So, this happened…

I was having an off week, and this was the proverbial straw:

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I was helping some friends out with a shoot, and went to change the cameras position on the tripod. We had taken the strap off earlier so we could mount the camera to a gimbal, and when I fumbled the camera I reached for a strap that wasn’t there. The camera fell, 6 feet, onto a concrete floor. Amazingly, the lens took the entire brunt of the fall, breaking in half and leaving the bottom barrel still wedged in the camera. I carefully unscrewed it to reveal that miraculously, the lens contacts (and indeed the entire camera) were completely undamaged.

I love the look on everyones face here, right after it happened. It looks like they're waiting to see if I explode or not.
I took this pic right after it happened to test my autofocus. I love the look on everyones face; it’s like they’re waiting to see whether I’m going to explode or not.

I finished the shoot, using another lens, got home, and freely confess that I treated myself to a good long cry.  Tito was super supportive, and reasoned that we could break out a little from our wedding savings to replace the lens (see why I’m marrying him?) so on Saturday I treated myself to this:

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That is Canons 100mm prime f2.8 L-series lens. It’s gorgeous, fast and sharp. I haven’t really had a chance to test-drive it yet, but I’m shooting in (and blogging from) beautiful downtown Montreal this week so it’s time to take it for a spin!

It’s probably the saddest I’ve ever been while purchasing a lens, but it died while bravely protecting a 5D Mark III from harm, and you can’t ask for a better end. In memory of that lens, here are some of the best pics I ever took with it.

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9 responses to “So, this happened…”

  1. TextileRanger Avatar

    What amazing photos! Your lens had a good life before it was cut tragically short. :) Looking forward to seeing what the new lens can do too!

  2. gladeridercrafts Avatar

    Oops! But at least iut had a lovely life :) I especially love that photo of the ladybird :)

  3. Jerry Curtis Avatar
    Jerry Curtis

    Some gorgeous macros with that dearly-departed lens, Shireen. I can see why you were so upset to lose it.

  4. Amanda Avatar

    Oh, I love the ladybug photo! Rest in peace dear lens…..

  5. Aims Avatar
    Aims

    Oh Shireen! How heartbreaking! A person gets attached to these precious things and your heart hurts when these things happen. Incredible – beautiful – shots. I hope your next one gives you as much happiness as this one did. Truly.

  6. The Blue Brick Avatar

    Thanks for the kind words everyone :) I used the new lens for a bit today while shooting interviews – not the most challenging subject but enough to see that it truly is a worthy replacement!

  7. rkb665 Avatar

    Ouch! A definite disaster on a shoot, and I can understand the tears. I too like the looks of trepidation on the guys’ faces. Lovely, posthumous photos too.

  8. Gary Thomas Shepherd Avatar
    Gary Thomas Shepherd

    I am very glad to hear how everything turned out at the end. (thanks Tito). I can easily relate to how this must have felt. And despite the bad times, Shireen immediately moves on taking more great shots. :)

    1. The Blue Brick Avatar

      Thanks Gary :) And yes, isn’t he a gem?

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