'It wasn't just his camera. It was his lifestyle'
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UPDATE: A KOMO viewer from Mill Creek saw this story and decided to replace Crick's stolen camera with his own 35 MM camera. After getting the new camera, Crick said, "I'm going to treasure this."
BOTHELL, Wash. -- You name it and Jerry Crick has probably taken a picture of it.
He started taking photos as a child and says the secret to a good picture is to see the image in your mind before you see it in the lens.
"It expresses your imagination in a way that nothing else can," he said of photography. "It gives you the freedom to create on your own terms."
Jerry spent several years as the head catalog photographer for REI, taking thousands of photos for the company through the lens of his Canon F-1 camera.
He fed his family with his work photography and also captured his loved ones in photos.
"We have our photo albums because of those cameras," said Jerry's wife, Barbara.
On Wednesday a thief broke into the Cricks' home while they were out for lunch and made off with the camera Jerry had since the 1980s.
"It wasn't just his camera. It was his lifestyle. It was his history," Barbara said.
Police are still investigating, but told the couple getting the camera back is going to be tough.
"I was angry. I felt violated and shock," Jerry said.
Jerry went into ministry after leaving REI, and he was diagnosed with a rare form of Parkinson's disease in 2005. But he still takes pictures of whatever he can get close to with his wheelchair.
"You broke my heart," he said of whoever stole the camera. "You didn't just steal something from me, please don't do it again to somebody else."
The couple said a laptop, a Kindle and jewelry box were also stolen. The camera that was taken has a Lake Placid Olympic engraving and was inside a bright orange Tempe Camera bag.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bothell police department.
BOTHELL, Wash. -- You name it and Jerry Crick has probably taken a picture of it.
He started taking photos as a child and says the secret to a good picture is to see the image in your mind before you see it in the lens.
"It expresses your imagination in a way that nothing else can," he said of photography. "It gives you the freedom to create on your own terms."
Jerry spent several years as the head catalog photographer for REI, taking thousands of photos for the company through the lens of his Canon F-1 camera.
He fed his family with his work photography and also captured his loved ones in photos.
"We have our photo albums because of those cameras," said Jerry's wife, Barbara.
On Wednesday a thief broke into the Cricks' home while they were out for lunch and made off with the camera Jerry had since the 1980s.
"It wasn't just his camera. It was his lifestyle. It was his history," Barbara said.
Police are still investigating, but told the couple getting the camera back is going to be tough.
"I was angry. I felt violated and shock," Jerry said.
Jerry went into ministry after leaving REI, and he was diagnosed with a rare form of Parkinson's disease in 2005. But he still takes pictures of whatever he can get close to with his wheelchair.
"You broke my heart," he said of whoever stole the camera. "You didn't just steal something from me, please don't do it again to somebody else."
The couple said a laptop, a Kindle and jewelry box were also stolen. The camera that was taken has a Lake Placid Olympic engraving and was inside a bright orange Tempe Camera bag.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bothell police department.
The crook(s) is coming back for more, get him.
I shoot for fun and profit. Depending on who you ask I'm a pro or amateur. I don't care how you label me. Just know that when I have a camera in my hands. I feel alive. This story makes me sick, absolutely sick!
I'd be pissed if anyone stole my old polaroid instant camera. Â I STILL shoot with it all the time.
With security software like Devicetrack.net the stolen laptop could be located and reclaimed, and his camera would probably be nearby. (btw, yes, Devicetrack.net is our product. Â Wish we could catch all the idiots that steal others property)
I am a amateur photographer myself, and I am willing to help Jerry get another F1, just get in touch with me, and we will make it happen.
Jerry, if you don't get you old camera back, consider this one. It's digital, but I think it would fit your style. http://www.fujifilm.com/products/digital_cameras/x/finepix_x100/
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 @Komo Dragon A Canon guy lowering his standar to a Fuji? I find that doubtful! I'm sure he knows where to buy a NEW camera, this story is about getting his old camera back, not where to shop for a new one!
 @WhatdidIsay?  @Komo Dragon I too am a Canon person and people that don't do any photography think it's perfectly fine to use a camera manufactured by a film company. Doubtful Jerry would use anything but Canon.Â
 @Northend  @WhatdidIsay? read dpreview and you will find many good products, other than Canon, e.g. Leica, Nikon, and believe it or not, Fuji
 @WhatdidIsay? of course the story is about the old camera and his "companion" - however it seems unlikely he will get it back.  The way he described taking pictures, I think this Fuji would fit. I have a Canon 7D amongst others, it's a multi-function monster, and fits my style of photography. The Fuji is retro, has a very fast lens (fixed length), requires you take your time before taking the picture. If you know how to frame your shot, it's a great camera, not a lower quality product.Â
Worried about a 1980's camera? Check CraigsList... I'm sure  you could find someone who would pay you to take their 30 year old worthless camera.Â
Nice camera. They will not get much money for it. People don't do film anymore. Just drop it off at a police station, no questions asked.
Come on cowards RETURN IT.Â
I'm sorry for Jerry's loss, however, Barbara admits that they went out to lunch and she did not lock the door. Â I would like to think we live in a society where we could trust people and leave our doors unlocked, but we don't.
@PNW55 all locks do is keep honest people honest. If a thief really wants something its not hard to get it really.Â
I hope these folks get this camera back. Everyone has a couple of possessions that are "special" to them, that have a little more meaning than your average everyday stuff. For me, it's a watch left to me by my grandfather when he passed away, and a guitar. I can't imagine how angry I would be if some idiot drug addict broke into my house and stole them. "Tis the season to hunt druggies....fa la la la la la.....la la la la"
@Wolfen My camera is my life and blood. I swear. I love that thing. I am always looking to get the coolest stuff. Right now I am paying off a Gigapan (layaway) I can't wait to take some awesome panoramics
 @Nicole P  @Wolfen I have a really nice, old school .35 MM Nikon that Jerry can have if he wants it. It's pristine and takes NICE pictures. Sometimes I curse the "digital age".......handing your grandchildren an electronic picture frame, or a laptop just isn't the same as handing them an old, cared for photo album.......
Barb and Jerry, sorry for your loss. Let's say a prayer for the person(s) who had a moment of bad in their heart
This shouldn't make the "news" until ALL robberies do. Â Every burglary is a violation of someone. Â
@TCat This probably Made the news because the family reached out to KOMO. You have to admit this story does a nice job of highlighting what filth burglars are.
 @nodozr  @TCat Yeah. I'd sweep the floor then burn the broom.
 @TCat I feel sorry for the guy but you are right.