While I was listening to the scanner waiting for 844 to head back into Denver, I heard this westbound leaving Denver. I have never tried the shot from Sheridan over the tracks, so I thought it was worth a go while I waited for 844.
While on the bridge composing the shot, I decided to swap the 135mm out for my FA 77mm. As I was doing that, some jerk laid on his horn and surprised me. In horror, I watched the lens fall to the bridge deck and roll off of the bridge to the ballast below.
Since the train was coming, I decided to wait to retrieve the lens until after he had passed. Since I had nowhere to go, and since I had paid a heavy price for this shot already, I somehow mustered up the motivation to bring the camera up to eye level and fire a shot or two.
After the train had passed (and two more jerks tried to scare me – another with his horn and a third yelling out the window “Don’t fall off the bridge!”), I hurried down the embankment and retrieved my lens.
Honestly, it did better than I thought it would. None of the glass had cracked and the aperture still worked. Unfortunately, the lens barrel was bent such that I can no longer focus the lens.
Any of you that have followed my photography know what my FA 77mm means to me. It’s beyond just a lens. It becomes an extension of me. If lenses are paint brushes, there’s simply none that I’d rather paint with. It’s a lens I can’t be without. Thanks to the generosity of a friend who loaned me some cash while I try to sell my Tamron SP 300mm f2.8, I’ve got another FA 77mm coming.
Some people are simply a waste of oxygen. I also get honked at frequently when shooting near a road. I sometimes wish I could ask one of those dolts that honk just what kind of solitary thought was bouncing around in their empty cranium. Ususally I just send them a signal indicating that I think they are #1.
A suggestion: when shooting near traffic, wear ear plugs–that way the horns will not be as startling (and the trains sound much less harsh as well).
And my condolences as well; I can totally empathise with you on this.
Yes Chris…So sorry to read of your unfortunate loss. I can imagine the shock you felt to see that treasured lens roll off the bridge…Must have been a helpless sensation.
You need to feel better. It could have been worse. Like this past sunday at trainfest in Rock Island. A groupe of railfans were chaseing the Nebraska Zepher in their car. Hit a sharp rainsoaked curve at 70mph. Rolled the car down a hill and stopped upside down on the tracks below. That pacing shot cost them a car and a camera. I wonder if it was worth it.
The big difference is that Chris was just minding his own business and not doing anything idiotic or illegal; now as for the FRN’s that rolled their car…well lets just say that they could have easily qualified for their own Darwin award.
Thanks, all for the kind words. The replacement lens is on it’s way as of this morning. I’ve got a couple nibbles on my 300mm (a lens I’ll also miss, but not nearly as much as my 77mm).
Ed - I did my best to make a dive for it, but I still was recovering from the startle, had another lens in hand and a brand new $1300 camera around my neck, so my reflexes weren’t as good as they normally would have been. Alas, I just had to watch it go. The lens is one of Pentax “Limiteds.” They’re built to old school standards (all metal and glass construction, no plastic anywhere!). The fact that I even have a little bit of hope to repair it with another parts lens is a testament to the build quality.
BaltACD - Thank you for the kind words.
John - Believe it or not, it’s just a case of a bent lens barrel. I think parts and labor would put it near the cost of replacement, so I’m just going to keep an eye out for another lens with fungus problems or something and try to make one good one out of two bad ones.
Jim - The earplugs are a good idea. I think I need to get a pair and throw them in a film canister and keep them in my camera bag.
Sam - That it does. Thanks for the kind words.
Quentin - The sensation was an odd one to say the least. As the lens plummeted, my stomach was traveling in a seemingly equal fashion in the opposite direction. It took awhile to get it out of my throat after the fact.
nwo4rf - While it could have been worse, I’m still upset about it. Like Jim mentioned, I wasn’t doing anything illegal at the time (though I will admit to trespassing after the train passed to retrieve the lens…I couldn’t let it go with out at least trying to see how it survived). Driving 70 on rain slicked roads is not my idea of railfanning. No picture is worth my life, or the lives of those around me. Safety must be paramount.
[:-^] Chris, I also suffered a loss of camera, a nice Minolta reflex type. We carried it with us while we were on the road trucking. At the west end of Flagstaff on a side road just leaving the fuel dump, saw a train coming E.B. . With cam in hand rolling to stop front wheel rolled into a pothole. The jolt knocked cam out of my hand on the window sill. Zoom lens did not zoom and shutter did not shutter anymore. Film door cracked open , film don’t like light does it. ~~~ 135.00$$ went south. Sorry to hear of your loss. This happned to me 7yrs. past. Respectfully, Cannonball
Wish I had a description of the offending vehicle. Probably one of those who doesn’t follow a flagman’s signAL while working in traffic or thinks it’s funny to honk/swerve at you/gun the engine while flagging in a construction or survey zone.
ps - know that bridge and the junction crossover to the west of there very well.
I did something similar and I don’t have anyone to blame but myself!
I was at the trestle of the Georgetown Loop, running to get into position for the train, when I tripped. I fell on my camera bag. It was padded, but not enough. I shattered the bakelite body of my antique stereo camera.
I too wanted an overhead shot of 844 as it passed through Greeley, but I got chased away from my chosen spot by a security guard. Grrr. Even NYC cops were more polite and understanding!
