One more datapoint about the decline of our species

[Platapus]

I am seriously contemplating buying a new camera as a reward for finishing my Dissertation. One of the cameras I am considering is the Nikon D800. To learn more about the camera, I decided to download its manual.

Naturally, at the first part of the manual are all the safety concerns. All good stuff, mostly about how not to damage the camera.... but one safety warning caught my eye

Using the viewfinder diopter adjustment control

When operating the viewfinder diopter adjustment control with your eye to the viewfinder, care should be taken not to put your finger in your eye accidentally.

It is never a good idea to ever overestimate the intelligence of a humans. But the D800 is a pretty advanced camera. I am not sure your average advanced hobbyist/professional photographer needs to be warned about sticking his or her finger in to his or her eye.

But then again, perhaps it is a necessary warning.

I am thinkin that if you are the type of person who would stick your finger in your eye, unless you read a warning, you probably shouldn't be buying a D800.

But like any of these warnings, the reason they are there is because not only did someone actually put their finger in their eye, they probably tried to sue the camera manufacturer for not warning them about the photography specific risk of fingers in eyes.

[Sailor Steve]

Originally Posted by Platapus

I am thinkin that if you are the type of person who would stick your finger in your eye, unless you read a warning, you probably shouldn't be buying a D800.

If you are that kind of person you probably shouldn't be doing a lot of things. But we do.

But like any of these warnings, the reason they are there is because not only did someone actually put their finger in their eye, they probably tried to sue the camera manufacturer for not warning them about the photography specific risk of fingers in eyes.

I hate to say it, but you're probably right. It's right up there with "Don't work on the car fan while the engine is running."

[fireftr18]

In my years as a firefighter, I have witnessed the result of stupid things done by people who are supposed to be extremely smart. Wern, can you agree?

I still say the best warning labels I've seen are in my fire gear. It basically says that fire fighting is hazardous and someone shouldn't do it unless trained.

[magic452]

I recently bought a tool to sharpen my chainsaw.
The very first thing in the instructions in big bold print was "Turn off chainsaw before sharping."

"Boy if it's running I can sharpen it in a few seconds."

In my wildest dreams I can't imagination anyone trying to sharpen the thing with it running.

Magic

[Aktungbby]

The engine, Magic, not the chain (der clutch)! just wear those butcher-style chain mail gloves and you'll do fine...of course you'll only be able to count up to nine! But you will be "a man of many parts"

But like any of these warnings, the reason they are there is because not only did someone actually put their finger in their eye, they probably tried to sue the camera manufacturer for not warning them about the photography specific risk of fingers in eyes.

There you have it.
The compensation culture.
It is always someone elses fault.

[Jimbuna]

Hairdryer:
Do not use while taking a shower.

[STEED]

Originally Posted by Tribesman

There you have it.
The compensation culture.
It is always someone elses fault.

And with that attitude who is really to blame? Ourselves that's who, we have bought this Health & Safety over reaction on to ourselves and the legal system slips though making a shed load of money.

What ever happen to good old common sense?

[AVGWarhawk]

Originally Posted by Tribesman

There you have it.
The compensation culture.
It is always someone elses fault.

Exactly. When is my check coming?

[WernherVonTrapp]

Originally Posted by fireftr18

... Wern, can you agree?

...

Never try to clean grass from under a lawn mower while the engine is running (this was before safety release bars).

Never try to clear the snowblower's chute with your hands while the engine is running (this was also common before safety features were added).

Never use an electric hedge trimmer while you're 3 sheets to the wind (woman lost 3 fingers on that one).

Do not use a garden hose to douse an electrical fire from a downed utility wire (woman almost bought the farm on that one).

I know there's more but I cannot think of them right now.