Went on holiday, dropped my camera..................

[BritishBeef]

I've just come back from a holiday to Spain.
I took my trusty Lowepro camera rucksack as usual.

A couple of days into the holiday on a day trip to Granada I had lunch at an outdoor restaurant in a picturesque square. Whilst waiting for my meal to arrive decided to clean my Sigma 15-30mm lens glass that I had noticed a mark on. The lens was attached to my 10D.

After the meal I got up to leave and pulled my rucksack over my shoulder but as I walked away from the table I heard a horrific sound. I looked down to see my 10D clatter to a halt on the stone tiled ground of the square.

I barely had time to register what had happened when I was aware of another object falling to the ground...........my Canon 70-200mm F4 L lens!! CRASH! My heart stopped. I heard the restaurant diners suck in a collective breath as I stared down at my beloved camera gear all over the ground................I hadn't zipped my rucksack back up after cleaning the lens.

I quickly gathered up my gear without checking for damage as I was really embarrassed.

Half an hour later I plucked up the courage to check my camera and lenses for damage.

Here's what I saw:

10D
http://www.pbase.com/britishbeef/image/67087681.jpg


Sigma 15-30mm - crack #1:
http://www.pbase.com/britishbeef/image/67087676.jpg

crack#2:
http://www.pbase.com/britishbeef/image/67087678.jpg

crack #3:
http://www.pbase.com/britishbeef/image/67087680.jpg

Canon 70-200mm F4 L:
http://www.pbase.com/britishbeef/image/67087687.jpg

http://www.pbase.com/britishbeef/image/67087689.jpg

My 10D still works fine as far as I can see, even though it now has a new cooling duct installed ;) I can't help thinking that it might just pack up at any time now however. It's a good job it has a magnesium alloy frame and not a plastic one or it would have smashed to pieces.

The Sigma lens still works somehow although at first the autofocus couldn't lock but for some reason is now working again. Due to the cracks in the housing there is some give in the lens mount.

I'm amazed at the strength of my Canon L lens. As you can see from the photos the only damage after a fall onto stone from about 4 feet was a few minor dents to the filter mount, amazing.

I'm sooo angry with myself for forgetting to zip up my camera bag. I had never dropped any of my camera gear or lenses before as I had always been so careful.

It could have been worse, my camcorder, 50mm and 100mm macro lenses managed to stay in the bag.

So the moral of the story is to ensure you always zip up your camera bag before picking it up!!!!!!!!

Here's a photo taken with the Sigma lens the day before I dropped it:
http://upload.pbase.com/image/67090594/original.jpg

[BradT0517]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

[catz1ct]

Oh dear :(

[Stavhp]

ouch, painful:confused: :confused:

[drparker]

I have nightmares that sound just like this.

[sandpiper]

Yep, I've almost had the same problem myself. Fortunately, as I was lifting it from the seat I had left it on, I saw it coming open in time to stop the impending disaster.

Ever since then I have adopted the practice of always fastening the bag up as soon as I have removed / replaced any items, so it shouldn't be left open long enough for me to forget it isn't fastened.

I'm sorry you weren't as lucky as I was.

[Saralonde]

My heart goes out to you. This is what we all dread! At least your camera is working.

[tdaugharty]

Dude! That sucks. Looks like an opp however to go for some upgrades.

[cgratti]

http://www.gospellightbc.com/Screaming%20girl.jpg

wow, sorry to hear it. hope everything works out for you

[Tyreman]

Ah I had that happen something like that years ago..
dropped a "28-105mm red ring fd"..........son hadn't zipped camera bag shut, I never checked it before scopping off bench and clunk onto loose gravel goes the lens but got off lucky.

[MagicallyDelicious]

i was sucking in too at those pics.

ouch!

[twotimer]

There are two types of photographers:
1) those that have dropped a camera
2) those that will drop their camera

You have just been promoted to category 1

Gerhard

[Wilt]

Gosh, horrible...but now you can justify a couple of lenses and a new 5D to the spouse!

[Ogrt48]

Oh wow, those pictures just hurt.

[Lotto]

Feeling your pain. Thanks for sharing the story and a good reminder for all of us.

[Livinthalife]

Well nice to know everything is still in working order! Though I'm sure the resale value isn't quite as good :(

[SoaringUSAEagle]

You know you definitely have a passion when you cringe to see fellow photographer's gear hurt. I am sorry to hear about your loss...

But... Time for an upgrade!!!!! 5D and a 70-200mm f/2.8 IS haha... forget that f/4 lol. Just kidding but that would be nice.

Take care... Be careful next time :)

[kram]

Sorry to hear that.

A bag with an auto shut mode?? Or a color code on the bag that shows closed or open (like a toilet is vacant or busy).... hmm ideas...

[Pixel9ine]

Ouch.

Sorry to hear

[cbock]

zoiks! sorry to hear that!

[Lightstream]

Ouch...I always religiously zip up my Lowepro Computrekker and avoid opening it fully if I can. The compression straps can help keep the bag half-shut if necessary. Most of the time I work from a Domke F802. I have picked the bag up by the handle without latching it, fortunately it gives way in such a way that it tells you "I'm open, but your glass won't fall out if you stop RIGHT NOW".

The Sigma looks badly damaged, the 10D is somewhat OK, and the 70-200 f/4L.. I'm impressed. Somehow as the biggest lens I was expecting it to take the worst damage.

Hope your repairs go well. First thing I'd do is get on the phone to Sigma and see what they can do.

[Carzee]

Bookmarked.
Sorry for the accident.

If there's any lesson for us onlookers its that backpacks suck.

(Disclaimer: I'm a completely biased intolerant anti-backpack bigot).

[aladyforty]

oh yes I remember that feeling:cry: about 18 months ago I had to take photos for a friends wedding. I had my 300D at the time and attached was a 100-300 usm lens. The camera had the strap attached and as I put my foot out of the car door I stepped on a bottle that had been left in the car park. My foot rolled and I slipped and the camera dropped about 4 feet onto concrete. The camera ended up with sratches and the battery door fell off. I could not get the door back on so spent the whole wedding with my thumb pushing the battery into place, goodness know how I took some decent photos.

The lens had a small scratch on the outside plastic and the pin from the door for the battery was lost but believe it or not the my hubby went back to the scene and found the pin with a magnifying glass:) that was super glued in and the camera worked fine but we purchased a battery grip to solve the problem. after all this there appeared to be no problems with the camera although six months later the mirror came off its pivot and had a repair done on it which I dont think was related to that accident. So much for the body of the rebel being weak:cool:

I now have passed that camera onto hubby and upgraded to the 30D which i treat like egg shells, I dont intend going through that stress ever again.

[calicokat]

Sorry to hear this man, bummer

[sm1rf]

well thats about as bad as it gets. good to see your expensive glass earnt it's keep by getting away with minor scuffs. these things happen but we grow strong from them. either that or develop a fear of ever taking our expensive toys outside, at least you didn't lose it all together thief etc. can you not claim on your insurance?

All the best with your recovery!!!

[BritishBeef]

LOL at all the posts about a 5D 'upgrade'!! I can't get that damn camera out of my head! It's definately the next camera for me.

I have my gear insured through my house insurance. The problem is that I just know that if I claim they'll try it on with inferior replacements etc.

My 10D cost me £1200 and is (was) a very robust workhorse. My insurance company are likely to ust try and match the specs which could result in a lesser camera as a replacement.

Maybe I could convince the insurance company that the 5D is today's equivelent of a 10D?!!!!

[aladyforty]

LOL at all the posts about a 5D 'upgrade'!! I can't get that damn camera out of my head! It's definately the next camera for me.

I have my gear insured through my house insurance. The problem is that I just know that if I claim they'll try it on with inferior replacements etc.

My 10D cost me £1200 and is (was) a very robust workhorse. My insurance company are likely to ust try and match the specs which could result in a lesser camera as a replacement.

Maybe I could convince the insurance company that the 5D is today's equivelent of a 10D?!!!!

would a 30D be the equivelent today, they are a very nice camera.

[Wilt]

LOL at all the posts about a 5D 'upgrade'!! I can't get that damn camera out of my head! It's definately the next camera for me.

I have my gear insured through my house insurance. The problem is that I just know that if I claim they'll try it on with inferior replacements etc.

My 10D cost me £1200 and is (was) a very robust workhorse. My insurance company are likely to ust try and match the specs which could result in a lesser camera as a replacement.

Maybe I could convince the insurance company that the 5D is today's equivelent of a 10D?!!!!

I rather doubt they would fall for the "5D is today's 10D" story, but you might convince them that they cover the cost of the equivalent priced camera with their check to you, then you go and buy up using their money plus your money. (Unless you pay higher premiums to have new-for-old coverage, they only owe you depreciated value of the 10D!)

[neil_g]

thats the good thing about crumpler backpacks, you cant put them on without doing them up..

holiday insurance claim perhaps?

[Mark_Cohran]

One of the reasons that I pretty much exclusively buy Canon lenses (usually L's) is that durability of the build. While I've never actually dropped a lens or camera, I have fallen in the Grand Canyon with a 10D and a 28-70 f2.8L, had a camera/lens slide out of my truck and onto the gravel (1DMkIIN and 24-105 f4L), and had a terrible car accident with a bag full of lenses. In all cases the Canon lenses came out just fine with just a few scrapes. In the car accident, the camera bag was thrown around quite a bit - the only lenses that wouldn't work afterwards were a Vivitar Series 1 (FD mount) and a Sigma. Both were jammed and wouldn't focus or zoom. I haven't' purchased a 3rd party lens since. I'm sure the Sigmas and Tamrons are great lenses, but the build of the lens is what makes it or breaks it for me.

Mark

[Mike V]

There are two types of photographers:
1) those that have dropped a camera
2) those that will drop their camera

You have just been promoted to category 1

Gerhard


I agree, well said.
Everyone will drop something eventually, no matter how much you tell yourself you wont.

Don't sweat it. It's done, move on.

Never leave a case or a bag unlatched, even if it is just one clip or latch closed. Even if you are going to be back in the bag any moment.
But, you know that now already.


.

[Eagle]

Sorry to hear about your misfortune.

Looks like your getting more responses here than over at the SS forums.;) Thought this looked familiar so I had to go back there and double check.

[Cathpah]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

haha...well put. my reaction exactly.

sorry to hear about you accident. i dropped a camera once and my jaw almost hit the floor along with it as it happened.

[BritishBeef]

Thanks for all the replies, appreciated.

I've started the ball rolling re. insurance. Aparently, they send it all off for repair first to a photographic repairer, then if it can't be repaired will replace with camera of similar specifications. Presumably, I'd get a new Sigma lens if it can't be repaired.

My worry is that they will be able to replace the chasis of my 10D with an old one they have lying around and then I'll get it back only for the camera to pack up after a couple of months as an after effect of the shock to the internals after the drop. The camera still functions OK now but there may be a disaster waiting to happen inside.

Obviously, I would prefer a new camera as a replacement otherwise claiming on the insurance may work out more costly in the long run if my premiums go up significantly as a result of the claim. I kind of wish that the camera was also inoperable as well as cracked so that I got a replacement!

[BritishBeef]

Well, my camera gear was picked up by courier early last week. It went off to the repair company that Jessops use for assessment. (My insurance company use Jessops for camera claims).

I got a letter today from Jessops informing me that my gear can be repaired (my heart sank).

I then noticed another letter from Jessops. It said that my 10D couldn't be repaired! The first letter must have related to my lens!

It said that their rules state that the replacemet is governed by specification only and not price paid. They will replace my 10D with a 30D!

I'm very pleased with this outcome. I expected a fight over this as I knew that specification wise the 30D was the closest. It would have been the 20D but that is discontinued. I expected them to source a 20D from somewhere!

Anyway it turns out that Jessops are sending me a certificate to the value of £875 to exchange for a 30D in any of their stores. I'm now wondering whether they will let me pay extra for the 5D? That would be a very economical way of getting the camera I really really want.

I'll find out when I get the certificate and let you know. Only thing is that it states on my letter that they will not price match with it and unfortunately Jessops are expensive (5D is £1949!!)> However with the £200 cashback from Canon at the moment it means only paying out £875 for a 5D.

[QF-347]

ouuuchh... dude that hurts to see it :( :(

well you have 3 options next time
1.Zip up your bag
2. stop going on hollidays :cool:
3. dont clean whilst waiting for lunch :rolleyes:

Cam

[chemicalbro]

ooooh that really hurts.......
i've got a lowepro orion trecker and most of my gear goes in the bottom (camera gear ) compartment....
however my 100-400 is too big so i have to put it in the main rucksack part where you usually put your lunch..... i've had to chase the lens (in its pouch) down a hill a couple of times after opening the top compartment only to have the weight of the lens pull it over.... must look funny tho to any passers by :)

[aladyforty]

Well, my camera gear was picked up by courier early last week. It went off to the repair company that Jessops use for assessment. (My insurance company use Jessops for camera claims).

I got a letter today from Jessops informing me that my gear can be repaired (my heart sank).

I then noticed another letter from Jessops. It said that my 10D couldn't be repaired! The first letter must have related to my lens!

It said that their rules state that the replacemet is governed by specification only and not price paid. They will replace my 10D with a 30D!

I'm very pleased with this outcome. I expected a fight over this as I knew that specification wise the 30D was the closest. It would have been the 20D but that is discontinued. I expected them to source a 20D from somewhere!

Anyway it turns out that Jessops are sending me a certificate to the value of £875 to exchange for a 30D in any of their stores. I'm now wondering whether they will let me pay extra for the 5D? That would be a very economical way of getting the camera I really really want.

I'll find out when I get the certificate and let you know. Only thing is that it states on my letter that they will not price match with it and unfortunately Jessops are expensive (5D is £1949!!)> However with the £200 cashback from Canon at the moment it means only paying out £875 for a 5D.

Glad you got the chance of an upgrade and even if it ends up being the 30D, you will be happy with that, its an awesome camera

[AGENT 99]

Oh man....:cry:

Thats terrible but at least some things still work.

[Kenji]

While on the subject of dropped cameras; My EOS 10D with Canon 70-200 L IS Lens was attached to a monopod, which I was carrying on my shoulder, when the quick release head fitting did it's job, released and the outfit fell from shoulder height..... I now have a Manfrotto Neotec Monopod with a very secure head.
There must be a moral to this story :-)