We were in Paris ten days ago - sadly over the weekend of the recent attacks. While wandering around a public garden I suddenly realised my camera, which was hanging by it's strap around my neck, was sliding rapidly down and before I could grab it hit the compacted soil path. Luckily it was fitted with probably the lightest lens I have ever owned - the Panasonic 14mm, so the impact was lessened.
On inspection the left hand lug had pulled right out from the camera body. It appears it is held in with two threaded screws which had disappeared inside the body, leaving two holes. The camera had a slight scuff but otherwise seemed to operate normally.
The body is about 18 months old and does get a lot of use as I shoot most of my weddings with it now, and it is sometimes slung with the much heavier 40-150 2.8 lens. But I have never had a lug pull out of a body like that before. Therefore I suggest that if you have an EM-1 body you check to see if there is any apparent loosening of the lugs as I am assuming the screws may have worked loose over a period of time rather than just pulling right out. With a heavy lens and a concrete surface the outcome would have been quite different - especially for the lens.
On the plus side - I contacted the Olympus helpline and they were excellent. I was straight through to a knowledgable operator who arranged for a courier to collect the camera, and it has been returned repaired today after five days away. Excellent service I would say!
Jim
