MarkoKovacevic
Well-known
I've never used my Leica in cold temps, and I'm wondering how it's gonna fare. It gets cold in Canada.. What's your experience been?
fuji645
Established
I've used my IIIc in all kinds of weather, including rain & snow with no problems. Have not used it (or any camera) in sub zero. Chances are that in temperature extremes the shutter will probably run slow if at all. Remember, your camera is probably older than you--treat it with care.
MarkoKovacevic
Well-known
That's too bad 
I've used Nikon SLR's in -15, but have never tried the Leica. It's too bad because it's my only manual camera.
I've used Nikon SLR's in -15, but have never tried the Leica. It's too bad because it's my only manual camera.
N
Nikon Bob
Guest
I have used my LTM in sub zero weather to try and photograph ice racing. Seemed to work OK with me keeping it under my jacket and pulling out just to use. I never let it get cold soaked and it has had a modern CLA.
Bob
Bob
xayraa33
rangefinder user and fancier
It should be no problem at all, I used my Leica III up in northern Ontario in winter outside.
Keep camera and lens close to your body covered up by your thick winter coat and take out camera for a few seconds to snap a photo or two, then back under your winter coat.
It is a good way to learn to visualize your photos without a viewfinder constantly to your eye.
Also remember to wind on film slowly with camera partially covered by your winter coat
Keep camera and lens close to your body covered up by your thick winter coat and take out camera for a few seconds to snap a photo or two, then back under your winter coat.
It is a good way to learn to visualize your photos without a viewfinder constantly to your eye.
Also remember to wind on film slowly with camera partially covered by your winter coat
colyn
ישו משיח
I've used my Leicas in sub-zero weather with no problems. Unless it is currently in need of a CLA you should have no problems..
Artorius
Caribbean Traveler
I like this, good analogy.
Although not LTMs, I've used my M2's and 3's in the Antarctic in the late 70's. I also had a Nikon Ftn SLR. No problem, just use common sense and stay warm.
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Mr_Flibble
In Tabulas Argenteas Refero
Only time I've had trouble with my IIIc was when I was in the back of an open truck and later in an open field at -10C last year in Vaux-sur-Sure in Bastogne. The wind chill was horrible and the exposures turned out horrible too. The shutter didn't sound right to my ears and the film emulsion had probably reached sub-zero temperatures too. I had carried it around my neck outside of my overcoat the whole time.
Luddite Frank
Well-known
I have 2 Leica F ( black III , 1933) cameras and one D (black II, 1932).
I don't believe I have taken the F's out in cold weather.
I did take the D out to shoot a "Santa train" the other year, weather was clear and cold, with temps hovering around 5- 10 deg F, with a stiff breeze.
After being outside for an hour or so, the shutter began to drag.
As far as I know, the D had not been serviced since leaving the factory.
It works okay in warm weather.
My daily shooter is a 1934 Leica III, that does not seem to mind the cold one bit.
I think that camera has had at least one CLA since leaving Wetzlar.
I have a technique for checking cameras for cold sensitivity - I put the camera in a new zip-loc freezer bag, with some silica gel, and put it in the refrigerator overnight. Next day, I will pull it out and run it through the range of speeds (starting at fastest) while still in the bag. If things are gummy due to cold, it will usually show-up by the time I get down to 1/100 to 1/50.
I've discovered quite a few warm-weather pikers this way. Not a very scientific method, but if a camera goes sluggish at 35-40 F in the Fridge, I would expect worse out in the wilds.
My trusty Pentax SP-500 Spotmatic just started acting-up in the cold.... after being outdoors for a while at 40 F, the mirror stopped returning at speeds below 1/100... I assume that means the shutter isn't closing either... so I need to get that beast out for a CLA.
One other thing about Leicas / Nikon RF in the cold: a gloved "shutter finger" will usually drag on the speed-dial when you release the shutter, wrecking the exposure timing.
My Contax IIIa shutter starts "capping" at 50 F, and stops working all-together at 30-35 F.
Good luck !
Luddite Frank
I don't believe I have taken the F's out in cold weather.
I did take the D out to shoot a "Santa train" the other year, weather was clear and cold, with temps hovering around 5- 10 deg F, with a stiff breeze.
After being outside for an hour or so, the shutter began to drag.
As far as I know, the D had not been serviced since leaving the factory.
It works okay in warm weather.
My daily shooter is a 1934 Leica III, that does not seem to mind the cold one bit.
I think that camera has had at least one CLA since leaving Wetzlar.
I have a technique for checking cameras for cold sensitivity - I put the camera in a new zip-loc freezer bag, with some silica gel, and put it in the refrigerator overnight. Next day, I will pull it out and run it through the range of speeds (starting at fastest) while still in the bag. If things are gummy due to cold, it will usually show-up by the time I get down to 1/100 to 1/50.
I've discovered quite a few warm-weather pikers this way. Not a very scientific method, but if a camera goes sluggish at 35-40 F in the Fridge, I would expect worse out in the wilds.
My trusty Pentax SP-500 Spotmatic just started acting-up in the cold.... after being outdoors for a while at 40 F, the mirror stopped returning at speeds below 1/100... I assume that means the shutter isn't closing either... so I need to get that beast out for a CLA.
One other thing about Leicas / Nikon RF in the cold: a gloved "shutter finger" will usually drag on the speed-dial when you release the shutter, wrecking the exposure timing.
My Contax IIIa shutter starts "capping" at 50 F, and stops working all-together at 30-35 F.
Good luck !
Luddite Frank
FrankS
Registered User
it totally depends on your individual camera, specifically the condition of the lube materials. these dry out and get gummy with age. low temps would make this worse by causing them to stiffen. if your camera had a cla recently (last 10 years) there shouldn't be a problem.
Dralowid
Michael
Leitz used to offer a winterising service which involved changing of lubricants but I'd suggest a well CLA'd camera should work under most conditions...I've had my imdex finger stuck to the film advance knob before now...
Michael
Michael