Well, I went out today to finally get the peak of the fall colors. We found the first location I was looking for and I was almost ready to leave when another photographer came and we started to talk. While I was talking to him I saw another shot that I wanted to get. He had taken the spot I had earlier so I decided to go on the other side thinking it was dry and not slippery. I had my camera (5D II with my 17-40 mm L lens and Hoya HMC thin 77 mm circular polarizing filter attached to my tripod) when I slipped. I held the tripod up as tight and high as I could and landed on my right elbow. the weight of the camera and lens made it tilt forward and it hit hard on the rock. Smashed the filter so hard it totally came off of the lens. The lens front is all distorted although it did not crack the glass but the mounts and casing around it are twisted. The camera seemed like it was slightly damaged at first with tiny black lines on the viewer when I turned it on. They are not showing right now but I am going to take it in to be thoroughly checked out. My elbow is still moving but swollen, scraped and bruised. Hurts pretty bad.
I ONLY GOT A FEW PICTURES. TAKING MY CAMERA IN TO BE CHECKED OUT TODAY TO MAKE SURE THERE IS NO DAMAGE TO IT. IT WILL TAKE A WHILE TO GET THE MONEY FROM THE INSURANCE TO REPLACE THE LENS AND THE FILTER.