Dropped my M10. Should I get it looked at?

[Wolfgang]

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After a year of shooting my M10 I finally dropped it for the first time. It came off my wrist strap and rolled on smooth cement. Luckily there were no major scratches or anything on the outside except for the hood of my 50mm summilux got a small dent. I found I can replace the hood. I looked over the camera and lens and everything seems fine with it but now I’m worried something could be off. The alignment is fine but my photos seem softer than before. Not sure if this is just my mind thinking there is a difference because I dropped it. Anyways, I’m not sure if I should send it in to get looked at, either the camera or lens, or just let it go. I hate to part with it for a long time because I shoot a lot. Any insights or suggestions would be great. Thanks.

[Jeff S]

If you’re not sure, send it in. Call first to ensure timing is good to receive immediate attention. Establishing a personal contact also helps expedite things.

 

Jeff

[Wolfgang]

I’m going to keep shooting with it and see if I notice any big difference over time. I think part of it might just be mental. The lens looks fine looking through it and aperture ring is fine. I am worried if I send it to repair it will take months to get back.

[Jeff S]

If it takes months then there’s an issue needing attention.... and/or you didn’t take my advice to discuss estimated timing in advance with a Leica rep.

 

Jeff

[cp995]

Mental might be ...

But did you try another lens to see if it is different then?

[JohnnySeven]

Iv dropped my M9 many times. Some pretty hard knocks and the camera keeps clicking away.  No focus issues.  I even wacked an attacking wackjob in the head with it once.  The camera fared better than he did. 

Edited July 27, 2018 by JohnnySeven

[TommyPlouffe]

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No need for a new hood. Save yourself 150$, and don't worry about a dent.

As long as it is not obstructing the picture... In that case, just hammer it back in place.

[Wolfgang]

Yeah, I tried my 35mm Summicron on the camera and it worked fine. So my guess is the camera is okay. I’m going to take some photos with the 50mm Summilux and compare to past shots.The 50 lux really produces that Leica look and want to make sure that is still there.

[magixaxeman]

There'e an easy way to check alignment of the rangefinder.

 

1- put the camera on a solid tripod and photograph any object you choose using LV and focus peaking.

 

2 - Without moving the camera or changing settings take the same photograph again but this time focusing with the range finder (in both cases using the 2 second delayed release is a good idea)

 

3 - compere the two shots side by side in lightroom or photoshop, if the focus peaking image is in sharp focus but the rangefinder slightly soft then you know it needs to go in to be re-adjusted.

If both images are good then your camera is ok.

Edited July 27, 2018 by magixaxeman

[jmahto]

There'e an easy way to check alignment of the rangefinder.

 

1- put the camera on a solid tripod and photograph any object you choose using LV and focus peaking.

 

2 - Without moving the camera or changing settings take the same photograph again but this time focusing with the range finder (in both cases using the 2 second delayed release is a good idea)

 

3 - compere the two shots side by side in lightroom or photoshop, if the focus peaking image is in sharp focus but the rangefinder slightly soft then you know it needs to go in to be re-adjusted.

If both images are good then your camera is ok.

This is also a sure way to get stressed even if things are fine because the best focus in by LV doesn’t necessarily mean best RF alignment. Well adjusted RF alignment ensures best overall focus (taking care of curvature of focal plane) and not best focus at center.

 

I will say that send it in if you are in doubt but just enjoy shooting if nothing is far off.

[mr_big]

 I think part of it might just be mental.

 

You have to remember that 90% of photography is half mental.    

[earleygallery]

If you send it in to Leica they will probably do an overall service as a minimum so be prepared for a hefty bill which could be for something unnecessary.

 

The most obvious issue from a knock would be the rangefinder alignment but if that’s OK then I’d bet that the rest is too. Most of the rest is electronics anyway.

[Herr Barnack]

If it still functions 100% as it should and the rangefinder is not out of alignment, I would not worry about it.  JMHO.

Edited August 1, 2018 by Herr Barnack

[RMF]

Sorry to hear about the accident, How did it “come off the wrist strap”?

[otto.f]

I don’t know where you live but I would think 10 times before I’d get involved with Leica New Jersey. I’d rather send it it to Wetzlar myself if I’d be in doubt after thorough inspections.

[Wolfgang]

Thanks. I got my shirt caught in a door on my way outside and the camera slipped off my wrist and hit the ground as i tried to balance myself. Just a freak drop that was unavoidable without my shirt ripping which it didn’t. I never had problem with a wrist strap until then. The camera seems to be functioning well so far, so hoping i lucked out.

 

Sorry to hear about the accident, How did it “come off the wrist strap”?

[jaapv]

If your images seem softer it is likely that the sensor must be realigned, not uncommon when a camera is dropped. The lens mount must be checked as well. It is not a complicated repair and should not take too long. Call CS beforehand and request a UPS label.