Accidents Happen…
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Apr 27, 2009 | by Kevin Loughlin
It’s always upsetting at the time, but accidents do happen. Sometimes expensive ones! They are definitely a reminder of how we often take our surroundings for granted and don’t necessarily think through the scenario well.
In my most recent case I was presenting a photo seminar at the Mill Grove Audubon Sanctuary on Saturday. We were outside, under the cover of the new pavilion on a beautiful Saturday morning. I had my computer set up on a table with the projector facing my 6’x6′ screen. The open sides of the pavilion allowed a lot of ambient light to reduce the image quality on the screen, but it was still very visible. I also had camera equipment set-up on tripods near the screen.
About half way through the presentation the wind suddenly kicked up. A heavy breeze blew against my projection screen, which like a sail, filled and flew toward my computer. I caught it just in time. However, I never even thought about my Canon 40D camera set up on the tripod with my heavy Sigma 50-500 EX zoom lens… the set-up that has taken many of the images in this blog. The lens was perpendicular to the blowing wind, and even at nearly 5 pounds of metal and glass, it too acted like a sail, toppling over onto the concrete floor.
I couldn’t be distracted, after placing heavy stones on the legs of the screen I continued with the presentation. But when I got home I assessed the damage. The glass of the lens was not cracked, but the body was definitely damaged, the main body was “crooked” and would not zoom. The camera body at first glance looked okay so I took a shot. When I viewed the image on the LCD screen… I couldn’t. The screen was smashed. The next shot I tried, didn’t take. The camera’s electronics were also damaged.
I am crossing my fingers that the insurance I have been paying for will come through. I am also hoping that in the future I will remember to not leave my camera equipment unattended. If it is going to be out of arms reach at any time, I will be sure to take my camera off the tripod and place it in a safe place!
Just as I constantly remind those who place their optics or cameras on a table — never leave the strap hanging over the edge! I will also remind myself and others — do not walk away from equipment on a tripod!
photo © Kevin Loughlin
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Sorry to hear about that. I cringe just to think of that happening. I once switched lenses while on a log over a creek and went to put said lens into my vest pocket. When I went to sit down on the log, the vest was pushed up by my legs and out came the lens to drop into the creek. The lens was full of water and was a total loss!
It pays to be reminded to pay attention to where you leave or put your equipment! Thanks for the reminder!
Someone as clumsy as me has no business making such serious setups as that!
*I Donate To Cornell Ornithology!*
http://www.opticsplanet.net/cornell-lab-of-ornithology.html
Oh NOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Ouch!!
I think a lot of us have been there, that sickening realization that expensive and fragile optics have taken a crunch.
I hope it works out.
Harold Stiver
http://ontfin.com