My heart goes out to you Nat after reading your story. To work so hard for something and watch it destroyed in seconds is the pits. Not that it will do any good now, I've heard that you can get special camera insurance to cover just your equipment. I have no idea how much it costs though. If I can offer any encouragement at all, I ill say that the waterfall image is superb! In fact, I enjoyed all your shots from New Zealand. Who knows, maybe you'll sell enough prints to pay for a new camera.
What a terrible story. You must be devastated. I also just found out about the lack of insurance when I thought I was covered. What a total shame. To bad we had to learn the hard way.
Nat, I am really sorry for your loss. I don't know how I would have handled it... you are much stronger than me. I wouldn't be able to write up the story even. Out of curiosity....how come the home owners insurance did not help? Once again I am sorry that your camera was damaged.... regards, Rajeev.
That's one of the worst photo equipment-related stories I've ever heard. I can relate, a little. I had a camera, lenses, a stereo system, tools and other equipment stolen several years ago from my car when I was moving to a new apartment near my college. Even though I had locked my car, it was a convertible. Overnight, the thieves ripped into the top to unlock the doors to take the stereo. This particular model had a trunk release inside, where my camera stuff was, so it didn't matter if the trunk was locked either. Luckily, my insurance replaced everything though. Lesson learned: don't leave anything of extreme value unattended in your vehicle, even if it's locked.
On the bright side, the last photo your camera took was a really, really nice one.
Nat, Sorry to hear of your accident. Lost a Canon 40D and 17-40 lens a couple of months ago. I know the feeling although my 40D wasn't as expensive of a lost. It all happened so fast and what a sickening sound as it fell down a sandstone ledge.
I called my insurance company as I had a small rider attached to my policy but it only covered theft! After retrieving the equipment I could see it would be better to replace it and thats what I ended up doing. First loss in 23 years I guess I should count myself lucky. I know this doesn't help much but can you at least write off the equipment?
George - yes, I think I can write off the loss. But I think that's a red flag so not sure if I will do it.
Rajeev - The homeowner's insurance "did" cover it, but with a $5000 deductible. Obviously intended for for major home disasters; no special riders.
Thanks everyone for your very-much-appreciated words of support... it's been quite a tragic incident in my life... but in the whole scheme of things I suppose it shouldn't be. Maybe now that it's happened I won't worry so much about it. I used to have nightmares about it; now I don't. If I can just get that sickening sound out of my head Don, I know exactly what you mean.
In the end, it's just money and gear... it can (and will!) be replaced.
I am really thankful for the wonderful friends, family and supportive people in my life.
Your story just makes me shiver. I can't even imagine! But I think you have the right attitude to move forward. I think everyone here knows the toys are nice but it's what's behind the fancy gear that counts
Aleks, funny you should point that out... I've actually been looking [somewhat not] seriously at the new Canon T1i. Pretty amazing stuff for the price... Maybe if I got two of them I wouldn't worry about breaking one?
But really, the most important things to me are 1) image quality, and 2) resolution. Ultimately, anything else is bells-and-whistles. (Although if the 5D2 was totally waterproof that would be nice).
So although i am planning to replace the 5D2, a "backup" camera becomes a real consideration.
Who will come out with the first mainstream pinhole digital camera that I can make from a matchbox??
I've dropped and destroyed some expensive filters and lost other photo gear before, but never a whole camera/lens combo. Your story made me nauseous, Nat. I'm really sorry this happened to you. I'm going to check my home owner's policy right away. You got a nice last photo at least.
Hey Nat...I can relate...but fortunately my camera $ damages aren't as high. When I was in New Zealand in the 90's...I had my little point and shoot around my neck while wading out to a catamaran to get on...it got dunked...turned it on later and it literally was fried...smoked and everything...luckily, like you, my friend had an extra camera.
Sorry to hear about the outcome from the situation you mentioned right after it happened. I dropped my NIkon 12-24 lens at the bottom of Kilauea Iki and while I was upset at the time as it was my stupidity I was able to get it repaired. Similar to Nat's story with his camera bouncing off a couple of rocks, that was the same thing with my lens. One thing which did minimize the damage was having the lens hood on as that took the brunt of the impact much there was some damage.
A word of caution depending on your situation. Some people here do this as just a hobby, and some as a business. Be careful with coverage from your homeowners policy if it is a business as some insurance companies will want not want to cover you on your homeowners. With the damage on my lens only being about $275 it was just easy for me to get it repaired.
Do you have a film camera Nat? This could be an opportunity for you to shoot some film and then have a workflow path for your next book... shooting film and using Lightroom. Probably not much of demand there but a potential short ebook.
That's a sad tale - for what it's worth, you're not the first. We could start a thread and get really depressed. I hope you'll dump the "Agra-tek" head as you plan to rebuild your system. Good luck!
Nat, I can't believe that this has happened to you. I feel absolutely sick about it. I'm using the very same ball head and have been very pleased with it. After your story, I think I will order their specialized plates to help ensure that I don't have the same problem. Hopefully it won't be too long until you sell enough books to order another one.
That is really sad and sorry to hear it. You are right about having insurance. I might mention that I bought a personal items policy through my insurance company that I have my home owners and car insurance through and it is great. Cost me less than $100 a year, no deductible and if anything happens to my gear, gets stolen, dropped in river, what ever it is covered, something to think about.
So sorry to hear about your misfortune. I know about 5 years ago, I had my film body on my Sigma 500 attached to my gitzo tripod. When I was tightening the head, I was actually loosening the plate. I went to put the tripod over my shoulder, and the camera and lens hit the ground. I know first hand that "sick" feeling you can get.
Oh boy That is like a replay from one of my worst nightmares. The insurance that Monte recommends looks interesting. Personally I utilze the insurance through Nanpa which is handled by the Chubb Company. I have read really good things about it (havent had to use it yet) but have asked them about 'all-inclusive(ness)' of it everytime I travel in USA or abroad and they have always assured me of my coverage.
I was really saddened to hear about the loss when you reported from NZ. Thanks for the writeup on your blog. I dropped a camera bag/backpack once that I thought would protect my equipment and damaged my Tamron 28-75. I was fortunate to have full replacement coverage with no deductible, but I know that sinking feeling; Doubly when your livelyhood depends on it.
Nat - I'm coming in really late, but my condolences on your camera. That really, really sucks. I have been mulling over buying a 5DII lately, and was originally thinking about buying one of those replacement/coverage plans they sell. They supposedly cover any sort of accidental damage, but that would have only covered your body. I guess the better way to go is to just make sure I have a good insurance plan that way everything is covered...
Wow...I can only imagine how I'd feel if something like this happened to me.
I've developed a kind of OCD when my camera and tripod are together. Every time I move them, I re-tighten every knob on the head and clamp. Now I don't feel so bad about my behavior, but still feel bad about this accident.
Discussion
22 replieshttp://tinyurl.com/mdo6pq
Jack
What a terrible story. You must be devastated. I also just found out about the lack of insurance when I thought I was covered. What a total shame. To bad we had to learn the hard way.
http://www.hillusher.com
Apparently this type of insurance is common and affordable.
Years ago I had all kinds of business policies for office equipment etc. but haven't done anything re: equipment insurance for quite a few years.
I sure will now...
On the bright side, the last photo your camera took was a really, really nice one.
I called my insurance company as I had a small rider attached to my policy but it only covered theft! After retrieving the equipment I could see it would be better to replace it and thats what I ended up doing. First loss in 23 years I guess I should count myself lucky. I know this doesn't help much but can you at least write off the equipment?
Rajeev - The homeowner's insurance "did" cover it, but with a $5000 deductible. Obviously intended for for major home disasters; no special riders.
Thanks everyone for your very-much-appreciated words of support... it's been quite a tragic incident in my life... but in the whole scheme of things I suppose it shouldn't be. Maybe now that it's happened I won't worry so much about it. I used to have nightmares about it; now I don't. If I can just get that sickening sound out of my head
In the end, it's just money and gear... it can (and will!) be replaced.
I am really thankful for the wonderful friends, family and supportive people in my life.
But really, the most important things to me are 1) image quality, and 2) resolution. Ultimately, anything else is bells-and-whistles. (Although if the 5D2 was totally waterproof that would be nice).
So although i am planning to replace the 5D2, a "backup" camera becomes a real consideration.
Who will come out with the first mainstream pinhole digital camera that I can make from a matchbox??
A word of caution depending on your situation. Some people here do this as just a hobby, and some as a business. Be careful with coverage from your homeowners policy if it is a business as some insurance companies will want not want to cover you on your homeowners. With the damage on my lens only being about $275 it was just easy for me to get it repaired.
Do you have a film camera Nat? This could be an opportunity for you to shoot some film and then have a workflow path for your next book... shooting film and using Lightroom. Probably not much of demand there but a potential short ebook.
Consider this official notice that I will not be taking you up on your offer to trade you my 24-70 f2.8 for your 24-105 IS.
When I return to Denver I'll offer condolences in the form of sushi and sake. At least that will make you feel better for a little while...
Sorry for your losses amigo,
CAZ
RichieV
BTW, love the last shot!
I've developed a kind of OCD when my camera and tripod are together. Every time I move them, I re-tighten every knob on the head and clamp. Now I don't feel so bad about my behavior, but still feel bad about this accident.