Neville's Pic of the Day

[Neville Bailey]

I had a little disaster over the weekend...

As I was clambering over the rocks to take the picture of the surfer on Saturday, one of my lenses (35-80mm), popped out of my camera bag and fell into a shallow rock pool.

I immediately retrieved it before it had a chance to settle onto the bottom of the pool and wiped it dry on my shirt. Fortunately both ends of the lens were covered by caps. Since then I have cleaned the glass, as well as the connector pins and surface, with alcohol-based lens cleaner.

There does not seem to be any condensation forming on the inside of the glass, so it seems that the lens is quite water-tight and no water got inside the lens.

However, when I attach the lens to my camera, I battle to get the auto-focus to work (most times it does not work and the indicator days that I am on manual focus, even though the switch has been put on auto-focus).

Any suggestions on what I can do about it?

[Neville Bailey]

Mystery Flower by Neville A Bailey, on Flickr
This strange flower has blossomed in our garden – no idea what it could be?

[Neville Bailey]

Water Lily by Neville A Bailey, on Flickr
The water lily pond was as still and clear as a mirror today.

[Neville Bailey]

Hole in the Wall by Neville A Bailey, on Flickr
Took a detour to Thompson's Beach at Chaka's Rock today.


Rickety Stairway by Neville A Bailey, on Flickr
The enchanting Thompson's Beach

[Dave A]

I idly wondered with this one



and eventually took it as reflections.

But now I'm a little concerned:



Just two photos with a water-drop effect, or trouble brewing?

[Neville Bailey]

I'm not concerned about those effects Dave.

The first was simply light reflections off the water with a shallow depth of field and I kinda like the effect.

The second was a sun flare I think, due to the huge contrast in light.

Thanks for your concern though.

[Neville Bailey]

The Gallops by Neville A Bailey, on Flickr
Went down to Greyville Race Course early this morning and had sticky buns and coffee while watching the Gallops, in preparation for the Durban July.


Filly at the Gallops by Neville A Bailey, on Flickr
One of the fillies on parade at the Gallops this morning.

[Dave A]

Roll in the hay

That's a happy looking filly for sure

[Just Gone]

Shew ....... breathtaking pics ..............

[twinscythe12332]

hi neville, fantastic shots =)

Concerning your dropped lens, I once dropped my phone into a dog's water bowl for 10 seconds (before realising it was there). I switched it off, left it in a dry spot (inside my computer case... you'd be surprised at the wonders the slight heat does) and after 2 failed attempts to switch it back on, and about 18 hours later, I was able to get it back up and running. The lens is fine, as you said, but if the contacts have gotten damp inside the lens, then you might want to leave it in a dry area for a good while. Just my thoughts =)

[Just Gone]

Yes I agree .......... as with electronic equipment. If something gets wet - if it is off or if switched off quick enough you can prevent damage - sometimes a hairdryer does the trick, but as twin said above, leaving it to dry first is probably the best way to go first. I hope that you can save it Neville.

[Neville Bailey]

Barnyard by Neville A Bailey, on Flickr
I have been fascinated with this scene for years, whilst driving along the N3 in the Ashburton area, and today I pulled over and recorded the scene to share it with you.

[Blurock]

Nice touch with the "antique": colour.

[Neville Bailey]

Hmmm, I think I might head off to do some plane-spotting at King Shake International Airport at about sunset today - if I angle the shot so that the setting sun and the landing plane are both in the picture, that should look quite nice.

[Neville Bailey]

Dusk Landing by Neville A Bailey, on Flickr
Dusk plane spotting at King Shaka International Airport. Unfortunately I could not get the sunset effect, as there was a security fence in the way.