- This topic is empty.
More lens repair – Sigma specifically, and a piece of wisdom
-
I learnt a valuable, if potentially costly, lesson the other evening, the lesson being that there if you think you’re high enough up the beach to put down your camera bag, think again and go another 10m or so, then another 5m for good measure.
I put down the back on what looked like dry pebbles (with the tide on the way out, and was in the process of getting gear out to put on the tripod, when a freak wave, not a big one, just one of those that keep going, came in. I saw with horror what was about to happen, and tried to grab the bag (open of course), but not fast enough. The result – a bag full of sea water. Luckily the camera was out around me neck, and I was able to wash off the contents of the bag in non salty water in a stream.
So to the point of the post, everything seems to have come through unscathed except for my Sigma 10-20mm. This got the worst drenching, and is not a happy bunny. On the 40D, it gives Err01 (ie the body can’t communicate with the lens), and on my old 300D Err99, which is never good news. It does work sporadically, which would suggest the electronics aren’t actually fried, so a few more days drying out might help, though I’m guessing a repair might be in order and would probably be cheaper than a new lens.
Does anybody have a number for Sigma servicing in Ireland? I have it in my head it’s down around west Cork or Kerry, but I haven’t been able to find where I saw that.
Thanks!
John
Sorry to hear this. Lesson learned I hope.
Water and electronics are never a good mix, but often times not fatal. However, salt water in electronics is almost sure to be fatal, even if all seems fine initially as corrosion will inevitably occur. I suspect the best option may be .to get it certified beyond repair and claim on the insurance.
Thorsten wrote:
However, salt water in electronics is almost sure to be fatal, even if all seems fine initially as corrosion will inevitably occur.
Yep, that’s what I’m ultimately afraid of! After a bit more scouting on the Sigma Japanese site, I did find that Hahnel down in Bandon seem to be the Sigma repair centre here, so I’ll see what they say.
John
kenmurphy wrote:
John
Hahnel are in Bandon and their phone number is 1850 351351
Thanks Ken, I spoke to Hahnel, and their opinion was that stripping down and replacing the motor etc would run me close to the price of a new lens, with no guarantees that things wouldn’t go pear shaped at a later date due to corrosion etc. I’m pursuing the insurance route at the moment.
John
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
