The lens has fortunately been sold, if it hadn't been then the diversion in the thread could have hampered the sale. It's much better to start a new thread for discussions that have value to others in the appropriate forum sections, because here they won't be noticed and it's a pity to waste good information!

Title changed, a little late! If anything ever needs correcting then just let me know.

Exactly what I have always done. No failures.

Bags are notorious for being bad for cameras and lenses. The key is good air circulation and being kept away from enclosed wooden cabinets. When enclosed, the chemicals in glue and wood finishes can affect the lenses. When enclosed fungus has a nice warm, static environment to thrive in. Add damp and you'll certainly have a fungus problem.

So we don't store our lenses in anything - the are on open shelves in a dry environment. Bags are for carrying kit around rather than storage.

You've made a great job of it.

It is beautifully engineered but it might be difficult to use with a DSLR.

The double cable release will be a mechanical one, and DSLRs need an electronic one, so that could be a stumbling block.

I'd try a new LED light box (even A3 ones cost only £35 or so) plus a macro lens and that should enable the fairly simple copying of any size of original.

The self timer is working as it should - the activation button is that tiny chrome button above the timer lever.

As for the shutter, a service might be needed to make it all run sweetly again.

I use Dell IPS screens - very natural and not too severe, so working for hours is not a strain on the eyes.

You're comparing 8.5mm, 43mm and 55mm lenses, which all behave as you would expect them to for their focal lengths. They may give similar fields of view on their appropriate formats, but will still have the DOF that 8.5mm, 43mm and 55mm lenses have. Hence the differences.

When you enlarge the images, perhaps making large prints, then the differences will be more obvious. Having said that, with the right subject a Q image can make a very nice A3 print.

With zoom lenses, I always wipe the extended barrel dry before zooming back in. My theory is that it lightens the load on the seals. So far so good.