Dropped my Sigma
 

I dropped my camera bag in the sea last weekend at Whitby and lifted it out immediately but my Sigma 10-20mm fell out. Didn't notice at first, so a couple of minutes totally submerged. When I fished it out I literally poured water from it by shaking it.

Anyway a week later and it is almost dryed out, too soon to say what the damage is, but it is working. Took some pictures today of an area of grass to see if I could spot any marks on the picture and it looks good. I'll do a proper test in a few more days when it has finished drying out - but it does look like it is going to be useable again - totally amazing. :D

Derek. won't the salt water cause corrossion problems later. I would have been tempted when I got home to run it under fresh water to remove any of the salt and then put it to dry out.

I think salt residue may cause optical issues. If the lens is fully functional I would consider returning to a Sigma service centre for expert cleaning of all internal glass elements. I had this done with a Nikon zoom two years ago and only cost £80.

Salt will wreak havoc in due course so I endorse what Foxy says.

bad luck Derek...can only endorse the friendliness & helpfulness of Sigma UK

Hi Derek, I also endorse the above recommendations. Get it to Sigma as soon as possible-salt will cause havoc in the future. Do you have all risks insurance or new for old cover? If so - that may replace or repair it if necessary.

Rang Sigma UK service today. Told to look at my insurance policy because it will cost more to repair than it is worth. Best they can offer is a trade-in for a few pound less than a new lens.

I don't know if I'm covered on my house insurance, I'll need to check tonight.

the logic of this seems to be that if the salt water didn't hurt it and its now near worthless, give it a good soak in fresh water, redry and keep fingers crossed. In for a penny etc...take the first cover off first!

Another tack if you just happened to want another Sigma lens thats twice as expensive, you could try to pin the trade in value (they like to collect old lenses for spares) then ask for the new lens at cost; they like to keep customers sweet and it costs them nowt

Derek, if you do wash it yourself use distilled water and rinse it two or three times - again in distilled water. Then dry. This always worked with keyboards and coffee when I was working - then it was the sugar you were trying to get out.