Chamonix etc. Stolen in Medford OR

[Peter Langham]

Nice, John.

[Jim Cole]

Great news!

[tangyimail]

Wow, awesome, happy for you John.

[Zaitz]

Fantastic! I honestly didn't expect to come back to this thread with this outcome, really great news.

[mandoman7]

Fantastic! I honestly didn't expect to come back to this thread with this outcome, really great news.

That makes about 10 of us.
Its not often that you get an awakening like this without suffering the full penalty. I don't want to tempt Murphy's Law and get too happy before I have the stuff back in my possession, but I'm truly relieved that I don't have to go buy all those filters and cable releases, not too mention the lenses and digital spotmeter.
I should mention that the sympathy and generosity that were offered by members of this community were quite touching actually. Colin Graham and Peter Lanham, in particular, went beyond the call of duty towards helping me get back in the saddle. Its worth noting that there are some quality people participating in this forum

[mandoman7]

Well, the saga has concluded with my successful retrieval of basically all of the lost camera equipment. There's still some items missing, clothing, blanket, canon digital camera (cheap), but nothing that's irreplaceable or costly.
In the lowepro bag was the 4x5 Chamonix, 6 lenses from 75 to 360, pentax digital spotmeter, 7-67mmfilters, and many little accessories. Also about 20 holders with film in another case.
So, I'm the beneficiary of a strange turn of events and the kindness of a stranger who lives in a trailer park up on the Rogue River. This fella, Ron, was living humbly, but with a nice streak of ethical conviction, refusing a $100 bill that was offered as a reward for his gesture. His truck was stolen and later found with my equipment inside, as you may recall.
My return trip from Medford was in decided contrast to the one 3 weeks ago, with a couple of side trips for photo efforts. Working with the outfit again was like getting together with an old friend, with everything being in the right place. I won't be leaving this stuff in the car quite as much in the future, and the trunk will be separately locked if so.

[Racer X 69]

To my dismay, I had my 4x5 outfit stolen out of my trunk while staying at a motel in Medford, Oregon last Tuesday night. I'm kicking myself now because I could've taken it to the room but I already had made three trips, and the lot was viewable from the room windows and had camera surveillance. Still, an unpleasant lesson learned and not soon forgotten. Some of the lenses I've used for 20 years.

Here's the list if anyone should come across anything:

-Chamonix 4x5 camera 45n-1 serial no. not available
-75mm F:5.6 Schneider Super Angulon , serial no. 14299236,
-90mm F:8 Nikkor SW serial no. 694568,
-135mm F:5.6 Fujinon W, serial no. 545427.
-180mm F:5.6 Schneider Symmar-S serial no. 13 931 969,
-305mm F:9 Schneider G-Claron, serial no. 14486757.
-360 Tele Nikkor F:8 serial no. not available.
-Pentax digital spotmeter serial no. not available.
-Lowe Pro AW Trekker (gray)
-Assorted filters, cable releases
-20 4x5 holders w/film

It is always a terrible feeling when one discovers they have been violated like this. I wish you the best in getting your gear back.

[Racer X 69]

Sorry to hear it. That sucks. The perp deserves broken kneecaps.

You're too kind.

In my opinion we need to return to the ways of our ancestors. Get caught lying, we cut out your tongue. Get caught stealing, we cut off your hand.

Get caught stealing a second time, the other hand.

Then you will have a tough time wiping your ***, and might just never steal again.

[Racer X 69]

I use to travel with a buddy who insisted on taking his gear into restaurants etc. if he ever left the car. His stuff never left his side. I always thought he was a little paranoid, maybe not.

I am the same way. I carry my gear with me everywhere.

All the time.

[Tori Nelson]

Hey John,

So happy to hear about the return of your gear! If you think it would be okay with him, would you post the name and mailing address of the man that returned your things, I feel as though I'd like to send him a note thanking him too. This is a rather small community in the scheme of things and I think we all feel losses and gains for each other.