Digital Photography Tips from the Top Floor

Chris · Last edited by Chris on Fri Jul 21, 2006 1:41 pm; edited 10 times in total

Update Tuesday, Jul/12:

€ 2700,-

Shocked

Update Thursday, Jul/06:

€ 1617,- ... *bonk* (that was me falling off my chair)

Update Tuesday, Jul/04:

When I opened my PayPal account this morning, I though I was still dreaming. You have donated over 700 Euros so far. I'm speechless and deeply moved, I don't know what to say. I would have never expected such a surge of help coming my way..

This has given me the confidence to get moving, so this morning I went to our local geek paradise (Saturn) to buy a new laptop, and a new Canon EOS 5D (my apologies to all Nikonians, I didn't make the switch). It hurts to shed out so much money in one sitting, but the amount of support I'm getting from all of you really helps me take that deep breath and say: "What the heck, life goes on! Chris, get your sorry butt up, and get moving!"

Thank you all! I don't know what I would've done without you.

The Story So Far, Friday, Jun/30

Got burgled at the top floor productions headquarters during the last night (Jun/29-30/2006).

He/she/they took the following items:

Canon EOS 5D (brand new)
Serial nr: 0930600355

Canon EF 80-200/2.8L (5 years old)
Serial nr: 27798

Zenitar 12mm Fish-Eye

The camera bag and all its contents

A SAMSUNG R50 laptop (6 months old)
Serial nr: 285F93YB01257

I need your help!

If you happen to run across any of these items (serial numbers are listed above) on eBay (I guess eBay Germany, possibly Europe-wide would be good guesses) or on any other trade platforms or forums, please let me know about it as soon as you possibly can.

If you are on any other photography forum, please help me spread the word about this thread.

If you happen to be incredibly rich and a huge fan of tips from the top floor... nah, just kidding! Smile

The biggest !@#@ about this is that I was just about to insure the whole lot (emphasis on just about to...)

Details:

The burglar came in through a company next door, then forcibly broke open the door to my studio. They apparently didn't take anything but the cam, laptop, lens and camera bag, they even didn't make a mess. Must've been less than a few minutes.

It happened between yesterday 10pm and 11am today.

I will update this thread with new information as things emerge.

(Luckily I recorded today's show yesterday already...)
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ravsitar · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 1:52 pm Post subject:

Though it's not a good time for a joke... it'll make you feel better....

You could use this opportunity to jump to the dark side and replace that 5D with a nice D200 Twisted Evil

Seriously though, just holler if you need anything more (like a show for Monday or a pound of Cow candy).
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rstein · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 1:53 pm Post subject:

Oh $§%t!

Was there something stolen in the other shop? This looks like someone knew what to find where.

To bad about the insurance. Sad

Rolf
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Lee · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 2:57 pm Post subject:

Before I post the following, you know how AWFUL we feel for you. Having had this happen, it made me physically ill to hear it. You feel so violated! I assume you have pawn shops in your area...they can often turn up stolen items as well. Thieves can be pretty damn stupid at times. Please keep us updated.

And at the risk of ANOTHER bad joke, maybe it's time to come into the light and buy a Mac Book Pro with its dual boot capability... Wink

(Whatever you do, DO NOT listen to Ravsitar's evil suggestion. I know you will not.)

Kavey · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 4:32 pm Post subject:

Chris, we've already spoken via IM this morning, but let me just reiterate how sorry I am to hear it and how much I hope the police are able to apprehend the thief and recover the stolen goods.

Will keep an eye out on ebay. I wish there was a way we could all help but I appreciate there's not much we (or you) can do!

In the meantime, here is a reminder of the contents of Chris' camera bag - I'm sure Chris can readily replace the pringles lid and clothespin Very Happy

but I thought if anyone had a spare of any of the missing items that they might be able to send them in Chris' direction?

http://www.tipsfromthetopfloor.com/wp-content/bag_contents.jpg

We do have a 32 MEG CF card you're welcome to have, though I'd imagine it won't be much use given in terms of number of images it can hold (will it even hold 1?). But if you think it might be of any use I'll pop it in the post. Not much help though, in the grand scheme of things. I have a couple of spare camera bags too from the days before I switched to backpacks.
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Lee · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 4:46 pm Post subject:

Kavelina,
thanks for posting this pic, and that reminds me, I have:
one spare battery, and
a 1GB card.
Shall I send them? Would be happy to.

Kavey · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 4:46 pm Post subject:

Had a search on ebay using Advanced Search - searched on "5D" for any items added in last 24 hours anywhere in Europe and then same search for Germany only.

The listings I found all look legit to me.

Will keep checking periodically.
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TIm · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 4:53 pm Post subject:

*$%^ man That sucks - I'm sorry

If there's anything else, let me know.
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Alex · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 5:12 pm Post subject: Truly sorry to hear your bad news

Chris, sorry to hear about your unfortunate event last night. I would imagine if something like that happened to me, I would probably just start crying like a little girl Sad

(and thats ultra rare for me).

It does sound like someone who new what you left there every day, possibly someone from the shop next door or someone that did work at your place.

Not to put lemon on your fresh cut, but why would you leave your cameras, bag, and laptop at your place of work. I don't know of anyone that would leave those thinks at their business unless they were locked up in some sort of safe. Lights and other studio setup I can understand leaving at the business, but cameras, lenses and laptops should come home with you every night. -- just my 2 euros for your next set of equipment. (Don't hate me for point this out).

I don't have much equipment, but would be happy to donate some kind of monetary funds to help you start getting some of your equip replaced.

Keep your spirits high.

Not to poke fun, but I guess you can't keep Shoooting now. Sad

Mussakka · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 5:15 pm Post subject:

HOLYS**T!!! Mad

That sucks so bad it's not EVEN funny.

It sounds like whoever took the stuff knew exactly what they wanted and had likely been in the studio before. The fact that none of your other equipement is missing is a huge red flag.

Keep us posted, Chris. I'm not rich by any means, but I'll be glad to help in any way I can.
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Lee · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 5:53 pm Post subject:

Maybe someone (a trusted forum member) would volunteer their PayPal account for us to make donations into if we wanted to? I've done this in the past (for the 100th show) and could if need be, but TBH I've been asked to see if someone else would like to come forward for this. It means your account would be used for others to make donations (i.e., you won't be able to use it for yourself until donations are finished).
Anyone interested? Or any other suggestions?

ravsitar · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 5:54 pm Post subject:

zamon · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 6:13 pm Post subject:

REALLY sorry to hear about the burglary Chris. It really SUX! I can't find words strong 'nuff to tell you how I feel about what has happened to you!

I sure hope they will find the person/s who did this and hopefully find all your stuff there intact!
Keep us posted!!

-----------
One word of advice though, DON'T listen to Lee about the MAC, go PC!! *smile* and I would do as Ravsitar says and get a nice D200 =)
-----------
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appu · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 7:19 pm Post subject:

Chris, this is really awful and I feel terrible for you. If something like this happens to me <shudder> I probably would just bury myself and die.

However, I trust the German police to help you find your way out of this mess, and more importantly, I hope it does not throw a wrench into your business. That'd be really bad.

On the PayPal thing, wouldn't it be possible for us to donate directly to Chris' PayPal, if he has one? Maybe he can create one without too much trouble? I don't think I will be able to help you in kind, but a cash donation I can certainly make.

On the lighter side, Germany have just progressed through to the semis, and I hope you can find some joy from that, for the time being atleast.

Regards,
appu
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zerone · Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2006 8:31 pm Post subject:

Oh man..I'm really sorry to hear that Chris. It just makes me so mad thinking about the thief and how you were so excited with your 5d. Sad

will do random searches on the net.
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