Topcon RE messed up by the post

[belgiumreporter]

I've just recieved this lovely Topcon RE super set with 35-58 and 135mm lenses i was going to say in perfect condition but somehow the postal services managed to seriously damage the prism even though it was three times bubble wrapped.

Now as post policy goes i'll just have to accept that as the insurance only covers loss and NOT damage. I once had this before with a Nikkormat FT3 wich looked it has been in the demolition derby over the weekend, the cubic cardboard box in wich it arrived was reduced to a cardboard ball wrapped in tape.

I don't think it will be easy to find another prism or finder for the RE so maybe i will try to make the dent a little less prominent. Upon examination i noticed the 135 is infected with mold it isn't an easy lens to open, i'll have to order some tools in Germany where i finally found a firm wich can supply dedicated lens repair tools.

The RE is very heavy and there isn't much grip on the body, after a while my hand and wrist got strained in trying to hold the camera with one hand up to my eye , on the super Dm the winder does give some decent grip but it makes the camera even heavier. Still these are extremely well made, collectable, allmost over engineered cameras and lenses, but there are others i would rather choose to shoot with. On a good note the meter of the RE still works perfectly and all other mechanics work fine.

[yashica1943]

Which postal service was involved?
Up to the change of name from Hermes to Evri, Hermes were taking insurance money for cameras and they were a prohibited item!

Hermes managed to damage my Pentax 50mm f1.4 lens which was well wrapped and deep inside a sturdy box through several layers of bubble wrap. There was no mark on the outside, it must have been struck accurately with a small but heavy hammer. No chance of any compensation although I paid for their own insurance. I avoid all cheap couriers if possible.

[belgiumreporter]

Jun 10, 2022 8:58:36 GMT -5 yashica1943 said:

Hermes managed to damage my Pentax 50mm f1.4 lens which was well wrapped and deep inside a sturdy box through several layers of bubble wrap. There was no mark on the outside.

This is weird as it is exactly what happened to the RE. The box in wich it was send didn't show any signs of mis use and nothing pointed toward it being opened at some stage. What was strange, it took 10 days to deliver while domestic parcels here in Belgium are allways next day delivery. When i inquired why it took so long the next day the parcel was delivered. It was send using our most common (and official) postal service Bpost ( belgium post).