Motorcycles and RFDR cameras

[phototone]

It seems the vibration can cause lens elements to wiggle loose. I was taking off my Nokton 50mm from my M6, and the rear group remained in the camera. Boy was I shocked. No harm done, though, screwed right together, no worse for wear.

However, I am now using padding in my packing.

 

[simonankor]

Padding! Good idea. I've been worried about the vibrations even on my pushbike.

 

[BJ Bignell]

Not to sound like a smarty-pants, but you weren't using padding? 😱 Even on a well-balanced 'V' engine, I wouldn't take that risk... Make sure to get some soft, low-density foam to absorb the vibrations.

Ride safe, and keep the the shiny side up!

 

[solane]

can this whole "lens elements wiggling loose" happen with any lens? i ride an old vespa and i always carry a camera -- RFs, SLRs, dSLRs, etc. i usually just have the cameras tossed into a soft-sided bag on my back, am i risking lens disaster if i don't pad them up a bit?

 

[phototone]

can this whole "lens elements wiggling loose" happen with any lens? i ride an old vespa and i always carry a camera -- RFs, SLRs, dSLRs, etc. i usually just have the cameras tossed into a soft-sided bag on my back, am i risking lens disaster if i don't pad them up a bit?

In my case it was the whole rear block, not a single element, and perhaps it was not tight to begin with. I purchased the lens used, and actually didn't check the tightness of the lens block.

I have, since screwing it back in finger tight, been on a motorcycle ride of 300 miles and it is just as tight as when I tightened it.

It is a known fact among professionals (like myself) that carrying photo equipment on airplanes can cause all sorts of screws to come loose due to vibration, over time.
It is always a good idea to have a set of precision screwdrivers and check your equipment out if you fly a lot, or perhaps motorcycle a lot.

It certainly won't stop me from taking my good equipment with me, as I get great pleasure out of exploring back roads (paved of course) looking for photo opportunities.

 

[Honu-Hugger]

can this whole "lens elements wiggling loose" happen with any lens? i ride an old vespa and i always carry a camera -- RFs, SLRs, dSLRs, etc. i usually just have the cameras tossed into a soft-sided bag on my back, am i risking lens disaster if i don't pad them up a bit?

Carrying a pack on your body dampens the vibrations, but padding never hurts.

 

[simonankor]

I throw my Bessa in my backpack, most of the time... usually wrapped up in a small towel or rag. That's enough padding, at least for cycling. Pretty harsh cycling though 😉

 

[Sean Reid]

I usually carry my camera(s) in a Lowepro padded waistpack in the trunk of my bike. No problems so far (knock wood) and I do a lot of riding. The bike itself is pretty smooth but the roads aren't always. I've also carried small cameras in my tank bag with just some clothing around them and so far, so good.

Cheers,

Sean
Northeastern Motorcycle Tours
http://www.motorcycletours.com

 

[jdos2]

I just throw the cameras in the saddlebags. I do pack them fairly tightly with clothes, though, and the clamshell secures things well. I've not (yet) had a problem.

The bicycle has always been a challenge to me. I almost always bring along the Moskva-5 as it's the only "disposable" I have, and it's on a long strap. Not an optimal setup, but I got tired of scale focusing (and being wrong) with the Vito, so at least I have a rangefinder on me.

 

[phototone]

The bicycle has always been a challenge to me. I almost always bring along the Moskva-5 as it's the only "disposable" I have, and it's on a long strap. Not an optimal setup, but I got tired of scale focusing (and being wrong) with the Vito, so at least I have a rangefinder on me.

For the Bicycle, I take a Olympus XA, or a Minox 35 EL, or a Keiv clone of the 35EL, and put it into a pocket in my clothes.