Lost at Redondo: Nikon Camera in Ikelite Housing

[derekcs]

I was out diving at Redondo this afternoon with friends. The visibility was 5 feet, maybe. We were at about 40 ft on our second dive and north of Salty's (so directly in front of the beach area). If we were on the shallow line, it would've been closer to the first reflector piles.

As I was snapping a photo of a stubby squid, one buddy signaled to end the dive given the crappy viz. My buddies started to swim towards shore. Not wanting to lose them, I tried to keep a close eye on them and make sure we hit our safety stop, etc. In the confusion, my camera became untethered and I dropped it. Tried a basic search pattern, but the viz just wasn't doing anything to help. Will try again tomorrow morning if God willing the undertow hasn't swept it out.

At any rate, it's a Nikon D3100 w/ 18-70mm lens with one DS51 strobe attached and the dome port. Yes, it is insured. Yes, I still feel like an absolute schmuck.

In case you hear anything regarding it or happen to find it, let it know its owner is very sorry and wants it back desperately and then let me know.

[John Rawlings]

Oh, man! I shall be keeping my fingers crossed for you!!! May good fortune return and your system be back safely in your hands where it belongs....

- John

[airsix]

Yikes! That's a wonderful camera. I'm really hoping it finds its way home to you.

[derekcs]

So we went back this morning to try one more time. I was able to deduce its probable depth based on my computer's log and the depth at the point where we descended. Visibility was better, about 8-10 ft. We traveled about the same path as yesterday's dive. Within five minutes, I had found the camera. It still had battery power (after being left on overnight) and was able to take photos. I've got to check the dome port for scratches and clean the salt out real good, but otherwise, all appears well.

Very suspenseful 12 hours...

[airsix]

That's great news!

[mancub]

That is awesome! I bet you got the biggest smile in the world when you saw it.

[Linedog]

[dwashbur]

Congrats! Gotta love success stories like this one!

[WylerBear]

That's great! Congrats!

[karant]

Your experience could be a great success story for Ikelite housings and Nikon cameras! Amazing after 12 hours in the murk, that is was in a similiar location, and the batteries still had some charge. Good luck on the dome. If it is acrylic it is easy to rub out scratches.

[derekcs]

That is awesome! I bet you got the biggest smile in the world when you saw it.

Did the chest pound that NBA players do after hitting a big shot.

Your experience could be a great success story for Ikelite housings and Nikon cameras! Amazing after 12 hours in the murk, that is was in a similiar location, and the batteries still had some charge.

I was also thinking that. I wasn't surprised about the camera having charge. It uses very little charge if the LCD screen is inactive.

[John Rawlings]

Fantastic! I'm SO happy for you!!!!!

[Dusty2]

WooPeee!

I know how you feel having been there! Like the weight of the world is suddenly lifted. Don't forget to say thanks to the big guy for holding it there for you.

[airsix]

Good luck on the dome. If it is acrylic it is easy to rub out scratches.

For you photographers to file away in case you scratch a glass port someday: Cerium Oxide powder will polish the scratches out. MZbunchanumbers did this recently with good results. Stuff is cheap. You can grab a little baggie of it off ebay for a few bucks.

-Ben

[Blaiz]

Good luck on the dome. If it is acrylic it is easy to rub out scratches.

For you photographers to file away in case you scratch a glass port someday: Cerium Oxide powder will polish the scratches out. MZbunchanumbers did this recently with good results. Stuff is cheap. You can grab a little baggie of it off ebay for a few bucks.

-Ben

There's lots of things you can buy in little baggies off the internet...

(grats on the camera)

[Dusty2]

Good luck on the dome. If it is acrylic it is easy to rub out scratches.

For you photographers to file away in case you scratch a glass port someday: Cerium Oxide powder will polish the scratches out. MZbunchanumbers did this recently with good results. Stuff is cheap. You can grab a little baggie of it off ebay for a few bucks.

-Ben

There's lots of things you can buy in little baggies off the internet...

(grats on the camera)

Hmmmm, Speaking from experience??

[ktb]

Good luck on the dome. If it is acrylic it is easy to rub out scratches.

For you photographers to file away in case you scratch a glass port someday: Cerium Oxide powder will polish the scratches out. MZbunchanumbers did this recently with good results. Stuff is cheap. You can grab a little baggie of it off ebay for a few bucks.

-Ben

There's lots of things you can buy in little baggies off the internet...

(grats on the camera)

Hmmmm, Speaking from experience??

Well, she IS in pharmaceuticals . . .