Canon 600mm - the nightmare photos

[borrowlenses.com]

These would be the scariest images that you can ever receive as a rental shop. What you see there is a Canon 600mm f4 IS that went swimming with the crocodiles in Florida, and subsequently fished out by divers. Kids, please don't try this at home.

Off to repairs with this thing. Will keep you posted. http://photography-on-the.net/forum/images/smilies/icon_biggrin.gif

------- Update 1 --------

The story goes something like this...

The renter was using his 1Ds II to take pics with this lens and 2x extender (still attached in the pics). The monopod head snapped off, and the whole rig came falling down on the concrete. where the camera snapped off from the rest of the assembly. The lens then fell into the crocodile infested waters bellow the concrete bridge. The pictures are the aftermath.

First word we got of this was an all caps email, asking to call about an accident with the lens. At this point, two of our people had heart attacks, another started seeking a lawyer with the bankruptcy court.... etc. It was a rather nerve racking atmosphere for a while.

This lens renting business is not all gravy. Sometimes this happens.

---------------------- Update 2 -------------------------------

We talked to Canon Professional Services (CPS). According to the person there, out of 10 lenses he has seen that were fully submerged, they were able to recover 0 of them.

By the looks of things, we are going to write this off as a loss. Hood and hard case will be sold off. So far there is a plan to get a couple of guys together, take a sledge hammer to the lens and film it (ala Office Space). The results will be posted on YouTube for your viewing pleasure (horror?). Is that kind of like lens snuff films? :huh

--------------------- Update 3 -----------------

We are collecting ideas on the best way to destroy this lens. The video will be publically shared afterwards. Please let us know your thoughs. Dynamite is limited to whatever we can get at a fireworks shop.

------------- Update 4 --------------------------

There has been a lot of questions on whether the customer renting this lens is now paying up the $7200 tab to buy us a new copy. I feel like this question is creating a lot of anxiety from potential customers, so I am answering it. No, the customer is not responsible for the full damage. He had insurance (purchased from us at time of rental) on this lens, so is only responsible for 12% of the cost of replacement.

This is all the comment I will give as far as insurance and the underwrites, etc.

---------------------- Update 5 --------------------------

A lot of people have been asking for donations to schools, sales as props, art projects, etc. Folks, we are in the process of negotiating with various parties involved. We are not sure if we will get to keep the carcass after everything settles down. I am taking note of the particularly charitable/funny/inventive ways of destruction, and will choose the proper method of disposal when the dust settles. If videos are made, it will be made public and links will be posted here. At this point, I am not expecting anything to happen for about a month. Right now, we still have not even received it back from the customer.

[Hindsight]

Ouch... surely there must have been insurance of some kind?

[Icebear]

I know advice isn't what you're looking for now, but before I destroyed that lens, I think I'd make sure you'd exhausted all the insurance avenues. If your lease agreement makes the renter responsible, he should report the loss to his insurer as a liability claim. If YOU have insurance on the beast, I'd be very surprised if your insurer wouldn't pursue subrogation against the renter (and his insurer). In any case, an insurer will demand the salvage. You prolly already know all this, but hey, maybe the shock affected your judgement.

:cry anyway.

[borrowlenses.com]

I have been getting some people saying that the insurer will want to keep the lens. I really hope that they don't. Imagine all the fun that Nikon users would have in seeing this loaded with some fire crackers. Or the tests we can do by shooting the fornt element with BB guns.

[Cuong]

So sorry to hear this. Can you set up the lens to focus sunlight to light the fuse of explosives strapped to the lens itself. Let's see how much explosive it'd take to bring down this L lens.

Cuong

[SloYerRoll]

If you get it back. My vote is for a long zip line, some fast pulleys and a steel pole at the end. Oh man the carnage.. You could set up a high speed camera inches away from the destruction!...

Can you imagine what kind of advertising that would be? It would hammer across youtube.. It might take time to pick up speed, but you can't pay for advertising like that. :D

[DJ-S1]

Will it blend? (http://www.willitblend.com/) :wink (http://www.willitblend.com/)

[SloYerRoll]

Will it blend? (http://www.willitblend.com/) :wink (http://www.willitblend.com/):rofl:rofl:rofl:thumb

[Icebear]

Will it blend? (http://www.willitblend.com/):wink (http://www.willitblend.com/)

Send it to Mythbusters and find out!!!

[TaDa]

Tie it to the back of a New York City cab and get the driver to drive around the block of B&H. I bet that you will have a good 20 people chasing that cab down the street

[bkatz]

You could always give it to Letterman to drop off a building:rofl

We know what would happen in his will it float series.....:D

How about dropping the fireworks/gun powder through the filter holder (just don't stand in front or behind the lens when it blows).......:clap

[Nikolai]

Good grief, dude, I'm sooo sorry to hear this...:cry
My sincere condolences!:dunno

[SavedByZero]

Just dry it out and it should work just fine. :rofl

[Nikolai]

Smashing idea:
go to some public event where a lot of people with a long glass gather. Prentend to start shooting, then get angry/upset about something, grab the lens, smash it on the pavement, kick it hard - and then leave...
All that with a silent partner or two filming it on HD...

[Nikolai]

Another idea: sell it to some Nigerian prince :wink

[Icebear]

Another idea: sell it to some Nigerian prince :wink

And only asking for to deposit $1200USD by Money Order for to insure goodest faith. Understand just to cover insurances and postals costings.

[Moogle Pepper]

I pray for it's lost soul. May the 600mm rest in peace. :bow

[Icebear]

Oh, and I was wondering if you'd care to tell us which monopod head NOT to buy?:D

[Manfr3d]

Options ...

1. Cut the lens in half and put it behind glass for display
2. Give the glass elements to diy astronomy geeks
3. Clean it and remove the electronics, voila MF f4 lens.

[Seefutlung]

sorta partial to the "blend" idea ... 600mm Salsa ... add a few Coronas and it's fiesta time ... (althrough I prefer Bohemia ... but for those with undeveloped tastes ... a Corona is good.)

Gary

[Pezpix]

Why do the good die young? Oh the humanity of a tasty piece of telefocal goodness gone to glass heaven.

[cmason]

I am thinking a little 'just revenge' would be interesting: something like a photo of a 600mm lens, crusted over with bird poop, with 3 or 4 seagull standing on it.

[SloYerRoll]

This thread is only a few hours old and already there are too many good ideas to pick from.....

[evoryware]

The thought of Calvin (from Calvin & Hobbes) peeing in it comes to mind...

I thought L was for indestructib"L"

[mmtoruno]

renter responsible, he should report the loss to his insurer as a liability claim.

:jawdrop First off Max, sorry for your loss.:nah

Accidents are unforeseen and unplanned events or circumstances. Yet this must be hard to swallow.
I hope your insurance company will handle this claim with compassion.
As for the renter if he/she did not buy the insurance from BorrowLenses
Hopefully he/she has a “Homeowners Policy” in force! As mentioned before this could be filed as a Liability Claim. “Peril” being damage. There is no deductible applicable on the Liability portion for Homeowners policy if that’s a concern.

I will stay tune, to find out the disposal method.

[leaforte]

I say have an Uhler Fest, before winter is over, chuck it on a hot campfire, while chanting, and sipping on craft beer made from cascade hops from the great northwest. Chant herfta hey, three times, herfta her three times, and than, ya shore ya betcha...and toss! Bummer.

[Bendr]

Wow, That sucks guys! hopefully you are able to get something worked out,

BTW, I like this idea, and the will it blend one...

Smashing idea:
go to some public event where a lot of people with a long glass gather. Prentend to start shooting, then get angry/upset about something, grab the lens, smash it on the pavement, kick it hard - and then leave...
All that with a silent partner or two filming it on HD...

Hmmm, as for other ideas, perhaps launch it from a cannon...

[tobers]

I like the idea of smashing it to pieces at a big sporting event, fashion show or whatever with loads of other photogs looking on. That really would be funny.

How about taking it to an animal park and appearing to accidentally drop it into an alligator infested pool - that would be a laugh too.

[Richard]

What a disaster. My condolences.

I would suggest recycling it somehow. Remove the guts and use the casing as an umbrella stand or perhaps a vase in your office. Attach a sign to it that says "Don't try this at home."

Regards,

[jww]

What a disaster. My condolences.

I would suggest recycling it somehow. Remove the guts and use the casing as an umbrella stand or perhaps a vase in your office. Attach a sign to it that says "Don't try this at home."

Regards,

..yeah.. I like that thought. Don't blow it up, just make it useful somehow. I think if it were up to me, I'd make some sort of trophy out of it. :thumb

Just a tragedy it happened... even if it was one of those white lenses. :D

[PackMule]

The MythBusters must have some good use for it. If not, I'd go for:


I like the idea of smashing it to pieces at a big sporting event, fashion show or whatever with loads of other photogs looking on. That really would be funny.




Bummer. :(:

[cmason]

strip out the glass, and use it as a fancy lens hood for your kit lens! Impress everyone.

[Red J]

It's just a Canon lens...



:wink

[cmason]

It's just a Canon lens...



:wink

Not anymore...

[SloYerRoll]

:thumbIt's just a Canon lens...



:wink:thumb

[SloYerRoll]

It would make a bangin hood ornament.

[AaronNelson]

Let use Know If It Hits Ebay Or Anything Like That :D


be looking for a referb 600mm coming soon :D
(direct from the nigerian prince)

[Red J]

1. If you do not have a fish aquarium, buy one.
2. Put the fish tank in your office.
3. Put the lens in the bottom of the tank.
4. Fill with water.
5. Stock with fish.
6. Write the story and print it on the wall.

[Shizam]

1. If you do not have a fish aquarium, buy one.
2. Put the fish tank in your office.
3. Put the lens in the bottom of the tank.
4. Fill with water.
5. Stock with fish.
6. Write the story and print it on the wall.

haha, I love it.

Sam

[com3]

//me subscribes

[borrowlenses.com]

Just putting in a few updates on this. I put them in the OP as well.

------------- Update 3 --------------------------

There has been a lot of questions on whether the customer renting this lens is now paying up the $7200 tab to buy us a new copy. I feel like this question is creating a lot of anxiety from potential customers, so I am answering it. No, the customer is not responsible for the full damage. He had insurance (purchased from us at time of rental) on this lens, so is only responsible for 12% of the cost of replacement.

This is all the comment I will give as far as insurance and the underwrites, etc.

---------------------- Update 4 --------------------------

A lot of people have been asking for donations to schools, sales as props, art projects, etc. Folks, we are in the process of negotiating with various parties involved. We are not sure if we will get to keep the carcass after everything settles down. I am taking note of the particularly charitable/funny/inventive ways of destruction, and will choose the proper method of disposal when the dust settles. If videos are made, it will be made public and links will be posted here. At this point, I am not expecting anything to happen for about a month. Right now, we still have not even received it back from the customer.

[gtc]

if you can get to keep the body don't destroy it- with a dismantle ,clean, lube and adjust and it will probably still function as a manual focus lens...

[OsirisPhoto]

...Right now, we still have not even received it back from the customer.

He's probably still sobbing over it with a screwdriver in one hand and his chequebook in the other :cry

[borrowlenses.com]

Some real lens snuff for your viewing pleasure. As you can see by all the water in the lens, it's fubar.

http://borrowlenses.smugmug.com/gallery/4337896_8tsBX#254473115

[David_S85]

Some real lens snuff for your viewing pleasure. As you can see by all the water in the lens, it's fubar.
http://borrowlenses.smugmug.com/gallery/4337896_8tsBX#254473115



Oh, the horror! The horror! Really sad to see photos of such a disaster. :cry

I did, however, enjoy the couple of shots where the lens was being inspected by the cat. Or was he smelling the scent of fish from the water stuck between the element groupings?

[Remford]

By the looks of things, we are going to write this off as a loss. Hood and hard case will be sold off. So far there is a plan to get a couple of guys together, take a sledge hammer to the lens and film it (ala Office Space). The results will be posted on YouTube for your viewing pleasure (horror?). Is that kind of like lens snuff films? :huh

--------------------- Update 3 -----------------

We are collecting ideas on the best way to destroy this lens. The video will be publically shared afterwards. Please let us know your thoughs. Dynamite is limited to whatever we can get at a fireworks shop.

Oh, man. Sorry to hear about the (Deep-Six) Hundred. Angels are weeping.

If you DO happen to run with the "Office Space", don't forget the soundtrack. It's key to realizing the full effect.

Though personally, I'd go with something more understated, like a planter. Or, you could use it as your own Candid Camera prop... you know... the guy next to you bumps your tripod, everything goes ass-over-tea kettle...

[com3]

turn it into a lamp attached to a tripod.

[DoctorIt]

As a veteran of many smashings (background: grad student with access to one of the best high-speed cameras money can buy ~50,000 frames/second, dubious amounts of "free" time goes without saying), I have a sneaking suspicion that the smashing of this rather sturdy piece of kit will be, well, a bit of an anticlimax. Most all the damage will happen inside, you'll be lucky if you can even get the outer case to crack.


But........

If you do go for a smashing. (1) Make sure you get access to a high-speed camera and (2) use something BIG!

:deal


Oh, and sorry to hear about the loss, glad you guys are looking on the smashing side :D

[geospatial_junkie]

Use the casing and make a trophy out of it... kind of like the Stanley Cup. Then award it to the top sports/wildlife shooter in the area every year. Let them keep it for a week on their mantle and get their name engraved on the side of it. :D

[com3]

Use the casing and make a trophy out of it... kind of like the Stanley Cup. Then award it to the top sports/wildlife shooter in the area every year. Let them keep it for a week on their mantle and get their name engraved on the side of it. :D

coolest game on earth!!

[divamum]

Ok, I'm really sorry for the damage to a MAJOR piece of kit and the business implications and what must be major hassle sorting it out with insurance, but.... this may be one of the funniest threads (and links) I've ever seen! I applaud your gallows humour. :clap

[Rocketman766]

Some real lens snuff for your viewing pleasure. As you can see by all the water in the lens, it's fubar.

http://borrowlenses.smugmug.com/gallery/4337896_8tsBX#254473115

Was that an empty vodka bottle on the back of the stove.... as a beginner here, I can't imagine what a loss like this would feel like. I love the idea someone had about acting frustrated and throwing the lens down in a big crowd..

[bobcan]

Jeez.. You guys are kinda mean today.. :huh .. but WITTY too!! :rofl :giggle

How about taking it to an animal park and appearing to accidentally drop it into an alligator infested pool - that would be a laugh too.

[Village Idiot]

Tannerite.

You tube it.

Apparently it's a legal explosive that you have to hit with a certain velocity to make it explode. I think you have to use a high powered rifle. There's a video of some one destroying a ford explorer with tannerite. An L lenses, even a 600mm, should be no problem.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tannerite

[koush]

I like the idea of spitting the dummy at a sporting event or something...and capturing the look on everyone's faces at the " carnage". or a mastercard commercial....:D

[LivingLarge]

Smashing idea:
go to some public event where a lot of people with a long glass gather. Prentend to start shooting, then get angry/upset about something, grab the lens, smash it on the pavement, kick it hard - and then leave...
All that with a silent partner or two filming it on HD...

After reading all posts...:rolleyes We have a winner!!!!:clap :barb :ivar Man, I really do mourn your loss, but heck, have some fun with it. If you cannot remove the electronics and turn that wonderful, expensive glass into a manual focus 600mm, then by all means, get a press pass and show up at the next Super Bowl with all the other long lens guys nad spend a while getting into the scene. Cuss and moan for the first quarter and make a few LOUD phone calls to the "lens shop". Then, proceed to take lens off camera and just MASH it tothe ground. I mean really WAIL on it. Beat the TAR out of it and then just walk away. Man, Priceless. :thumb

[hnjngo]

Some real lens snuff for your viewing pleasure. As you can see by all the water in the lens, it's fubar.

http://borrowlenses.smugmug.com/gallery/4337896_8tsBX#254473115

im gona ask .... why its on a cutting board?

[Jane B.]

As the my title says the thread started over a year ago! Surely something has been decided by now. How about an update of what actually happened?

Jane

[borrowlenses.com]

As the my title says the thread started over a year ago! Surely something has been decided by now. How about an update of what actually happened?

Jane

The update is that the carcass was sold to some one for around $400. We needed the money to recoup some of the loss of the lens. Not sure what the buyer did with it. We never heard from him again.

Mark.

[ziggy53]

The update is that the carcass was sold to some one for around $400. We needed the money to recoup some of the loss of the lens. Not sure what the buyer did with it. We never heard from him again.

Mark.

Thanks Mark. Let's hope you don't have to go through that again anytime soon. :thumb