A Dark, Dark Day. Forget the Silver Lining. Lens Trashed.

[Belmondo]

I went out this morning and shot some train pictures---what else is new? I had my two favorite lenses with me. The 100-400L and the 24-70L, and I was switching back and forth between them as the situation required. The last shot was with the 24-70.

Because I usually have that lens on the camera when I'm driving around looking for photo opportunities, I left the 100-400 in the back seat and---and-----AND I FORGOT ABOUT IT!.

Sometime later, I was parked in a parking lot, and opened the back door to retrieve something I needed, and the 100-400, which had apparently fallen off the seat onto the floor, rolled out the door and landed with a terrible sound on the paved parking lot.

Instant Nausea

I picked up the lens, looked it over as closely as watery eyes and shakey hands would allow, and observed a scuff in the white paint on the tripod ring and a few small abbrasions on the lens hood which I had mounted backwards on the lens for storage.

I decided to take a test shot to see if the innards had completely rearranged themselves. I mounted the lens on the 10D and snapped a picture of the nearest thing I could see which was this car on the other side of the parking lot. Thank goodness for IS, because at this point I was nearly trembling.

I then drove home (totally disregarding all applicable speed ordinances), and downloaded the picture.

Maybe---just maybe, it's going to be okay. This picture looks pretty good, but I won't know for sure till I go out and try to repeat some of the normal shots I'ved used this lens for in the past.

Depending on the results, I might be posting an address where to send floweres. In the meantime, just keep your fingers crossed for me.

(BTW, I drive a pickup truck. The floor is considerably higher than a normal passenger sedan. I actually think the springiness of the lens hood cushioned the fall sufficiently to prevent serious damage)

http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/data/500/353Crash-med.jpg

[SoCal69]

Yikes! I know I cringed as I read your post. I have had similar disasters with things falling out, but never with anything as costly as an L lens! The picture looks pretty good and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Once you settle down, let us know the results.

[PacAce]

Holy falling L lenses, Thos!!!! What were you thinking, throwing an L lens into the back seat without a case! It's a good thing you didn't have a heart attack right then and there when the lens rolled out of your truck. :shock:

I tell ya, a guys buys two 10D bodies and what does he do when he goes out with two L lenses? He take just the one body! What's the other body for? Paper weight? :roll:

Well, anyway, I'm glad your lens is OK (or seem to be). But the next time, remember, two lenses = two bodies! :D

[CyberDyneSystems]

Shudders....

The upside is .. these lense were designed to handle the abuse of a pack of chimpanzees (or photographers I hear they call us sometimes :wink: )


And it is a good thing to,. the 12" drop your lens took is nothing compared to some of the dings these things get in the feild,. I am sure.. let alone what the UPS FottBall team puts them through in transit..

Glad to see it still works :)

[defordphoto]

*YEEEEOUCH*

I shuddered as I read this!!! Initial shot looks good Tom. Put it through the tests to make sure it's healthy.

[Belmondo]

Clearly (no pun intended) autofocus has not been affected. What remains to be seen is how it performs at various focal lengths, and whether or not the IS was messed up in any way. Fortunately, none of the glass was damaged (possibly relocated, but not damaged), so I guess the worst that could come out of this is a trip to the Canon Service Center.

It sure is an unsettling feeling to hear that 'clunk' and then look down to see your lens laying on the ground. I'm going to have bad dreams for a month. Fortunately, because it rolled straight out of the car, it looks like it stayed parallel to the ground so that when it hit, it landed on the tripod ring and the lens shade and not the lens proper.

All in all, it could have been MUCH worse. I'm reminded of the poor guy who dumped his 10D in the ocean. That has to have been a lot worse.

Good hearing from you again, Jim. I saw that you've been busy, so welcome back.

Tom

[ilya]

Thom,

I'm trying to figure out what you mean by a silver lining. In my mind, the silver lining would be if you conked the lens, and that would give you an excuse to upgrade to say ... 400 2.8/L (the best way to get to 400) ... or 600 4/L (for far away trains or trains that like to surf) ... or ... what don't you have? Hate to try to shop for Xmas presents for you.

:wink:

[Belmondo]

Thom,

I'm trying to figure out what you mean by a silver lining. In my mind, the silver lining would be if you conked the lens, and that would give you an excuse to upgrade to say ... 400 2.8/L (the best way to get to 400) ... or 600 4/L (for far away trains or trains that like to surf) ... or ... what don't you have? Hate to try to shop for Xmas presents for you.

:wink:

Ilya:

Until I learn not to drop my lenses, I think I'm going to go back to using a 28-135 IS for a while. I sold my first one, but know where I can pick up a good used one. I think maybe I'm just not ready for 'prime time' yet.

One possible answer is to put smaller wheels and tires on the truck so my lenses won't have so far to drop.

I also think I'm going to stop handling sharp things.

:oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops: :oops:

Thos.

[ilya]

I got it ~ now you can go back to handling sharp lenses :lol:

http://images.fotopic.net/?id=2792593&outx=600&noresize=1&nostamp=1

[Belmondo]

Thanks, Ilya.
The ground clearance leaves a little to be desired, but the lenses would certainly be safe.

[CyberDyneSystems]

ROFLMAO :lol:

[ilya]

Hmm. I meant the golf cart.

Actually, I'm just posting to get 500 posts, I think something magical happens, maybe I turn into a good photographer, or the L-Fairy leaves me something under the tripod.

Hope your lens is all intact Thos.

Cheers
Ilya

[CyberDyneSystems]

You will find a slightly scratched 100-400 IS under your pillow in themorning ...

[ilya]

You will find a slightly scratched 100-400 IS under your pillow in themorning ...

:P :lol: :P


Well, it looks like I got that nifty shingle above my avatar. Let me check my foto skills ............. nope, same ole' 8)

[IanD]

Thanks, Ilya.
The ground clearance leaves a little to be desired, but the lenses would certainly be safe.
Thos,
When is was a little gaffer up here in the cold of Canadian winters, I used to drop and loose my mittens a lot. My mother used to tie them to my jacket with an "idiot string" so that:
A) I did not loose them
B) They would not fall in the snow and get all wet.
Now I figure that a 32" teather made of braided carbon filament looped around the lens and the other end attatched to a in truck carbiner system should work.
Failing that, a converted childs car seat suitably modified to hold L glass should suffice.
One could always place a air mattress by the truck door before opening it incase there was a lens (or cat) that fell out.
Seriously, I feel for you. A falling lens makes a "L"ell of a sound when striking tarmac.

[Anders Östberg]

Ouch, sincerely hope your lens is OK :!:

My scary event... not too long ago I *almost* dropped my 100-400, I had too much stuff in my hands holding a bag, a monopod and the camera with 100-400 attached, walking down an asphalt road. Somehow in this mess I managed to unlock the lens lock and twist the lens loose. Incredibly enough the tripod ring snagged somewhere on my jacket long enough for me to grab the lens as it fell. I had the camera only over my shoulder, and the neck strap slid down to the crook of my arm, and stopped just before the camera body hit the ground. In the process I dropped the bag and monopod that clattered to the ground - my instincts must have been luckily wired that day to make the choice to go for the lens. Walking towards me was an old couple, and the man just said "That could have been costly..." as I gathered up all my stuff. :)

[Belmondo]

FretNoMore: Glad your story has a satisfactory ending. I sometimes wonder why we don't have more accidents of the sort considering all the stuff we have to lug around.

IanD: As a child of the midwest, I also remember the idiot string. As I recall, you put the mittens on before your coat so that the string/mitten would run through the sleeves and emerge at the cuff.-------very tidy.

I've had all night to think about my near-disaster, and have come up with an idea: see what you think.

I plan to attach helium-filled balloons to the lenses. This will have to be done very precisely because the goal will be to achieve neutral buoyancy. This way, the lenses will neithr fall NOR float away, but will 'hover harmlessly inches above ground. I recognize my camera bag will have to be quite a bit larger in order to accommodate the helium tanks, but that's just the price I have to pay.

Thos.

[Anders Östberg]

I plan to attach helium-filled balloons to the lenses. This will have to be done very precisely because the goal will be to achieve neutral boyancy.I like it! This will make it easier to hand hold heavy lenses for long periods as well. :D

[CoolToolGuy]

Thos,

I feel your pain. Good thing it is an 'L' lens, 'cause they are built to handle the rough use.

However, I would not put much faith in your test shot. If you look closely, that is not really a car, it is a Mirage. :wink: You better get out there and get some verification shots. :lol:

Have Fun
Rick 8)

[Belmondo]

Excellent point, Rick. I should try to take a picture of something more tangible.

That's a great line. :lol:

Thanks, Thos.

[IanD]

I like the ballon trick. Now if you print Canon on the ballons (and make em white ones of course), maybe they will think of it as corporate sponsership/advertising and give you a whole bunch of "L" stuff. See, the silver lining :!: :lol:

[TeraGram93013]

I am shaking as I read this thread.

As to the balloon idea, as the mom of a three year old I can tell you that you'll approach L-glass purchase price quickly, for helium is not cheap and unless you buy mylar balloons (also not cheap) you'll be getting new balloons every day because latex balloons only hold enough helium to keep themselves aloft for 12-16 hours.

So, I propose there is a better solution. I will babysit your lens for you. Ship it to me and I shall treat it with loving care until you have stopped shaking and have learned the error of your ways regarding lenses unattended in your vehicle.

[Anders Östberg]

"What's your thoughts on Sigma balloons versus Canon balloons? Are they as boyant? Is it really worth the price difference?"

:)

[Belmondo]

Canon balloons are high-tech flotation devices.

Sigma balloons are gas bags.

And while we're at it, NO SILVER BALLOONS! NOT EVEN CANON!**

Nope, only black Canon balloons for me, baby. 8) 8) :wink: :wink:


(** Only kidding. I love Rebels and Rebel owners.)

[IanD]

"What's your thoughts on Sigma balloons versus Canon balloons? Are they as boyant? Is it really worth the price difference?"

:)
The Sigma ballon is pretty darn good, but their Latex OS is a little slower than the Canon Latex IS. You really do not want a lot of quivering latex now do you :?:
It does take a little longer for the Sigmas to "blow" to inflation but I think that is because the inflator lacks HSaM (Hyper Speed air Movement)
Plus the Sigma ballons are a little heavier and thus will not float as high.
I will now go and inhale some helium and do my Alvin impersonation. :lol:

[CoolToolGuy]

All this talk is making me light-headed. :lol: And now I'm talking in this high-pitched voice :P
Look up in the sky - now hook it to that (oops, that's a Fuji blimp) :shock:
Bubble wrap might help - no, then you'd have somebody bursting them for the therapy :lol:
This is a creative thread - I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Have Fun
Rick 8)

[Belmondo]

[quote="IanD"] You really do not want a lot of quivering latex now do you :?:
[quote]

Now Ian, that's a pretty general statement, and I feel obliged to respond accordingly:

"It all depends on who's wearing it!"
:oops: :oops: :oops:

[IanD]

[quote="IanD"] You really do not want a lot of quivering latex now do you :?:
[quote]

Now Ian, that's a pretty general statement, and I feel obliged to respond accordingly:

"It all depends on who's wearing it!"
:oops: :oops: :oops:
Twas ment to be :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Belmondo]

Twas ment to be :lol: :lol: :lol:

Ah, so. :shock:

[CyberDyneSystems]

Quivering Latex??

Is there a way we can get Doug Rowan to read this thread???????? :roll:

[IanD]

Hey Doug.....Doug R!!!!
Got a little project for ya!
:lol:

[Belmondo]

Dramatic update!!

LENS IS SCREWED!!!


When I dropped the lens last week, I quickly snapped off a picture and everything seemed to be okay. Today, took it out for a more typical session, and again, everything seemed okay--------

until I tried to manually focus the lens. It doesn't want to turn. It still takes great pictures with autofocus, but it's definitely trashed. First chance I get, I'll drop the thing off at the Service Center in Irvine and pray that it won't cost too much to set right.

This has not been a good week.

:( :( :(

[Tom W]

Dramatic update!!

LENS IS SCREWED!!!


:( :( :(

Youch!!

Check your homeowner's policy (yes, I recall the circumstances involved the car - check that insurance as well). You may be covered minus a deductable. Then again, the repair may be less than the deductable.

Just an idea.

Best of luck!

[MediaMagic]

Dramatic update!!

LENS IS SCREWED!!!


:( :( :(

Sorry to hear that Thos., man what a drag. I hope they get it back to you soon.

David

[Tapeman]

BUMMER!!! :(

I dropped my 70-200 2.8L once - no damage.

I dropped my EOS 1v with my 2x mounted and it landed on the extender.

$55.00 for repair to extender.

I guess I'm clumsy & lucky.

Hope the damage is minimal.

[CyberDyneSystems]

Fingers crossed.. Hope the damage is not oo bad.. and betting it's not.

Sorry to here this Thos :(

[Belmondo]

I'm encouraged only by the fact that it still autofocuses, and take good pictures. I really can’t tell if the IS works or not, but I’m assuming it does. The manual focus barrel just turns very, VERY hard, and I'm reluctant to use it while it's in that condition....I could be doing some collateral damage to it.

[Sketcher]

Sorry to hear Thos,

At least you're not dead stick until you get it back. It's a matter of time before we all find ourselves in a similar situation. Just more time for some than others! :shock:

[MediaMagic]

I'm encouraged only by the fact that it still autofocuses, and take good pictures. I really can?t tell if the IS works or not, but I?m assuming it does. The manual focus barrel just turns very, VERY hard, and I'm reluctant to use it while it's in that condition....I could be doing some collateral damage to it.

I hope they repair it fairly. I've yet have something repaired by Canon, but I was reading somewhere in the forum a while back, I think maybe by RFMsports? that any repair whether major or minor will cost the same $272, or $255, or something like that. I do have two repairs that need to be made, but just haven't gotten around to it. Let us know how it goes.

David

[TeraGram93013]

Check your homeowner's policy (yes, I recall the circumstances involved the car - check that insurance as well). You may be covered minus a deductable. Then again, the repair may be less than the deductable.

Tom:

Your heart's in the right place, but I get the feeling the OP is in CA.

In CA you do not submit anything to your homeowner's insurance unless it is absolutely catastrophic and even THEN you think twice. Companies have been pulling out of this state faster than Martha pulled out of IMClone. It was bad before, but after the fires we had this past summer, getting homeowner's insurance is as difficult as finding hen's teeth.

[defordphoto]

Dramatic update!!

LENS IS SCREWED!!!


:cry: Bummer. It sounds like the barrel probably got knocked out of alignment. Probably not a major repair. Canon does seem to have flat-rate charges for certain damages, but I can't expect this repair to be too expensive. Just remember to test it thoroughly when you get it back. CFS' quality control sucks so you cannot rely on them to run it through all tests before releasing it back to the customer.