Jump to content

MP fell to the ground! careful with the leicagoodies HOOK


jacksparrow

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

it was hard concrete, and just at the beginning of my trip!! I heard a loud bonk and I thought I would die, but after the first impression, everything seemed to be OK; exposure, film advance.... however, is it possible that the rangefinder mechanism was damaged or disadjusted? now, when poinging at far subjects I still see two images slightly off even when focusing at infinity. Don´t really remember if it was always like that, but I'd say it wasn't. Should I send it to Leica to take a look?

So, just be careful with the "Leicagoodies" hook, it is easily opened and it is the second time my camera falls, now I'm just not using it anymore; it is very convenient, but to me, not worth the risk.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Sorry to hear that, but it might consolate You that the rangefinder on my M7 got deranged without any bounce on the floor ;(

Anyway, I've read somewhere that at least on older models You could adjust the rangefinder yourself (http://www.nemeng.com/leica/034b.shtml). If it's still under garantuee You might consider sending it to the Leica KD.

 

Kasimir

 

P.S.: Give Gordy's camera strap instead of the Leicagoody a try. I own two and I'm very happy with them.

Link to post
Share on other sites

The RF out of adjustment is about the first and often only visible damage to a fallen M. However it pays to have it checked out even if one manages to readjust the rangefinder. If the lens hit the deck as well, the mount might be knocked out of alignment, which is easily seen using the right tool, and can be bent (:eek: ) back into line by an experienced tecnician.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you all!!, as suggested by Kasimir, I managed to readjust the RF manually, it's actually very easy and just needed a screwdriver (actually I used a kitchen knife)

 

The two images were off by at least 10 frameline widths, and I was pointing at a mountain top tree *really* far away! now after this Do-It-Yourself fix, they're superimposed.

 

On a closer inspection now back home I've found that the lens has one of the indentations that fit in the camera bent; if you look carefully there's one of these "teeth" that is very thin and it broke in the thinner part. That aside everything else looks fine; the focusing is still smooth and the feel is normal.

 

I will put a roll or two and see what comes out, it is fine, then I'll wait until I can go myself to a Leica dealer, don't like the idea of mailing the stuff, even it it is UPS, DHL or whatever.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone

Link to post
Share on other sites

Advertisement (gone after registration)

On all M cameras infinity can be adjusted by turning the screw (on the M8 an Allen nut) inside the little wheel, i.e. the rangefinder coupling, that you can see at the top inside the "mouth"of the camera lens mount. An angled 3 mm screwdriver is easiest, but with a bit of a fiddle any smallish screwdriver can be used. On the M8 an Allen wrench of 2 mm. Adjusting close focus is more complicated.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Is there somebody who can show it on a picture?

I don't understand which screw is ment ;-(

 

rgs ;-)

Luc

 

On all M cameras infinity can be adjusted by turning the screw inside the little wheel, i.e. the rangefinder coupling, that you can see at the top inside the "mouth"of the camera lens mount. .
Link to post
Share on other sites

On the top of the lens-opening of the camera there is a lever with a little wheel that connects to the lens helix when it is mounted. The lever controls the rangefinder. In the middle of the wheel is a screw with an excentric that adjusts the wheel.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi Kasimir, I just followed the instructions in the link you sent me.

The screw is the one in the picture below. it's very accesible and I guess that any changes would be non-destructive :-) I had to turn it clockwise about 10 degrees, but this will depend on how the system is away from the calibration point and in which direction.

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!

Link to post
Share on other sites

Jack,

I'm sorry to learn about your misfortune, and glad to hear the damage is at least repairable.

 

As the person running Leicagoodies, I would like to comment on the Hook. This is the first instance that I have heard of where there has been a Hook failure.

Under normal circumstances when you want to open the Hook from a fully closed position, you need to simultaneously press down on two very small 'buttons' on opposite sides of the Hook. If not pressed simultaneously the Hook will not open.

Also, for added security, the two little buttons are placed slightly recessed in the Hook, so they do no stick out and can be pressed accidently.

For a better explanation please see the attached picture.

 

If there has been some kind of breakage in the Hook, can you please let me know. The Hook is designed to be able to 'carry' 50 kilograms, so that should be more than sufficient for a Leica including lens.

 

I hope this gives some comfort on the design and build of the Hook, although I fully understand Jacks view on things. Jack, can you send me a PM to discuss further?

 

Rik Plomp

The Netherlands

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!

  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites

I confirm what Rik says: I have two Hooks and they won't open unless both sprung ballbearings are pressed and the collar is slid down simultaneously. Mine have had extensive use but neither has become sloppy and both appear to be well made.

 

Sorry to hear about your MP though, Eugenio!

 

Pete.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Dear Rik,

The hook didn't break, I am certain of its quality and strength; it might be just my fault, but the buttons are too soft for me, and the hook tends to open at the least expected moment, it's just something that happened to me already a few times.

The sing, I love it.

Link to post
Share on other sites

  • 3 years later...

Is it allowed to activate this old thread? :)

 

I have just received some Leicagoodies-stuff. I really like the sling and the strap. But I'm not sure wether I'll use the hook without having fear it might open accidentally

 

Maybe any more experiences?

 

Best

Michael

Link to post
Share on other sites

Michael,

 

It's three and a half years since I last posted on this thread and I still haven't had a problem myself or heard of another one with a Hook opening unexpectedly or breaking. I use 4 of them and, if anything, I find them slightly difficult to open because of the pressure needed on both bearing balls at the same time.:o

 

Pete.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

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