Well it finally happend...

[Scubagrapher]

I dropped my S2! The camera and microdrive made it fine, but my Tamron 24-135 doesn't autofocus any more. I am just sick about this. Since the camera and microdrive and my Sigma lens survived, (it was in my camera bag when I dropped it) I kinda feel that I should be able to send this in for warranty service. Before I do that, I thought I would post this to see what the folks here think. Also I feel that this may be rather easy to fix. Anyone here had an experience with a lens such as this? If so, what did it take to fix it? HELP!

[smunky]

Eep, sorry I cant help but just curious if you ever use a camera strap?
Its saved me quite a few times.

[Scubagrapher]

Originally posted by smunky
Eep, sorry I cant help but just curious if you ever use a camera strap?
Its saved me quite a few times.

Yes I do, but what happened was that I had a bunch of stuff stacked up in the passenger seat of my car, with my brand new camera bag on top. When I opened the passenger door, the camera bag took a dive. I am still reeling about this, but I guess it could have been worse. That was one sick sound when my camera bag hit the pavement.

[smunky]

Hm, youre keeping the s2 in an unpadded bag?
20 slashes with the ruler!

[Scubagrapher]

Yes I am. whip me beat me, make me write bad checks! :p

[Linda G]

I really have no answer for you, if it doesn't autofocus, does it still work otherwise?

I had a Canon lens ( 28-80 USM) roll out of my car as I changed it and it crunched on the asphalt. It still worked great except for the auto focus. It was four years old at the time so I replaced it instead of repaired it. I didn't even send it in to see how much.

keep us informed AND...besides using a padded bag, SEATBELT it IN!

[Scubagrapher]

Yes Linda it still does work if I do manual focus. From what I can see it still is every bit as sharp as it was before I dropped it. I really like this lens, and I sent an email to Tamron. I will keep everyone informed about how Tamron responds.

[dorigatti]

Here in Holland, I have a collegue who regularly drops his lenses. We both use Nikon AF-S for the constant 2.8 aperture and focus speed etc. The Nikon service centre will not repain lenses under warranty if they have been subject to physical damage. Repairs typically cost one third to one half the price of a new lens, around US$ 500 to 800 and up. A solution we found was to insure the lenses (costs around 2.5% of the replacement value per year) because included with the insurance is a clause allowing refund for repairs, no questions asked. The only proviso is we pay the first $200 on any claim.

Hope this helps.

[VA_Shooter]

This brings up an interesting issue. We have the usual and customary homeowners insurance here in the United States, but does anyone here have additional insurance that specifically insures their photography equipment? This is not an inexpensive vocation/avocation we're involved in here. Are there underwriters in the United States that write policies specifically for this type of risk?

[Linda G]

You bet! We have a rider on our home policy that covers our photo equipment, including laptop, for theft, accidental breakage, not sure what else, but yeah. Get it, don't wait.

[Swampy]

Same with me Linda. :)

[stevebri]

I droped a Nikon years ago, a 601 I think with a 35-70 on it, it went face down and the lens was in a similar state to yours Scuba.

I sent it back under warranty and Nikon knew, they said "it had been dropped had suffered some sort of impact not covered by the warranty and therefore not repairable for free, and the cost was ..xxx whatever, do i want them to go ahead and repair it...?"

I'm sure this doesn't make you feel better but it might help you decide which direction to go in.

Steve

[noidea]

I made the dumb mistake to have my F50 in an open tank bag on the motorbike while pulling the bike on the main stand. Of course it made a crash landing. The body dind't get a scratch (it fell on the lens), but had some rattling noises afterwards and wouldn't shoot anymore.

Dumb luck that it happened on the last of my greece trip and I still had warranty. Back at home I contacted Nikon, just told them the comera doesn't work any more, and I was told to send it in. Two weeks later I received a refurb without comment.

If there aren't too much scratches you may be able to talk them into a repair.


:cheers:

[Ol'coot]

I also learned the hard way, several years ago I tripped on uneven sidewalk while moving with the camera at my eye and fell down hitting the lens on the sidewalk. it was not repairable.
So I throughly agree on keeping everything insured not only for fire and theft but for accidental damage as well.

I received my S2 and 2 lens on xmas and had a rider on my homeowners insurance covering all items the first day the agency was again open for business after xmas.