...near catastrophy, E-M1 'lug' fail

[boBBrennan]

Well, that was a NEAR drop! I was finished for the day and walking to my car as I stepped off the street curb the camera strap slid across my neck and to the ground in front of me.

The camera/lens did NOT fall ..... I have adjusted all my camera(s) straps AND bag straps so that my cameras at rest will sit atop the bags and I always too fit my right hand about the camera/lens and off I go.

Friday night this habit/pareparation save dropping the hardware.

Today, I took it all to Arlington Camera and it is sent for Oly repair; still in warranty for another 5-weeks. One must pay shipping one way for Oly warranty service so the cost, $32. AC did the paperwork, packaging, shipping and will call me when the camera is returned.

So, REASON(s) for supporting local small business when possible. Arlington Camera is a family own/run business that has been working in Arlington for the past 30-35 years.

I first I dealt with AC was 28-years ago; a Minolta camera for my daughter for her highschool journalism-photography, I've been a customer since.

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As for the 'LUG' failure it is not too uncommon.

See here for other reports at DPReview ==> http://tinyurl.com/mdqyy8j

My camera and photo of the fail!

[Ozzie_Traveller]

G'day Bob

Wow and almost 'ouch'
We all put 100% faith into those lugs staying in place - and for me, they have done over the last 50 years + a dozen or so cameras

Looks like you 'had the 1st time' ... so hope all's well from now on
Phil

[Greg Chappell]

Wow, wow, wow. You read about that happening but this is a close as it's happened to someone around me. I guess what we are seeing inside the body there is a seal? I can't tell just looking how the lug is attached within the body and what might cause it to fail. Guess I need to click on your link and read.

Black Rapid strap attached to the camera's tripod mount may be the answer here. I just may check into that.

[Greg Chappell]

OK, here's another image..

http://2.static.img-dpreview.com/fil...WgPKoOQ6jUM%3D

[Steven R]

Oh man, I'm glad you avoided major catastrophe!!

[boBBrennan]

......from what I've read, to me this is interesting; it seems the left side, the offset one is the consistent piece to the fail.

The lug appears to be threaded, but I am not certain it is held by screws as small in diameter as they would be.

How ever the lugs are held in place the fail apparently happens when the fasteners are pull/stripped from the lugs.

I know there will be no explanation from Olympus repair of why the fail nor will there be an explanation to if the repair addresses the fail with different fastening.

Likely the repair will simply be re-attaching the lug in exactly the same manner as it was at manufacture.

Not a fuzzy feeling going forward and certainly an often equipment check.

[James Emory]

Bad luck seems to be common with you Bob. :-)

[boBBrennan]

Bad luck seems to be common with you Bob. :-)

James, you're obviously confused. I've no idea of what you mean by that statement.

[boBBrennan]

Got the call today from Arlington Camera and hustled up there to pick up my E-M1; back from Olympus. I am happy again!!!

.... explanation of repairs by Olympus USA shows
-) a complete repair and return all functions to factory specs
-) cleaned image sensor
-) auto focus test, check, recalibration and realignment
-) firmware (v2.0) download, corrections and adjustments, address values measured and adjusted
-) complete cleaning (internal-external)

Returned a 'spanking & sparkling' looking new camera.
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I've looked at the Black Rapid and Joby 'sling' straps and just can't get a fuzzy for any of them. So, it is continue on with the best of the neck straps, I put back my 1 1/2 inch Domke Gripper.

[drew881]

Probably just gave you a new camera. Can you tell its the same one?