HELP! MC-1.4 Converter

[Ricoh]

It would indeed, I think you'd have to be a very wealthy individual to splash out over £6k on a lens - probably out of reach of most people, apart from retired dentists and doctors.

I have the inferior 50/f1.4 ASPH, it's a stunning performer. Leica designed the lens to be used at full aperture.

[sapper]

I use an umbrella.

[sapper]

Originally Posted by Johnheatingman

A few years ago, a well known TV celebrity took an example of a modern art oil painting to numerous Professional Art Critics.

One or two were not impressed but the majority loved it. Comments were made about the fineness of the brush strokes and depth of feeling expressed by such a talented artist. Some even valued it in the 1K bracket or more.

They were all surprised to learn the picture had been painted by a trained elephant using it's trunk to hold the oversized brushes

Apologies to Dave (Sapper) for dragging his post off topic

John

Forgiven John.

[Ricoh]

Originally Posted by Johnheatingman

A few years ago, a well known TV celebrity took an example of a modern art oil painting to numerous Professional Art Critics.

One or two were not impressed but the majority loved it. Comments were made about the fineness of the brush strokes and depth of feeling expressed by such a talented artist. Some even valued it in the 1K bracket or more.

They were all surprised to learn the picture had been painted by a trained elephant using it's trunk to hold the oversized brushes

Apologies to Dave (Sapper) for dragging his post off topic

John

Lol
In terms of equipment I've gone a bit retro recently, I'm liking the look of the older imperfect glass. I feel it's a better fit to our imperfect world, and our imperfect vision.

[Tordan58]

I got mine 'for free', bundled with the 300 F4 at no extra cost. I guess the optical design has been optimized for use with that lens in mind as the degradation of IQ is not noticeable. Have also used it with my scopes and it performs very well there too. The only concern I have is the mechanical durability, I have met another user whose MC14 got mechanically damaged after carrying the gear using the straps attached to the camera body.

[Walti]

Originally Posted by Tordan58

I got mine 'for free', bundled with the 300 F4 at no extra cost. I guess the optical design has been optimized for use with that lens in mind as the degradation of IQ is not noticeable. Have also used it with my scopes and it performs very well there too. The only concern I have is the mechanical durability, I have met another user whose MC14 got mechanically damaged after carrying the gear using the straps attached to the camera body.

Mine has had the mount securing screws work loose a couple of times... worth checking and tightening regularly.

[Ricoh]

Suggest adding Loctite or some varnish if you don't have the proper stuff.

When I think of mechanical couplings, I think in terms of levers and simple mechanics.

[mack100]

Originally Posted by Tordan58

I got mine 'for free', bundled with the 300 F4 at no extra cost. I guess the optical design has been optimized for use with that lens in mind as the degradation of IQ is not noticeable. Have also used it with my scopes and it performs very well there too. The only concern I have is the mechanical durability, I have met another user whose MC14 got mechanically damaged after carrying the gear using the straps attached to the camera body.

Mine is still with the repairers after the rubber O ring (weather proofing ring?) started to come loose and protrude. Exactly 1 year old, used a lot but permanently on my 300 F4.
it's come loose on the camera body side.

[mack100]

I'm having an issue with the MC14 on my EM1 Mkii when using the 300mm f4.
I was out yesterday in Central Park (cough cough) and the viewfinder and LCD kept going blank, all the other functions seemed to work ok.
I removed the converter and all was fine.
When I get home I'll try it out on the 40-150.

[Tordan58]

Sounds like there is an issue with the electric connectors.

[Mark_R2]

It is also possible hat the lens locking pin on the camera is not coming fully out with the TC in place. Maybe the recess in the TC is just a bit too small. The locking pin triggers a switch that shuts down some parts of the camera when it is even very slightly depressed. The blank screen and viewfinder is a typical symptom. This switch prevents the contacts shorting if the lens is removed or attached with the camera switched on.

Next time you have a problem. give the TC a bit of a wiggle on its mount to see if it will seat better. If the problem persists, I would get the TC replaced or contact Olympus.

Mark

[Ross the fiddler]

Originally Posted by Mark_R2

It is also possible hat the lens locking pin on the camera is not coming fully out with the TC in place. Maybe the recess in the TC is just a bit too small. The locking pin triggers a switch that shuts down some parts of the camera when it is even very slightly depressed. The blank screen and viewfinder is a typical symptom. This switch prevents the contacts shorting if the lens is removed or attached with the camera switched on.

Next time you have a problem. give the TC a bit of a wiggle on its mount to see if it will seat better. If the problem persists, I would get the TC replaced or contact Olympus.

Mark

That would be my first thought too. If by any chance it is getting bumped or not fully engaging then this is likely to cause display blanking.

[mack100]

Thanks for the replies, only just got back from USA this moment so will test it thoroughly when I've got my brain back!

[mack100]

Originally Posted by Ross the fiddler

That would be my first thought too. If by any chance it is getting bumped or not fully engaging then this is likely to cause display blanking.

The blanking of LCD and viewfinder happened again today. I stormed back to the car in floods of tears (not really) and found that there was some play (not rotational) between the converter and the 300 F4. I tried it with the 40-150 and the looseness was apparent as well.

I found that the retaining screws on both sides of the converter were loose and all required several turns to tighten satisfactorily.
Disappointing given that the converter has only just come back from repair!

There were no more problems for the rest of the day, apart from complete absence of birds in Richmond Park that is.
I hope this is the solution, thanks for all the suggestions.

[Ross the fiddler]

I've heard before about possible loose screws. Glad you found that & dealt with it OK. It pays to have jewellers screw drivers at hand then.