... a story about the unfortunate demise of my Sigma 30mm.
And so the story goes...
On Thursday evening a couple weeks ago I had a senior portrait session with Rachel. We met and shot in a nice area downtown Bradenton near the marina.
As usual, I swithed back and forth from my Sigma 30mm f/1.4 to my Canon 85mm f/1.8, using mostly the 85mm.
We moved around the area using random benches and trees and the like, getting some good shots along the way.
We reached an area that I thought would be good for using the background in more context than what the 85 allows, so I made the switch...
I was planning on moving around a little bit in a small area, so I dropped my bag in the grass and shoved the 85mm in my pocket.
I took several shots with the 30mm, and felt good about what I had. So, back to the 85 I go.
After the 85 was attached to the camera, I was contemplating shoving the 30mm in my back pocket when the nightmare began...
In slow motion, the 30mm fell to the ground! As anyone trying to save something valuable would do, I stick my leg out to try and break the fall.
The lens hit my leg and continued to the ground... Good news, right? It was gonna hit the ground with less of an impact and probably be fine.
In using my leg to soften the initial impact, I provided a ramp for it to be propelled away from my body...
$%^&
The place away from my body just happened to be right into the marina! The lens took a short dive off of the sidewalk and landed in about 18 inches of water. My partner kicked his shoes off as quickley as I'd seen anyone do and, without fear of the rocks below or removing the Glock strapped to his ankle, jumped in after it. It was still bubbling when he retrived it, so a shirt was removed to dry it off as quickly as possible.
Not wanting to risk ruining the electronics, I put it in my bag until I could give it a chance to dry out.
As soon as I got home, I rummaged through the pantry for a box of rice...
I grabbed a tuperware container and put a little rice in first, then the lens, then put the remainder of the rice in on top.
The next evening, I gave it a go... to no avail.
So, R.I.P. Sigma 30mm. As a tribute, I hearby present the very last image taken with this worthy lens.
sorry to hear about your lens man...but I simply can't get over the concept of your assistant going to sessions armed? or am I reading that completely wrong
Chris Hsieh wrote:
sorry to hear about your lens man...but I simply can't get over the concept of your assistant going to sessions armed? or am I reading that completely wrong
I think the most important thing to clear up is that he's my partner, not assistant... and really a much bigger name than I.
He carries everywhere unless he's wearing shorts, but let's try not to focus on that so much
So, I know this wasn't the point behind the story...but why did he have a Glock strapped to his leg? I know some people call us photographers "Shooters" but thats taking it a bit literal don't ya think?
nhenderson wrote:
So, I know this wasn't the point behind the story...but why did he have a Glock strapped to his leg? I know some people call us photographers "Shooters" but thats taking it a bit literal don't ya think?
JakeB. wrote:
He carries everywhere unless he's wearing shorts, but let's try not to focus on that so much
sorry to hear about your lens. That really blows. After seeing the shots you have taken with it, makes it that much more painful for you I am sure. Nice job on these shots.
Have you checked w/ Sigma concerning repair costs?
Many years ago my Vivitar 28-50 fell out of my bag onto a hard floor. I sent it back and they repaired it for free, even though I told them it was my fault it was broken.
fstop212 wrote:
sorry to hear about your lens. That really blows. After seeing the shots you have taken with it, makes it that much more painful for you I am sure. Nice job on these shots.
Thanks a bunch
bjd70 wrote:
Have you checked w/ Sigma concerning repair costs?
Many years ago my Vivitar 28-50 fell out of my bag onto a hard floor. I sent it back and they repaired it for free, even though I told them it was my fault it was broken.
I haven't checked with them... I suppose I should do so.
Poor Lens.... good thing you have a 35L now, bet you wont stick your leg out next time. Now I know why you borrowed my 5D this week, new 35L.... makes since, have fun!
