The top LED screen is totally borked and the side of the body is dented. On top of that, after some testing, the MODE and EV button also no longer works. None of my lenses were damaged. (Above photo shot with point and shoot triggering a SB800 via SU-4)

I knew the LED was broken right on the spot when I picked up the bag and opened it. The security woman was in shock also. She turned and gave me her manager’s card in case I want to seek compensation (which I fully intent to do). Although she mentioned that it’s very likely that PNE will not cover this, I phoned her manager right away and left a voicemail. So there, one careless mistake killed my D200. Unlike some other photogs, I don’t have a backup body (I’m not a pro shooter yet).

So what now?
As I said, I intent to follow up with PNE compensating for this. However, every plan needs a backup plan, because I still need to shoot. In case things go south, I will need to either repair this or buy a new camera. If I choose the latter, I’ll probably aim for a FX (full frame) camera so I can use it for the next five years or so which puts the price to almost $3k after tax. Where on earth will a high school student get that much money? Well, I’ve turned to the internet for help (and not just the internet, but everyone). If I plan for the worst, I need to raise $3k (and let’s hope that my D200 can be repaired and for less). The whole point of this blog was to document my progress (hence no ads), but it has been a tragic day, and my progress, unfortunately, has to temporarily stopped until this is resolved. Therefore, I’m asking you to donate any amount to help me, a high school student, so I can continue my creative shoots as well as to learn photography, my favorite hobby besides messing with my computer. If you can’t help financially, at least help spread the word by Tweeting. After this gets resolved, I promise you that I’ll be devoting even more time into photography!

EDIT: Disclaimer: I know this has arose some controversy (see comments), but I’m not trying to score a free camera. I know I have the option of purchasing a used D200 or D300. However, support me if you think I have the potential. And if PNE does cover this incident fully, the money that I received from the Internet will be donated to charity in the name of the Internet.

$839.82 raised so far
I will be updating how much you guys have raised. I’m also throwing in $500 myself to start.

Update 1: A big thank you to @thenetworkhub @AminPali @simon_li @mor10 @xploreja, and @danudey for spreading the word

Update 2 (April 4): Thanks to all of you who donated. I really appreciate it.

Update 3 (April 6): Dropped of D200 to Nikon Service Centre to see if they can fix it. Called PNE Guest Service manager again and left voicemail. Called their various other number and left voicemails. I have yet to talk to a human being.

Update 3 (April 7): Got in contact with PNE and they need to see the estimate from Nikon repair before giving me a firm answer as to whether they will cover it or not.

Update 4 (April 13): Nikon Canada replied saying that my camera is “economically not repairable.”

Update 5 (May 5): PNE replied after seeing my Nikon report giving me the choice between a new D300 or cash, I replied and chose D300.

Update 6 (May 26): It’s been a month and they still haven’t given me my replacement camera. I contacted them and instead of buying a new one, they “found” a way to repair my camera. The compensation was not what I had agreed to; however, I’d just like to keep on shooting.

Update 7 (May 30): As promised that I would donate the money received via internet since PNE is taking up the cost in fixing my camera, I started sponsoring a child through World Vision.

Update 8 (June 5): I picked up my repaired D200 from PNE and looked at the repair receipt. Apparently, Nikon Canada fixed it for them even though Nikon had said it was not economical to repair. Corporate relations? At this point, all I cared is that I have my camera back and ready to shoot (after a two month of hiatus).

What about the concert?
Since this blog is about photography, David Kim sent along some Muse concert photos. It was a great concert nonetheless. All of the following photos were shot on a point and shoot.

Now onto the trip. My hotel was near Times Square, so getting around was easy. At first, NYC seemed old and filthy comparing to Vancouver. However, after staying there for short of a week, I began to love it. The subway was definitely helpful once I figured it out. My trip involved visiting a lot of art museums and a lot of sight seeing. There wasn’t much time for shopping, but I did manage to snag a Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 VR Micro. I’ll give a review later since I haven’t used this lens fully. Luckily, I was also in time for the St. Patrick’s Day parade. It was a lot of fun since I got inside and shot beside the parade. Meanwhile people wondered what news channel I was from, I snapped some amazing photos. I should try this in Vancouver sometime when we have a parade. At this point, my words are probably boring you so let’s look at the photos.

Taken on top of the Empire State Building. Binocular is lid by a SB800 with regular Nikon CTO gel and trigger by CLS

On my way to Museum of Modern Art. Stopped by Saint Thomas Church and took this.

St. Patrick’s Parade at Central Park

Awww…

There are more in my NYC Trip on Flickr. Be sure to check it out. As always, leave a comment and let me know what you like, dislike, and let me know how I can improve.