After working at the Gateway VC yesterday, I decided to take one of the back roads home to the rig. It was nearing 5:00, so a good time to try to see some more bears. I was not disappointed as far as seeing bears is concerned; I spotted five of them. What I was disappointed in was the fact that my 75-300mm telephoto lens stopped working. Aw shucks!
I couldn’t take any pictures using it, the camera started making an unusual pulsing motor type sound, and all I got was an error message. Had I been able to use the telephoto lens, you would have seen this bear with a full ear of corn in its mouth a lot more clearly. There was also an opportunity to get a wonderful shot of a mama bear and one of her cubs, but it was not to be. Aw shucks!
As I drove the perimeter route today to fill the pamphlet boxes, I noticed that the goldenrod was in full bloom everywhere I went. Since I was limited to my regular lens today, the rest of the photos tonight show the importance of the goldenrod to the insect world.
The error reading that I got on my camera said that the camera and the lens could not communicate with each other. Who would have guessed that parts of a camera talk to each other? Not me. Anyway, the error message also suggested that I clean the lens connections. I did that last night as soon as I got home.
Guess what? It didn’t make one bit of difference. It still didn’t work. That’s when I emailed Bayfield AL for any suggestions he might have.
I tried everything he suggested, but the result is the same. It won’t work. I even tried re-cleaning the connectors again tonight. By the way, everything works fine with the camera if I use my regular lens, so I’m thinking the problem is with the telephoto.
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I bought this used lens four years ago on eBay, and I have to say that finding myself without the option of using it last night and today left me somewhat saddened. I guess it’s like what someone that relies upon a smart phone or I-pad daily would feel if they suddenly found themselves without them.
Photography is a hobby that brings me great joy. It has helped me to slow down and enjoy more fully the natural world around me, so you can bet that I’ll continue to seek a solution to this little stumbling block. In the meantime, I have the next three days off. I need to figure out what little adventures Emma and I can go on before Friday rolls around.
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
Posts
You might not have your long-range lens but your close-up one is working great. Beautiful photos!
ReplyDeleteYou overcame the lens handicap very well. Nice pictures.
ReplyDeleteAw, hate when that happens...my camera and lenses are my lifeline to the nature world! Hope you figure out a solution. I just don't think camera equipment is as well made as it used to be, but I could be wrong about that. Wonderful photos with your close ups.
ReplyDeleteHey, I still got a kick from seeing Bear with the corn!
ReplyDeleteStill a good picture of that bear. I guess he is getting that ear of corn before the combine can :)
ReplyDeleteI must not live right. You see so much wildlife, Judy! At least I get to see it through your lens. Hope you can get your long lens fixed, but you do very well without it! I did see a red fox down at my son's house the other day. That's a big deal around Atlanta. Thanks for sharing your adventures.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get your lens fixed soon. Mr. Canon is in the fix-it shop right now. I had scratches or dirt on the inside of the lens. I know how you feel, I feel like I've lost my best friend. I can't wait until it comes back.
ReplyDeleteI would be sad too if my camera wasn't working. I hope you get it figured out.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos...even without closeups of bears! :)
ReplyDeleteAh, too bad about your lens. But still loved the goldenrod pictures and all the bugs and butterflies.
ReplyDeleteAw shucks is right! But these pictures are still great. I wish I were as skilled as you with cameras and lenses. When my camera has a problem, they don't even offer to fix it even if I pay. They just say buy another one. Hope you can find someone to fix your lens for you. Is 4 years good use out of a lens without a problem??
ReplyDeleteI feel your pain ... whenever I go out on a wildlife-specific trip, the dread of losing my long lens is always in the back of my mind. Hope you can get the lens fixed quickly, and without putting too big a dent in your wallet.
ReplyDeleteBummer, Belt! I didn't know that camera parts talk to each other. I do know that I talk to my camera a lot, often with four letter words... ;c)
ReplyDeleteGotta hate in when these new contraptions mess up. I thinking of going back to my Commodore 64 and Brownie Camera!
ReplyDeleteI know exactly how you feel. When I sent my Nikon Coolpix with the good zoom lens back for warranty work, I found taking photos wasn't as much fun. Most of the good shots are a bit of a distance, and I needed that zoom lens. I hope you can get it working soon.
ReplyDeleteHope you get the problem with your lens corrected. If not, I've picked up some pretty good deals on refurbished equipment at this place. http://www.keh.com/
ReplyDeleteI love the bear with the corn. So frustrating when the equipment doesn't work. But no matter what camera or lens you use, you still have the best pictures.
ReplyDeleteHope that the lens can be repaired.
ReplyDeletetoo bad about the lens..but you did a great job on the photos anyway!!
ReplyDeleteI understand well your feelings of not having that lens working. It just kind of hangs a dark cloud over one's mood for the day.
ReplyDeleteThis may be a dumb question, but are all of the switches on the lens fully seated in a position? Please keep the pictures coming, they are great.
ReplyDeleteThe forums on dpreview.com may have some ideas.
Please be careful on the road.
Rex
Aw schucks? Afraid Sam would have said a lot worse than that :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm with the other person..I never see what you do and your photos are always
so great. Regular lens or telephoto keep 'em coming
Donna
Al was just the one I was going to suggest until I read further on your blog...Time for a new lens..Photography is your passion!
ReplyDeleteAw Shucks is right. Thought you use that phrase (oof-da?). The problem could be within the lens itself, the camera body or something as simple as a smudged fingerprint on the lens mount contacts. If you know of a nearby camera store they might be able to help before you have to send it off somewhere.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures anyways. Are you going to look for a new lens?
ReplyDelete