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Just had a nasty incident I'm afraid guys. I've just been down the beach with my boyfriend - he was surfing and I was photographing. I got hit by a freak wave - dropped my camera bag (I was just about to put my camera back in as the waves were coming closish - DUR!) As I dropped the bag (it was open at this stage!) my 10-22 canon lens fell out and I managed to catch it but I think it might have gone under or at least partially submerged! GREAT! I've rushed home and 'sloshed' it with de-ionised water and dried it and washed and dried and washed and dried. It had two filters on and the lens cap (so the actual lens was dry underneath) as was the back of the lens (it luckily had the back cap on very tightly). BUT the prob I reckon will be is the motor (it's usm) and the focusing ring etc. I've had the hairdrier on it too - but not sure what else to do (it does seem as if it's gonna be ok) - but need any other recommendations before I test it.
PS my camera is ok as it was still round my neck and the waves only came up to my knees!
WHAT A MORNING! Any one have any ideas? Cheers!
Carrie, I can think of two options.
1 Send it in for service with a note on what happened.
2 Let it dry out for a few days, then take it out and move it through its zoom and focus range, then put it on a camera. But I would worry.
You see just getting it wet, even with no salt, may have removed some of the lubrication on the lens. If it has received salt water, then the salt may dry, but every time the lens goes out in the damp, condensation etc, the salt will get activated and promote corrosion. So even if it works fine now, it may pack up later.
so I would go for service.
Thanks John - I know that salt water is definitely the worst type of water to get on the lens. Service is a good idea I hadn't thought of that. Where should I go - should I contact Canon for local dealer?
If you still have a warranty, and want to keep it, then it would have to be a Canon recommended one. If you look in the www.canon.co.uk web site, the support section used to contain a list of approved agents.
or a reputable camera dealer ought to be able to advise.
good luck, I hope it is not damaged.
Quote: Any one have any ideas?
Yep, use a dedicated land/sea camera like a Nikonos!
Sorry I just had to..
I think you might get away with it if the lens wasn't submerged or in the water too long - you did the right thing with the ionised water. But if there are any salt crystals lingering their presence will be felt when the lens dries out.
Best let a Canon agent have a look - probably expensive but will save you in the long run - esp. if the lens gets wet again (rain) and the crystals dissolve and move further into the workings.
Thanks guys - John yes it is under warranty, but only just, so I might go to a local dealer. I've contacted a couple of the Canon ones for quotes now. Thanks loads. God I feel stupid!
Without a doubt have the lens checked by Canon OR Canon appointed dealer, You might have a problem claiming under warranty, As Warranty usually refers to faulty materials or manafacture, Taking for a swim is unlikley to be included.
You may have some sort of Claim using your Household Insurance though, as some of them include accidental damage cover to items outside the house, Worth checking.
I would be very very reluctant to try the lens on the Camera, AS there may be a dead short in the electronics, That could impact on the body, THEN you'll have even more problems.
Good luck either way.
Vince
Quote: God I feel stupid!
No need to feel stupid - these things happen. That's what insurance is for! A friend of mine lost the lot - camera, lens, tripod - when they were swept off a rock by a wave and I've lost a tripod when it was blown off a cliff in the Peak - fortunately the camera wasn't on it at the time.
It's so easy to make an error or overlook a potential problem when distracted. If you are concentrating on an image other factors sometimes become forgotten..
OK if like me you are using a an old Olympus OM2 (not highly valued but highly prized) if it is trashed the replacement cost is less than a good lens for a Canikon/Nikanon.
I am always surprised when concentrating on an image composing itself in the viewfinder that I am often unaware of things happening around me - I just concentrate on getting that one shot.
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