Tom, should I be worried?

LeicaVirgin1 · 08-14-2012

well, I caryy 2 leicas at a times. I carry an MP around my neck and on my side/BELT an M4, (1967), with the collasible collasible ELMAR and a Voightlander VC-II Light meter mounted on top.

The M4 is worn on my side inside a DOMKE canvas portable BELT case. When inside the DOMKE PORTABLE CANVAS BAG; The M4 is wrapped in a kind of thin duvateen material, (wrapped all around the camera & lens assembly). On the bottom of the small DOMKE bag is a GIOTTO Air blower. I do this in case the thing comes of my belt to act as a possible cushion.

Well the unthinkable happened... whilst doing a standing nature call... the DOMKE PORTABLE BAG with M4, Collasible Elmar & VC-II meter slipped of my belt & fell a max 2.5", (just over .5 metre)... I paniced.... everything seemed ok, shutter, advance, no loose screws... However, when I took off the VC-II meter from the camera.... I noticed some small black maring on the M4's TOP-PLATE; it appeared to be from the VC-II underbelley. I took a small amount of lens cleaner and it disappeared in seconds.

Upon looking closer at the VC-II I saw some wear opposite the battery compartment... just kind of a gentle rubbing of wear. Now, when I packed that M4 I pack it tight with as much protective gear I have on hand and it rode in the back of a TOYOTA 4X4 for about 3 hours. The meter seems to work fine as well.

I also checked the function of my 50mm Elmar f2.8 Collasible, (current), seemed ok, but I'm no OPTICS Genius? What do you think about this piece of harware because it was attached to the M4 as explained before?

In closing, when I go out with my camera(s) I want to be prepared. I want my 35asph, my 50cron, or Collasible 50 f2.8, (current), my 90mm, or 135mm, Minipod by Manfrotto, mini Nikon Toll-Kit... you get the picture right, Tom?

Your professional and psychiatric knowledge would be most helpful.

I wish I could have behaved like the late SVEN NYKVIST, F.S.F

also thanks fro your previous answer to my obsessive tendecies.

LV1

Tom A · 08-14-2012

LVI, it seems that you were lucky. If the camera was wrapped up when it fell - chances are that it will work fine. The 50f2.8 vI o vII are quite sturdy and should not have been hurt. The VC II meter probably just got bumped and flexed enough to mark the top-plate.
Just run a roll through the camera, check focus of the lens (that it focusses on what you focussed on. Try it at f2.8 at 1m,3m and infinity). Check cameras focussing patch for infinity.
Cameras are surprisingly resilient - Leicas are tough and unless you have bent or pushed the top-plate down enough to interfere with the rangefinder mechanism - it should work fine. The 50f2.8 is a slower lens with smaller diameter elements and that alone makes it a bit less prone to decentering or knocking elements loose. If everything is still working - just continue shooting.
Tom

LeicaVirgin1 · 08-15-2012

thanks Tom...Again, your advise is much appreciated.

LV1

LeicaVirgin1 · 08-20-2012

Dear Tom-

Per your advise I did the test! N74+ in D76 stock... Shot at the various distances; then developed.

Cut and sleeved them & then took out my LIGHTBOX and my 10x SCHNEIDER LOUPE, focused on some grain for my diopter setting, (I wear glasses) and checkedd out the shots at the various distances and @ f2.8.

ALL razor sharp at point of focus and smooth exposure across the entire image field, (no light leaks because I let the camera be in DIRECT SUN at 107F at times)... So, as you said, "I was LUCKY"... Schneider makes good loupes don't they?

Thanks again TOM!!! Hope your health is improving?

Cheers,

LV1