Posts: bearvy | Ugly Hedgehog

Sep 19, 2012 10:07:29 #

Wabbit wrote:

quote=bearvy Epilogue to my D5100 camera dropping... (show quote)

I'm thinking about sending the lens (Nikkor 28-200mm) to be assessed just in case it may have suffered some moisture damage also. My husband cleaned the barrel, but I don't really know if water got into any sensitive parts.

I'll be searching for another camera soon.

Sep 18, 2012 17:37:46 #

Epilogue to my D5100 camera dropping into Mono Lake:
I was able to make photographs during my 2 month vacation with this camera, but ultimately decided to make a claim with American Express since the damage occured within 90 days of purchase. They required a repair estimate so I sent the camera to Nikon Service Center in El Segundo, Ca. They returned the camera within 3 weeks with a letter stating that the camera was "Broken beyond repair". After sending supporting documentation to AMEX, my account was credited for the full purchase price. Wahoo for AMEX!

Jun 26, 2012 12:25:50 #

Thanks again to all who replied. I have great news this morning. Hopefully it isn't false hope. I was getting ready to rinse and flush the camera with fresh water as was suggested, but decided to see if it would work. AND IT DID! The camera was never completely submerged. It fell in about an inch of water at the edge of the lake. I kept it open and in a bowl of (uncooked) rice all night. I'm skeptical that the salt won't still corrode. Time will tell.

Jun 26, 2012 10:30:37 #

@ Sontog I AM still crying on the inside, but life goes on and now my mission is to replace this camera ASAP if it doesn't survive.

Jun 26, 2012 10:27:24 #

I was using the tripod I had with my D40. This was only the second time using it with the D5100 + 18-200mm lens which is a bit heavier than the D40 + 18-55mm.

I promise to buy a better tripod the next go 'round.

Jun 26, 2012 10:25:18 #

Thanks for all your suggestions, comments, and condolences. @WABBIT: I got Edmund's joke. Thanks Edmund for the laugh. I think I pretty much killed it when I turned it on to see if it would work. A rookie's mistake.

About an upgrade? This WAS my upgrade. Had it a month.

I think I'll be having a memorial service and funeral for my beloved D5100. I'll use this experience as a huge lesson to be more diligent and to appreciate all I have in this life.

Jun 26, 2012 10:13:11 #

Olcoach: Thanks for the sentiments. I feel better about life today. It does go on, and I can get another camera if this one doesn't make it.

Jun 26, 2012 00:33:13 #

Thanks for trying to make me feel better. Glad your Mom & Dad were OK.

Jun 26, 2012 00:13:18 #

Basically, the reason the camera/tripod tipped over was negligence on my part. I had not set it level and secure, (waiting for visitors to clear where I wanted to be), the wind was blowing, and I turned my back to put on my hat, (dumb I know). A strong gust came up and blew it over.
If a lesson can be learned, it is to be more diligent. My tripod may not be as sturdy as it should have been to support my new camera, but I am not blaming it on the tripod.

Jun 25, 2012 23:20:45 #

Thanks. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but a lot distraught right now.

Jun 25, 2012 23:13:31 #

The camera is face down in rice without the lens. I'll put the lens in also as you suggest. My fatal mistake may have been to try to operate it upon drying it off after retrieving it from the water. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed. Else fails, I bought it with American Express card one month ago. Reimbursement is covered, except that I bought it on sale. And that I don't want to be without it for as long as it takes to get a replacement. I guess I have to buck up and get over it.

Jun 25, 2012 22:54:07 #

Thanks for the detailed analysis. It was never fully immersed in water. Fell at shoreline, recovered immediately and wiped off. The camera body is now covered in rice, but I don't know how the lens will recover. Hoping for the best. Very upset because we are on vacation and don't know how quickly I can get it replaced/repaired.

Jun 25, 2012 22:35:37 #

Thanks alot. You may be right.

Jun 25, 2012 21:41:00 #

Wabbit: thanks for reply. I figured the same.