved with "Leicavit," was introduced for the Leica C, F, and G series cameras360 with serial numbers above 40000033. The cameras with serial numbers 390000-399999 had to be modified at the factory for compatibility with the SYOOM Trigger base33. A modification was also required for cameras with serial numbers between 400000 and 62225133.
In this model, the trigger was designed to be fully collapsible for easier storage, unlike the previous models, which only folded partially360.
The SYOOM Trigger base features a folding pointed trigger that locks in the open position, with a release button for easy closure242. Its design is essentially a closed mechanism, revealing only a slot under the trigger during use242. Compared to the SCNOO Trigger base, the SYOOM Trigger base has a notably slimmer profile242.
From the user's perspective, the operation of the SYOOM Trigger base is identical to that of the SCNOO Trigger base242. Both trigger bases are operated by pulling the trigger with the left hand beneath the camera, while the right hand is used to press the shutter242. Users need to be careful not to obstruct the rotating shutter release, speed dial, and wind knob during the winding process242. It’s essential to complete the winding before releasing the trigger; otherwise, you may end up with a partially wound shutter or overlapping frames242.
Einzel SYOOM
There is a special version of the SYOOM Trigger base from 195333, fitted with a switch, called the Einzel Leicavit360 or Einzel SYOOM Trigger base.
The spring-driven33 Einzel SYOOM Trigger base featured a selector lever at the base with two positions: Einzel and Serie360. When set to Einzel, the Leicavit operates in the normal way360 meaning that the shutter would be released by pressing the release button33. In the Serie position, it automatically fires the shutter after advancing the film360. The actuating lever of the Einzel SYOOM Trigger base, located at the bottom of the unit, serves three functions in sequence33. It is responsible for transporting the film, tensioning the shutter, and immediately releasing the shutter33. As a result, each advance of the Einzel SYOOM Trigger base's lever exposes one frame of film33. This allows the camera to be completely controlled from the base360.
To remove an Einzel SYOOM Trigger base from a camera, the lever must be set to the Einzel position360. Due to mechanical changes in the camera base of late Leica IIIf and Leica IIIg models, an early (non-Einzel) SYOOM will not fit these cameras without modification360. However, a Einzel SYOOM Trigger base from the Leica IIIg period is compatible with earlier Leica C or F series cameras360. Only a small number of Einzel SYOOM Trigger bases were produced360 and only 4 were sent to the U.S.A33.
Closing Remarks
SYOOM Trigger base was catalogued for a decade from 1953 to 1963, which coincided with the production period of the later screw mount models242.
LEICA-MOTOR
The spring-driven Leica Motor, code-named MOOLY, was announced in March 1938 at the Leipzig Spring Fair360.
Some cameras required modifications to accept MOOLY360. Cameras with serial numbers below 111449 needed a large baseplate retaining pin, while those with serial numbers below 159000 required a modified take-up spool axis that had been slotted to ensure proper engagement with the spring-loaded motor-drive shaft360.
Later, a slightly modified and longer version of the MOOLY was made available for the Leica IIIc/Leica IIId models with serial numbers ranging from 360000 to 399999360. This version can also be used with the Leica IIIf or IIIg models if they are further modified by the factory360.
Mechanism
The mechanism is built with an extremely rugged construction and is housed in a brass casing360. Power is supplied by a robust double-spring clockwork motor, which is regulated by a double-weighted governor360. The weights for the governor are located within a brass cone that controls the motor's speed360.
In earlier models, this cone could be adjusted using a small button located on the outside of the shell, allowing for two-speed operation at either one or two frames per second360. The numbers 1 and 2 are engraved on each side of the button360. However, mechanical malfunctions caused by wear on the governor bearings led to modifications in later models360. In these versions, the cone is locked in place, providing a fixed single-speed operation of two frames per second360. Although the button remains, it is locked in position360. In even later models, the button has been removed entirely360.
To ensure a consistent speed of operation, the motor spring is pretensioned360. When the motor is fully wound, it provides enough power to take twelve consecutive exposures in just over eight seconds360. Alternatively, with the single-speed motor, the camera can capture two frames per second360.
Users have the option to release one frame at a time without needing continuous operation360. The motor release mechanism is designed so that when the motor lever is pressed, it instantly releases the camera shutter and winds the film for the next frame360. As a result, the camera is always ready for immediate use360.
The motor operates smoothly thanks to the inclusion of ball races for the winding spindle in two locations360. Additionally, the cam drum, which contains one of the main springs, is also equipped with ball races360. In the special K (kugellager, "ball-bearing") series of the Leica IIIc/Leica IIId Leica-Motors, specifically designed for use in very low temperatures, extra ball races are installed on the winding spindle, the governor mechanism, and the upper bearing of the cam drum360.
The early model of the MOOLY features an external assembly arm that is used to release the camera shutter360. In contrast, the Leica IIIc/Leica IIId models are equipped with an internal release mechanism that connects to the camera's main release spring360.
However, in the early Leica IIIc/Leica IIId motors, the hook spring can become depressed when attached to the camera360. This can prevent the motor's release mechanism from properly engaging with the camera's release mechanism360. To address this issue, an interlocking mechanism was introduced360. When attaching a Leica IIIc or Leica IIId motor to a camera, it is advisable to press the camera's shutter release360. This action helps ensure that the motor's internal release aligns correctly with the camera body360.
Casing
The shells of both short and long types of motors have a similar design360. The long Leica IIIc/Leica IIId motor shell is actually constructed from two parts of shells that were originally made for the earlier model, which are welded together360. This welding is most noticeable on the chrome-finished Leica IIIc/Leica IIId motors360.
Additionally, there is a small round disc located to the right of the frame counter that covers the gap left by the coupling arm found on the earlier model360.
This observation leads to the conclusion that a significant number of shells, initially created for the original two-speed externally coupled motor, were later modified to fit the new, mechanically improved motors360.
Classification of Variants
The variants of the Leica-Motors can be classified in terms of their serial numbers, as follows360:
Variant 1 is a short model, made for Leica III Model F, Leica IIIa Model G, and Leica IIIb360. Serial numbers from 100 to approximately 400360. Original two-speed motor360. The first 60 motors have more highly curved casings than the remaining 340360. Some very early models have "n°" engraved before serial number.
On the left image below we can see Leica-Motor #127, which is a very early specimen of the first series with two-speed model. This specimen has a very early serial number. the end of the motor housing has a curvature different from that of later models and the serial number is preceded by "n°" also not found on later models, including the first series. The image on the right shows Leica-Motor #152 with speed selector.
Variant 5 is a long model, made for Leica IIIc and IIId360. Serial numbers from 5000 to 5100360. Internal coupling and in chrome finish360. 'K' after the serial number, indicating that the friction drives of the motor are fully ball-raced (for use in cold conditions)360. The long base MOOLY motor is officially referred to in the Leitz Wetzlar archives as the MOOLY-C105. It is important to note that screw mount Leica cameras with a serial number above 399999 can be used with long base motors after modifying the camera drive shaft68. The drive shaft needs to be slotted to accommodate the motor drive post68. During the author's research, he encountered several Leica IIIf and Leica IIIg bodies that already have slotted drive shafts68. The motor is 13.5cm in length33. Shipments of the chrome finish MOOLY-C Leica motor began in November 1940 and continued into 1944295. Motors were dispatched to fourteen countries as recorded in delivery ledgers carefully preserved at Leica Solms: Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Manchukuo (Japanese occupied Manchuria), Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Turkey, and Yugoslavia295.
Shown in the image below is chrome German military Leica IIIc with matching Summitar 2/5cm as well as a NOOKY closeup device and MOOLY-C #5074
Variant 6 is a long model, made for Leica IIIc and IIId360. Serial numbers from 5101 to 5260360. Similar to Variant 5, but not ball-raced and not marked 'K'360. The long base MOOLY motor is officially referred to in the Leitz Wetzlar archives as the MOOLY-C105. It is important to note that screw mount Leica cameras with a serial number above 399999 can be used with long base motors after modifying the camera drive shaft68. The drive shaft needs to be slotted to accommodate the motor drive post68. During the author's research, he encountered several Leica IIIf and Leica IIIg bodies that already have slotted drive shafts68. The motor is 13.5cm in length33.
Shown in the image below is chrome (originally grey) German military Leica IIIc with MOOLY-C #5202
Variant 7 is a long model, made for Leica IIIc and IIId360. Serial numbers from 5261 to 5300360. Similar to Variant 5, but with grey finish360. The long base MOOLY motor is officially referred to in the Leitz Wetzlar archives as the MOOLY-C105. It is important to note that screw mount Leica cameras with a serial number above 399999 can be used with long base motors after modifying the camera drive shaft68. The drive shaft needs to be slotted to accommodate the motor drive post68. During the author's research, he encountered several Leica IIIf and Leica IIIg bodies that already have slotted drive shafts68. The motor is 13.5cm in length33. Grey units are believed to be delivered before the end of World War II105.
Pictured below is Leica IIIc 389691K finished in grey, together with a matching gray MOOLY-C #5295K
Variant 8 is a long model, made for Leica IIIc and IIId360. Serial numbers from 5301 to 5900360. Normal construction; black finish360. The long base MOOLY motor is officially referred to in the Leitz Wetzlar archives as the MOOLY-C105. It is important to note that screw mount Leica cameras with a serial number above 399999 can be used with long base motors after modifying the camera drive shaft68. The drive shaft needs to be slotted to accommodate the motor drive post68. During the author's research, he encountered several Leica IIIf and Leica IIIg bodies that already have slotted drive shafts68. The motor is 13.5cm in length33.
The images below show three views of a war-time Leica-Motor #5682, in black finish, for use with the Leica IIIc. The first image shows the blanking plate and rivets marking the position of the release arm which would have been present in earlier models. Looking at the top left of the motor, one can see the winding shaft coupling and hooked shutter release spring.
As of now, no motors with serial numbers higher than 5900 have been reported360. The two motors numbered 687 and W0687 are still unaccounted for, and the meaning of 'WO' has not been clarified360. One motor, numbered 642*, is a duplicate; similar to Leica cameras, the asterisk indicates that this is a replacement for a lost or otherwise missing unit360. Therefore, it appears that fewer than 5800 Leica-Motors have been produced in total360.
Accessories
The only accessory specifically designed for the MOOLY is a special ever-ready case designed to hold both a camera and a motor together360. There are two versions of this case: one has a small front for thinner lenses, such as the 5cm Elmar, while the other has a larger front for bigger lenses, like the 5cm Xenon360. To date, no case has been manufactured to accommodate the Leica IIIc/Leica IIId motors, which were only supplied to the German armed forces360. It is worth noting that there is a similarity in the coupling mechanism between these two motors and the two Leica 250 electrically driven motors360.
Special Engravings
The MOOLY had no specific military applications, and no specimens have been found with military markings such as 'Heer' or 'Luftwaffe.'360 However, it is possible that grey IIIcK motors were utilized for military purposes, although there is no evidence to support this theory360. Both grey and chrome IIIcK cameras were provided to private citizens as well as to the armed forces360.
The only special engravings discovered by the author pertain to early externally coupled motors360. Leica-Motor was priced quite high when it was introduced360.