RE: Eclair Cameras:

[RT <cinesota@yahoo.com>]

Michael Welle wrote:
> This is something I've been wondering myself.  In particular, was the 
> camera originally shipped in a box with that padded Samsonite suitcase 
> with the lens attached.  If so, doesn't that basically contradict what 
> Aaton says in their manual for the LTR54 when they say ALWAYS, ALWAYS, 
> ALWAYS, ALWAYS remove the lens when transporting the camera.  You see, I 
>
> don't remove the lens.  I had a case specifically built for my ACL at 
> Star Case and I shipped it off to Bernie, and the camera is working 
> beautifully.  Do you really have to remove the damn lens every time?

The only original Eclair ACL case I have ever seen is that silver 
suitcase design.  I don't think it's a great case for transporting a 
camera but you do have to give it points for style.  Ideally you should 
remove the lens.  Camera's take a lot of stress even in a well designed 
case.  If you ever ship your camera or check it for a flight watch out.  
I used to work for FedEx and believe me the handlers there are not 
gentle with packages (I can't speak for UPS or US Postal but I assume 
they are the same).  The rule of thumb that we used to tell our 
customers was the package should be able to withstand a 3 foot drop onto 
a concrete floor.  You can imagine the forces that are going on inside a 
case from a drop like that.  The junction between the body and the lens 
is one of the most crucial areas on a camera  and very susceptible to 
stress.  I would also remove the magazines from the camera body.  Again 
another crucial area that you want to avoid stress on.

If you are the only one handling your camera, then I wouldn't be too 
concerned about leaving the lens and mags on.  If you are like me you 
always handle your camera with kid gloves.  You've already spent what 
I'm guessing is a good amount of money on a custom case so I am sure 
your camera will travel fine.  I worked in the equipment room of a film 
school and we always left the lenses on the cameras.  You can imagine 
the abuse that film students dole out to cameras and I don't recall ever 
seeing a camera with a lens mount problem.  Of course preventing the 
students from actually dropping a lens onto a concrete floor was another 
matter ;-)

Just my two cents.  Your mileage may vary.

-Ray

ps.  As a side note, Les Bosher does sell cover plates for the camera 
body and lens mount.  Helps to keep everything nice and clean inside if 
you do decide to remove yours lens and mags.

--^----------------------------------------------------------------
This email was sent to: elroro@propagandaindustries.org

EASY UNSUBSCRIBE click here: http://topica.com/u/?a84xYK.bdbHPA.ZWxyb3Jv
Or send an email to: EclairACL-unsubscribe@topica.com

TOPICA - Start your own email discussion group. FREE!
http://www.topica.com/partner/tag02/create/index2.html
--^----------------------------------------------------------------