buckwheat Loc: Clarkdale, AZ and Belen NM

This is kind of long, so if you don't want to bear with me, that's fine. I have been having focusing problems with my d5000 and 18-200 lens. I have also been trying to figure out how to justify a d7000. I decided to address the focus issue, and set up a test as suggested here. I set the camera on the tripod, and THOUGHT I locked the quick release. I stepped back, and watched my camera, in slow motion, fall from the tripod onto the dirt. I was dumfounded and 27 other adjectives regarding my intelligence. I picked it up, it did not look damaged. Except now, the auto focus didn't work, nor the light meter. I'm a grown man, and I didn't cry.
After a couple of days of mourning, I sent the camera and lens to Nikon in CA, and they returned an estimate totaling about $400.00. At that point, the d7000 went out the window... those of you with wives can fill in the blanks.
Thanksgiving was approaching, and I was without a camera. On craigslist I found a d70 with an 18-55 and 35-105 for $195.00. I know its an 8 year old camera, but it was spotless, and only had 8800 shutter clicks. It also takes all my old AF lenses without motors.
Today my d5000 came home, looking like new, and shooting sharp as a tack, I now have a second body and can wait for a d7000.
Life really is good if you just let it go.

SherriA Loc: After 2 yrs in Italy, back home in Florida

That is really great that you didn't cry when your camera hit the dirt. I have to admit that I did cry when mine flew out of my camera bag that I thought was zipped and hit my tile floor. I even scooped it up like a hurt child and rushed it to the camera store with a bunch of road rage because people wouldn't drive faster as if getting it there faster would make it less broken. Fortunately or unfortunately, however you want to look at it, it was only a $200 fix and a six week wait.

buckwheat Loc: Clarkdale, AZ and Belen NM

I probably would have cried, but at that moment my meds kicked in. (laughing). With Nikon, it only took 14 days.

SherriA Loc: After 2 yrs in Italy, back home in Florida

I did send it to Nikon. Lucky for you that it was only 14 days. Maybe it was due to my location. I don't know. It doesn't matter now, I have it back and I'm much more careful with making sure the zippers are closed on my camera bag. :)

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I don't recall that I've ever dropped a camera but have had two stolen on two separate occasions. I didn't cry either. But I would be doing time right now for pre-meditated murder and mayhem had I caught either one of the guys.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

Camera insurance, wouldn't live without it

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Had almost the same thing happen - didn't notice tripod legs not fully extended, brushed it with my shoulder and watcted in frozen horror as it slowly fell over landing square on the lens. Lens not damaged in any way, I could manual but not auto focus so the day wasn't fully shot. Lessons learned.... good thing I was in a grass area

Also, I observed along time ago that something good comes out of everything as your experienced confirmed

Chuy Loc: OUT OF TOWN

Have you seen my post "D7000 takes a swim"? I feel your pain.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Good for you. By the time you are ready for a D700, the price will probably be lower. Don't forget about refurbs - and ebay.

MonochromeB Loc: Chandler, AZ

+1 on Camera Insurance for when I forget to plan for stupid things and my gear pays the price...

Having said that, here is a guy who put his gear really in harm's way...
http://www.petapixel.com/2012/11/26/photographer-has-his-canon-5d-mark-ii-stolen-and-killed-by-a-lion/

plessner Loc: North Dakota

I am glad you didn't cry and now you are smiling--it happens to all of us at some point. In 2009 we made a dream trip to Washington DC I was having so much fun on the bus tours and taking lots of photos. Late in the day I must have been getting tired and stood up to get off the bus, my camera strap was not around my neck as I was assuming it was, but sitting on my lap and hit the floor hard.
It developed a loud noise and shakes when I turn it on and them comes out of it. Called Sony-- they said it would be more to fix than a new one. I collected the ins. money upgraded to a new one and they let me keep the old one. Borrowed it to my niece for a year till she got one for herself. And now I still have it for a back up!As it makes noises and shakes it draws a lot from the battery ,but still seems to work OK

R.G. Loc: Scotland

I was certainly impressed!

BGenie Loc: Sacramento, CA

Don't-cha know...Nikons are bear-proof:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1114874

saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon

That's what I did when I dropped my camera. Rolled a joint and smoked a little "grass". Love the Psychadelix on your Avatar.

Also enjoyed your closing sentiments. My problem was being able to remember, and confirm my experiences. :thumbup:

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

That's candy, right?