Yesterday I dropped my camera, and much as a peanut butter sandwich lands with its messy side to the floor, so my lens caught the full brunt of gravity. Part of it was actually bent.

This just after I got a new set of studio lights. The gods were angry. It’s been a tough week all around. I began online shopping immediately.

When a family member came home and learned the news, he took one look, announced that the lens was toast but the camera was fine. I spent a large part of today deciding which lens would be a suitable replacement without breaking the bank.

A few minutes ago, several friends of the family member showed up. One took the lens, and began fiddling with it, rotating it back and forth. He did not hear the ‘crunching’ sound noted earlier. We discussed lenses, and he approved of my choice, all the while he was working the lens. After a bit, he handed it back. ‘There,’ he said. ‘All fixed.’

He was right. It was. Unbent. Soundless. Moving smoothly. Thanks, Will!

But I’m still ordering that other lens.