Mormorazzi Loc: Temple, Texas

Does the Ugly Hedgehog give out an annual blooper award? If so, put my name into the hat. The sun was setting yesterday on dock one at the Austin Yacht Club, a perfect setting for a photo shoot (yes, paid) of a lovely woman, who had spent much of the afternoon having her makeup professionally applied. She was perched on the toe rail of the raised 30' sailboat, Warrior, and I had the perfect shot ... except for the distant masts sticking out of her head. I moved one step to the left and SPLASH, I plunged into the water with my Nikon D90, flash, and my "nifty 50." I crawled out, stunned, onto the breezy dock, sopping wet in my blue jeans, fleece vest and sneakers. Thankfully, the security man offered his giant robe as a substitute. The camera was dry inside, but the battery and disc were wet. I was only able to retrieve 9 of the 50 or so photos from the disc. Everything is sealed inside a Tupperware, opened, resting on a bed of rice that is partially covered with a single sheet of paper towel. I was only able to retrieve 9 of the 50 or so photos from the disc and the rest were "corrupted." I tossed and turned in bed last night. The epiphany came around 2 a.m. I lost my dignity, possibly my camera, a flash and some good shots, but there are many folks on our coastlines who have lost everything in a sea of salt water. I went to sleep. Slept like a cat in front of a roaring fire.

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

In the end we will survice................

Festina Lente Loc: Florida & Missouri

Wow! That is quite a tragic story and you survived it well. Sorry, no blooper award for you. Some of us have you beat in that catagory by a mile. Your's was an unfortunate and embarrassing accident and I'm glad you did not get hurt (physically).

As to your camera and next time. Salt water is death to electronics and cameras (especiallly one that was turned on when it took the dive). The best thing to have done was to remove the battery and immediately plunge the camera into a bucket of fresh water to begin dilluting the salt. Then as soon as you can get home, remove it, open it, and begin the drying process. Often futile (especially when the camera was powered on) but worth the effort.

Throw that rice away. It is useless in this instance, despite persistent urban myths to the contrary and dozens of firsthand experiences claiming otherwise.

Now the good news (there always is some). You get to go out and buy a new camera and, unlike most of us, you have a defendable esxcuse. :lol:
Did you have insurance?

I'm glad that the Sandy tragedy helped you quickly put it into perspective. Things could have been much worse.

Mormorazzi Loc: Temple, Texas

I fell into a fresh-water lake, fortunately, I suppose. I've heard that salt water rings a death knell to a camera. I'll let you know if the camera survives. Concerning insurance, the deductible is too high.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Think about a weather sealed camera body (and lenses)...that may have saved you...may.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Weather-sealed is NOT waterproof. That is the roll of Nikonos series underwater cameras, and others specialty cameras, like GoPro.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

I never said waterproof...I know the difference...however a quick dip still may have saved it...I've seen olympus videos where they have been fully submerged, and have come out working fine...I don't condone it at all, and I would never do that with my E-5, but if it were to accidentally take a swim, you'd have a better chance coming out on the winning side with a weather sealed body. All I'm saying.

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

If you have a homeowners policy I'd take the time to check and see if you have any coverage.

Mormorazzi Loc: Temple, Texas

Thanks, Pepper, but I've already checked and it's not covered. We have a $2,500 deductible. Ugggh.

Tea8 Loc: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.

Ouch, sorry you took a swim. Maybe that rice will work everything out of the camera. Although it might be fun to dream a little of what you might get to replace it if it doesn't.

Birdguide Loc: Ormond Beach, FL

[quote=Mormorazzi]Does the Ugly Hedgehog give out an annual blooper award? If so, put my name into the hat. The sun was setting yesterday on dock one at the Austin Yacht Club, a perfect setting for a photo shoot (yes, paid) of a lovely woman, who had spent much of the afternoon having her makeup professionally applied. She was perched on the toe rail of the raised 30' sailboat, Warrior, and I had the perfect shot ... except for the distant masts sticking out of her head. I moved one step to the left and SPLASH, I plunged into the water with my Nikon D90, flash, and my "nifty 50." I crawled out, stunned, onto the breezy dock, sopping wet in my blue jeans, fleece vest and sneakers. Thankfully, the security man offered his giant robe as a substitute. The camera was dry inside, but the battery and disc were wet. I was only able to retrieve 9 of the 50 or so photos from the disc. Everything is sealed inside a Tupperware, opened, resting on a bed of rice that is partially covered with a single sheet of paper towel. I was only able to retrieve 9 of the 50 or so photos from the disc and the rest were "corrupted." I tossed and turned in bed last night. The epiphany came around 2 a.m. I lost my dignity, possibly my camera, a flash and some good shots, but there are many folks on our coastlines who have lost everything in a sea of salt water. I went to sleep. Slept like a cat in front of a roaring fire.[/quote

Like the sentiment and your outlook on life. I hope your camera recovers.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Deb, what a coincidence, I was at the Austin yacht club yesterday at sundown getting pictures of the ducks when I got a great photo of a photographer going heels over head into the lake. I'll bet it was you!! Deb, hey just kidding. Glad the only thing hurt was your pride. That story will never be forgotten by all. If those kinds of things did not happen to us, then life would be pretty boring now wouldn't it? Priceless

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

I am impressed with your attitude and outlook on life! Now get busy buying the new camera you will need to complete your shoot 😉

Mormorazzi Loc: Temple, Texas

Already on it. I was hoping to get a D600, but I can't afford it right now. I found someone on Craigslist selling a D90 body only for $420. (No conversations yet about why he's selling it.) I'll try to fire up my camera on Thursday and toddle on forward from there.

Annie_Girl Loc: It's none of your business

I hope it dries out and starts working for you. Don't try and turn it on for a couple of day (which it sounds like you already know not to do anyway).