Michael's Namibia report

[Paulo Bizarro]

Hi Michael,

I have enjoyed reading your latest report about your Namibia workshop. I am writing this topic because I have faced a similar experience with a 1 series camera shutter release button. In January 2005 I was camping in the Empty Quarter desert, in Oman. I have shot extensively with my trusty EOS 1V for the first day of the trip. Then, on the second day, I noticed that the shutter release button was not working.

Actually, it would require two presses to fire. Fortunately, the camera would work fine using the timer. Because I was using a tripod, it was not a big problem. Again, there was sand blowing around. Back in town, I send the camera for a clean-up and all was fine. It was the only time that the 1V has failed on me.

I am glad you enjoyed Namibia, I have never been there, but I am fascinated by deserts. There is also a good report on Namibia in the latest Travel Photographer’s Network website.

Cheers,

Paulo

[Kenneth Sky]

I'm wondering if it could be a heat related problem. Since Michael reported very little sand or dust in his camera either computer chip malfunction or more like the expansion of materials causing excessive friction. I'm just a doctor not a camera technician so what do I know?

[kbolin]

If there is one thing I took away from Michaels report is this.  Do not go on extended photo shoots with new untested equipment for a period of time.  

No disprespect to Michael with this comment as I would NEVER expect a lens to fall apart in my hands.  I'd be standing there fuming and shaking my head wondering "what the hell just happened to my lens?".

I'm off to Alaska in July as a test run for all my equipment before going to Africa in September for 3 weeks.  For both trips I'm buying my gear now and will have at least 4 weeks use with it before Alaska and then another 6 weeks before Africa.

Of course... Murphy could sneek in and decide I wore out the equipment already and I could experience a breakdown anyway.    

Kelly

[abiggs]

If there is one thing I took away from Michaels report is this.  Do not go on extended photo shoots with new untested equipment for a period of time. 

No disprespect to Michael with this comment as I would NEVER expect a lens to fall apart in my hands.  I'd be standing there fuming and shaking my head wondering "what the hell just happened to my lens?".

I'm off to Alaska in July as a test run for all my equipment before going to Africa in September for 3 weeks.  For both trips I'm buying my gear now and will have at least 4 weeks use with it before Alaska and then another 6 weeks before Africa.

Of course... Murphy could sneek in and decide I wore out the equipment already and I could experience a breakdown anyway.   

Kelly
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Kelly-

good thoughts, and something that all photographers should pay attention to. I look forward to seeing you on the Serengeti plains in September with your well-tested camera gear!

-Andy

[Mike Louw]

I'm wondering if it could be a heat related problem. Since Michael reported very little sand or dust in his camera either computer chip malfunction or more like the expansion of materials causing excessive friction. I'm just a doctor not a camera technician so what do I know?
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Another doctor here; we may not be camera technicians, but we're gods so we know everything  
Seriously though: I was born and bred in South Africa and have been to Namibia. The climate can definitely be extreme but I've never heard of a lens falling apart like that. I'd be more inclined to think that there was some vital screw missing!

[BradSmith]

Michael,
I had to write to tell you how much I enjoyed your report (as always).  And while I'm an avid photographer, it isn't the content that caused me to send this post.  It is your ability as a writer.  You are as good a written communicator...in this environment - the web...as I've come across.  You bring the conversational style of an intelligent expert to your writing that is wonderful.  

In addition to the skill, knowledge and passion for photography that you so obviously bring to your site, thank you also for your writing skills.
Brad Smith

[Kenneth Sky]

Mike
I was referring to the shutter problem on the Canon
Ken