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02/08/2008 11:22:07 AM · #1 |
A couple of words on gear -
in a pinch, look for a cheap D70 if you want something to hold you over for a bit until D3 or D300 prices come down. At least you can still use the lenses.
Glad you didn't hit him with the tripod. If you had, you probably would have been too slow to be effective and your camera would have been wrecked with the lens... I also doubt that it would have hurt enough to be effective. I've always felt that if the person is there for a reason other than being crazy (ie genuinely criminal), they won't give up very easily.
Think too about this. Digital cameras have become mainstream enough that most people wouldn't be too easily fooled by a roll of film. Especially if they can see a huge LCD on the back of the camera. However, I might consider offering to the guy to have a look at the pics. Or straight out offering the card and walking away.
I have had some experience with 'criminal types' and they aren't usually as dumb as one might be led to think... 'Fumbling a bit' with the camera and handing them some swapped out bit of film or card doesn't really work in practice if faced with a serious criminal.
If it's in the hours between 9:00 to 2:00 or 3:00, you are likely to find drunkards, junkies, and other petty types. Anything later than that and you stand a pretty real chance of meeting some higher end criminals. These won't likely be 'high', drunk or stupid.
I would just level with them. The fact that he didn't walk over and just take you out immediately probably tells you that this was not his intent. He probably had done something a bit 'quasi-legal' and wanted to grab evidence. If you were carefully vague with your speech, you could likely get through something like this by being quite direct and showing the guy exactly what you were doing, removing yourself from his perception of threat.
Hindsight is 20/20 and I remember acting much the same when I accidentally made a wrong turn fairly late at night many years ago due to the stress of the incident, but there are probably a few things that might have been done differently to diffuse the situation. Running isn't always your best option.
ETA: there have been quite a number of threads regarding "hydrophilic" cameras with good suggestions as to how to do something on your own to try to improve the situation. Probably the best is to do a distilled water bath and extended dry. Absolute must - make sure you find the second battery in the cam (time/date battery). There still may be hope!
Message edited by author 2008-02-08 16:13:54. |
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02/08/2008 11:17:19 AM · #2 |
| Aside from bringing me along, Scalvert's idea is the best (and a lot less expensive). Bring some film and give it to him. More importantly, toss the film on the ground. Do Not hand it to him. Run (or kick him in the head hard) when he goes for the film container (or wallet or purse). I was sorry to read your story Enzo. I hate bullies. Glad you're OK. I think you acted pretty well considering the circumstance. |
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02/08/2008 10:36:44 AM · #3 |
Originally posted by fir3bird:
Originally posted by gattamarta:
[
Some time ago I read an article going deeper in the topic, among the other stating that if you have a gun in your house you have about double the chances of dying for a gun shot than one who does not own a gun, but I can't find any reference, sorry.
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I read a similar article stating that if you had a bed in your house you were ten times more likely to die in the bed, than if you kept beds out of your house. Again, as you, I'm not able to find any reference.
LOL |
you know also what? 100% of breathing people die: stop breathing now if you want to live!
anyway, I finally found some reference in the New England Journal of Medicine, but I'd suggest to end the off-topic here, if anyone is particularly interested in continuing this discussion may start a new thread...
@Enzo:
I'm really sorry for the bad experience you had, I hope you'll forget it soon with the help of a brand new camera! |
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02/08/2008 09:33:04 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by gattamarta:
[
Some time ago I read an article going deeper in the topic, among the other stating that if you have a gun in your house you have about double the chances of dying for a gun shot than one who does not own a gun, but I can't find any reference, sorry.
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I read a similar article stating that if you had a bed in your house you were ten times more likely to die in the bed, than if you kept beds out of your house. Again, as you, I'm not able to find any reference.
LOL |
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02/08/2008 09:29:56 AM · #5 |
A couple of random comments from the above posts:
--I really like the idea of screaming like a girl (if you're a guy, if your a girl I don't this will have as good of an effect).
--"Officer down" is an interesting idea (good thing I have a radio and call call the police dispatcher directly.
--Flashing lights and/or horn...this one is great for me since I have a siren and all sorts of emergency lights on my van.
--Windows up 3/4..not going to happen in the summer (my A/C doesn't work)
--Pepper Spray...Don't own it, but if I fart it will drive anyone away (just ask my wife and daughter).
--Swinging the tripod...that would work, but since the tripod mount on my camera is stripped I don't bring my tripod anywhere anymore *pout*
--Gun...Don't own any except for a paintball and water guns.
--Screaming fire and/or rape works, but screaming fire can possibly cause you legal troubles later if you cause a panic (but who cares if it saves your life).
--Drop the gear and run...works for me since none of my stuff is worth much. However, don't drop the gear, throw it (the opposite direction you're going to run, preferably at the person coming after you).
--Lastly, bring your own paparazzi to take pictures of the incident.
Enzo, again, I'm glad you're okay and can now look back at this in something instead of stark terror.
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02/08/2008 09:06:09 AM · #6 |
| Thanks, some great info in there. I'll have to read through when I have more time as I looking more specifically for stats based on those who carry concealed firearms for protection(non law enforcement) and the rate of accidents and accidental deaths based on those individuals. Trevor~ |
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02/08/2008 08:51:57 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by trevytrev:
Do not take a gun though, please. You will more than likely get shot yourself, through self infliction, or by them.
Not really wanting to start this into a gun or no gun debate but could you provide how you came up with this statement. Is there some stat that I don't know about that shows that people who arm themselves with a firearm are more likley to be shot by themselves or a criminal when attacked? I would be interested to read the study showing supporting information to your statement. Trevor~ |
US Department of Justice
You can find here some statistics: you'll see that the firearms deaths in the US for each year are divided into 4 cathegories: unintentional, suicide, homicide, undetermined.
Homicides cover less than half of the total and probably the killer already owns the gun he'll use. I think this means that your gun is more dangerous than any killer's as it is more likely to kill you or members of your family by accident or on purpose (suicide).
Some time ago I read an article going deeper in the topic, among the other stating that if you have a gun in your house you have about double the chances of dying for a gun shot than one who does not own a gun, but I can't find any reference, sorry.
Anyway, the US gov statistics may be interpreted in a different way than I did, but I cannot see any support for the thesis that owning a gun makes you safer. Look at the statistics for children of 14 and under...
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02/08/2008 06:14:32 AM · #8 |
| Trev, , I am giving sound advice on a subject that I know about. We could PM if you want, but not going into this on this thread. |
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02/08/2008 03:56:01 AM · #9 |
| re: the lenses...I LOVE my 105mm and wish I had the 150mm as well...get both :) |
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02/08/2008 01:58:51 AM · #10 |
Just glad you're ok! Crazy experience which will hopefully help others too - thanks for sharing your experience w/us. I think Yakatme has a good idea - if you have the time for a class and it will help your in a healthy way too. Sucks about your D200! I would freak if I dropped mine in water but that's what insurance if for.
Consider this: for the next month or two, watch your mirrors while driving for vehicle followin you - it could be any kind of vehicle or you may notice the same one each day. I've taken training like this and here's some things to remember.
1. Watch your mirrors - especially at traffic lights (for someone coming up next to you on foot or on a motorcycle between lanes)
2. Don't let yourself get boxed in - especially at a traffic light - leave yourself plenty of room in front so you can pull away if needed
3. Do Not take the same route to work every day - vary your times and your routes - be unpredictable
4. Remember to use your horn or flash your lights to attract attention in your direction if you suspect someone approaching your car
5. Keep your windows at least 3/4's rolled up - especially on the driver's side
This may sound like I live a paranoid life! LOL! I don't but I do pay attention. After driving in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, I know it's an advantage you don't want to give to this dude just because you weren't paying attention.
Hopefully, nothing will come of this and your beloved Nikon will come back to life! I'm sure all will be well.
Cheers,
Red
-Sidebar-
How do you like your Sigma 105/2.8? I'm considering this same lens or the Sigma 150/2.8 for Macro work. Opinions?
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02/08/2008 01:25:53 AM · #11 |
Running and screaming like a little girl helps a lot too. Most people are completely shocked and stand still long enough for you to escape when a grown man starts screaming.
Oh that's a classic idea - I would LOVE to see Enzo practice this - perhaps at the Melbourne Group - GRIN! |
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02/08/2008 01:21:20 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by electrolost:
Another good thing is if you get to the point were you are getting you arse kicked start screaming into your shirt officer down officer down... |
LOL! I will use that next time...oh, hang on! there won't be a next time! I did get a laugh out of that...thanks :) |
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02/07/2008 10:30:54 PM · #13 |
Do not take a gun though, please. You will more than likely get shot yourself, through self infliction, or by them.
Not really wanting to start this into a gun or no gun debate but could you provide how you came up with this statement. Is there some stat that I don't know about that shows that people who arm themselves with a firearm are more likley to be shot by themselves or a criminal when attacked? I would be interested to read the study showing supporting information to your statement. Trevor~ |
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02/07/2008 10:04:11 PM · #14 |
| Another good thing is if you get to the point were you are getting you arse kicked start screaming into your shirt officer down officer down... |
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02/07/2008 09:52:01 PM · #15 |
I just read this story. I am so sorry that you had to go through this. Very scary. Talking about it can really help.
Here are a few thoughts for all of us to ponder as your story could happen to anyone of us.
Always, take something with when you go out alone, pepper spray is good, as it is a direct aim at them and you can shoot it blindly when you are running away.
Cell phone for obviouse reasons.
Running and screaming like a little girl helps a lot too. Most people are completely shocked and stand still long enough for you to escape when a grown man starts screaming.
Screaming Fire and or rape is usually the thing that gets noticed more so than help.
If you get caught, then use what you have as a weapon, the tripod can cause some bad cuts if swung violently, the camera at this point is turned into a weapon, swing it, use it as an extension of your fist. Bite, scream, scratch, go for the eyes, go for the nuts. Most of us wear boots when we go out, use them and stamp on their shin bones, feet. Do whatever it takes to break a grip that a person has.
Always, carry your keys, ready to go in your pocket. I highly recommend a pepper spray, tie it onto your bag and make sure it has a quick release cap, a tazer wont work as the public ones you have to get up close to make them work.
And the most important thing, your cameras and 'stuff' can be replaced, just drop it if it is what that person is really after. You can not replace LIFE
Do not take a gun though, please. You will more than likely get shot yourself, through self infliction, or by them. |
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02/06/2008 11:35:24 AM · #16 |
I am just reading this post now - I am glad you are all right, Enzo. Scary stuff.
Thank God is right!
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02/05/2008 11:25:16 PM · #17 |
Glad you're okay!
They might being in something really illegal, or were in a mob meeting or stuff like that. Don't you think to talk to a police officer and handle them the pictures just in case? |
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02/05/2008 01:45:15 PM · #18 |
An Amazing trip you have had over a photo, the main tribute to you is the way you handled the situation and kept your resolve through the whole experience, you may have had the tremors and thought for your life, but in this case it was not your turn, and god looked after you.
The camera is a replacable item, you are not.
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02/04/2008 07:51:08 PM · #19 |
| Nightmare, glad you're OK! |
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02/04/2008 04:21:51 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by SandyP:
Oh Enzo!!!!!!!!! I am heartbroken that such a terrible experience happened to you! I'm so sorry about your camera, but so thankful you were protected from being harmed. Cameras can be replaced! But you can not!
You will be in my prayers until the trauma of this goes completely way -- and until you feel safe that this thug is no threat to you.
(((( hugs )))) |
Thanks for your lovely email Sandy ( SandyP) |
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02/03/2008 09:55:52 PM · #21 |
Oh Enzo!!!!!!!!! I am heartbroken that such a terrible experience happened to you! I'm so sorry about your camera, but so thankful you were protected from being harmed. Cameras can be replaced! But you can not!
You will be in my prayers until the trauma of this goes completely way -- and until you feel safe that this thug is no threat to you.
(((( hugs )))) |
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02/03/2008 07:55:45 PM · #22 |
Originally posted by trevellie:
wow what an awful experience, i'm sorry you had to go through this, looking at your photographs you must not let this experience hold you back in any way, time to get a new camera - perhaps on credit? the d80 can perform as well as the d200, less features but mainly in my opinion those which are not often needed, also its a fair amount cheaper, perhaps you could get yourself a tough looking dog for those quiet times of night/morning, you dont want to miss out on those pictures which make yours stand out by taking them at unsociable hours, upmost respect to you for making the effort to get out with the camera at that time, good luck to you :) |
Thank you for that...if you look at my portfolio you will see I have a tough looking dog called Millie :-) actually she is a dog wanting to be a kitten! |
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02/03/2008 07:35:13 PM · #23 |
| wow what an awful experience, i'm sorry you had to go through this, looking at your photographs you must not let this experience hold you back in any way, time to get a new camera - perhaps on credit? the d80 can perform as well as the d200, less features but mainly in my opinion those which are not often needed, also its a fair amount cheaper, perhaps you could get yourself a tough looking dog for those quiet times of night/morning, you dont want to miss out on those pictures which make yours stand out by taking them at unsociable hours, upmost respect to you for making the effort to get out with the camera at that time, good luck to you :) |
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02/03/2008 07:20:32 PM · #24 |
Originally posted by sherpet:
Special thanks to  DrAchoo for linking this thread to me.
I am so sorry to read this story Enzo, and feel for you.
It was a terrable situation to be in, and you handled it with so much care and safty.
I am so sorry for you loss of your camers but you still have your precious life and that is so important.
Take care dear friend.
love shez and pete |
Thank you Sherryl and Pete...you have been a great friend to many of us here. I always knew I could count on you. |
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02/03/2008 12:58:38 AM · #25 |
Special thanks to DrAchoo for linking this thread to me.
I am so sorry to read this story Enzo, and feel for you.
It was a terrable situation to be in, and you handled it with so much care and safty.
I am so sorry for you loss of your camers but you still have your precious life and that is so important.
Take care dear friend.
love shez and pete
Message edited by author 2008-02-03 00:59:05.
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