D700 Dunking

Was on a landscape shoot along a river and while wading I tripped and sloshed water into the bucket continging my camera. The camera was in a bag but it was not waterproof.

The back of the camer did get into water [1/4"?] for probably 10 seconds. I retrieved it and dried it.

When I got home I open the ports and took out the card. The next morning I powered up and things were fine.

Uploaded my RAW photos and formatted the card.

Later in the day I turned the camera on and .... nothing.

Tried different battery and card .... nothing.

On it way to Nikon... even as you read this. Will arive Monday.

Any thoughts [good ones appreciated ] about this episode?

Stupid not to have the camera in a ziplock; that aside, does it take that long for water to creep into the inner workings?

I'm on pins and needles hoping I don't get a "Beyond Economic Repair" label on my notice from Nikon.

the fisch

Buy a Canon next time.

http://bit.ly/cERpm9

I had a Canon Point-n-Shooter that had gotten dunked, returned to me with that dreaded "Beyond Economic Repair". I replaced it and put it on a shelf. Three months later picked it up and it worked.

Fisch, Can't offer anything more than condolenses and positive thoughts...


Sandy r

David, that's quite a story.
I understand Nikon bodies are supposed to be "stronger" than Cannon.
The Nikon D3 is supposed to be very well sealed against water.
The d700 and d300 less so but supposedly still not too sensitive.
I could be something else, but I do suspect water issues. And I understand they can "fry" major portions of the circuitry. We'll see and I'll give a report on what they find and their service, which is usually superior.
Thanks for taking the time to reply.
AND USE ZIP-LOCKS AROUND WATER.... DON'T EVER GET LAZY WITH THIS ASPECT.
the fisch

I dunked my D200 and and me, and right away removed the batteries,card,and opened all ports. Got to my truck, removed the lens,placed them on my dash and drove home about an hour and a half with defroster blowing and window open. Got home and put them in the oven @ 120 degrees for about 6 hours. Dusted off the mirror and sensor, cleaned the glass and a year later all is still good. AF works on lens and camera is no worse for wear. I had to try it myself because I bought a "grey market" on e-bay!
Good Luck!

I know this is 20/20 hindsight. If you are not a pro, your homeowners carrier should be able to give you replacement coverage (in the future). I pay about $100/year for my "personal articles floater" and it covers my D700, tripod and all my lenses. I'm pulling for ya that it is repairable!

Larry: While out in the boat 2 years ago my D2Xs and tripod went over the side while I was pushing off a log. Luckily it was in shallow water and I quickly retrieved it. Removed the card, battery, lens and it sat on my desk for 3 months. And I mean it really got drowned. After that period of time I put in the battery and card, turned the camera on and to this day I've never had a problem. Luckily it wasn't a canon. Good luck my friend. John

I think you need to take a trip to Utah with a rented camera and your doused camera and let the aridity do its magic for about 3 weeks. Heck, you could almost justify that approach ;-)

Approaching 3 weeks on a parts hold with Nikon--4 weeks total without the camera.

Listed as moderate repair--major part???

the ifsch