Mamiya 7ii dove off a cliff

JayC

JayC

5 kids,3 dogs,only 1 wife
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Jun 15, 2005
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So the strap on my Mamiya 7ii and 65 f4 failed as I was on a hike. It was at the crowded beginning of the hike. I heard a bounce, looked down and saw the camera begin to roll through the brush on the side of the trail. I just stood there along with the bystanders, and hoped it would settle against a stump or something. Well, it didn't, and the last roll sent it off a sheer cliff of around 100 feet.

We continued our hike and after a few hours circled back to look for the camera. Somehow we found it, but it was not in a pretty state. The lens looks ok, just a little stiff to focus. The body is in a bad way. There is a lot of damage. The thing that appears to be the most problematic is the grip is bent in towards the lens. I think the underlying metal chassis is bent. I would post pics, but you would cry. I will spare you of that.

My insurance for this has a $1000 deductible. If Mamiya says the camera is toast, I would be able to get a brand new set up from them for the cost of my deductible. How would you handle this:

1. send the camera to Mamiya just to see what they say. Maybe repairs will be less than the $1000. That would be a good thing for me.

2. sell it as is for $________, and take the money to put towards a used set up. How much can one get for a damaged camera anyway? Maybe even opt for a less expensive camera to help with the cash outlay.
 
From your description, it doesn't sound like it would be repairable, and even if it was, the film plane might not be straight. And that would relegate it to lomography status.

Frame it up in a box frame and hang it on your wall next to some of your favorite hiking or climbing pics Then buy a replacement on ebay. That's what I'd do.
 
I know it's too late for this, but in the future you should get camera insurance that covers the 100% replacement cost. USAA does this for me.
 
I would send the lens to Mamiya, making sure it's well adjusted again.

The body is toast, I'd sell it on ebay as parts and get another one with a thick strap.
 
I'd probably get Mamiya to take a look, if they say it's a write off, and you can get a brand new 7II with lens for $1000, I'd go with that.

Makes me think about getting some insurance though.
 
Ouch!

Ouch!

If repaired, it would always nag me to wonder if it was really back to 100%

You just described one of my worst nightmares. I applaud your apparent calmness over the incident. I would still be crying at the side of the cliff bemoaning the loss of the camera.

I am curious though, to find out what happened to the strap. If it was worn and snapped, c'est la vie. But if it came apart unexpectedly, would want to know the details to avoid just such an incident.

Thanks for sharing.
 
Will the insurance pay the full retail of a new one? If so, pay the deductible and get the insurance money, then buy a used one. New, that's a $4k package based on MAC retail prices. Even with $1k deductible, that's still $3k to spend on used gear, which will easily cover an M7/65/80/150 probably, with change left over.
 
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These don't show the worst of it. The bottom under the grip took the worst of it. That is where the grip seems bent in towards the lens and the bottom is all cracked. I just packed it up and sent it off to Mamiya. I await their decision...
 
Seen worse in the bargin bin at a flea market - they may be able to salvage something. About that strap ..... ?
 
KenR said:
About that strap ..... ?
Click to expand...

Alright, alright. Below is a photo of a less than secure method of joining two ends of a camera strap to make a loop. Please, hold the "what a maroon" comments. My hindsight is rock solid now. :dance:

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I assume your talking about your home owners insurance policy. When my Leica outfit was stolen (and I had a $1000 deductable) they wouldn't give me cash but had a thrid party buy me a new outfit. I was happy. If I was you I'd get an estimate for repair stating not repairable and give it to your insurance company.
 
I gotta say, read your first post and thought the camera would be nearly unrecognizable. Came back today and saw the pictures, and think the M7 held up quite well given the fall it took. I especially surprised the lens is in one piece and didn't get sheered off the camera by the fall.

Sorry about what happened. I got a second hand M7ii in December, and absolutely love it (and the 65mm). Hope the insurance or Mamiya come through and you can replace without too much out of pocket.

Jeff
 
I would have thought more damage than this. In Feb of 09, Super Bowl Sunday. My E3 fell 30ft off of a bridge. Only problem I went with it. The camera was fine after my coworkers had it cleaned. The lens sheared off though. Me, I was in a comma for eight weeks, rehab three months and am still dealing with minor health issues.
Cameras are tougher than you would think. I agree though. I think a new camera is in order.
 
Force at impact has to do with size and weight and a camera is a relatively small and light object. Guess in this case it was a good thing that the camera isn't big and heavy.

I hope it all works out for you, Jay!
 
Send it to Mamiya - with the crap strap. Maybe they will have some pity on your since their equipment failed.

@cosmonaut - WOW! Glad you are healing up.
 
Better the camera to have taken a 100 ft plus tumble than the photographer plummeting. You'll live to shoot another day. Sorry for your mishap. Good thing for insurance.
 
Just heard bak from Mamiya:
body:gone, toast, beyond repair.
65mm lens: repairable at $440

MAC will keep my damaged camera and sell me a brand new body for $1800.

Decision time.
 
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