Do you use your cameras in the rain?

Do you use your cameras in the rain?

  • No, never.

    Votes: 73 9.4%

  • Sometimes, only when its slightly raining.

    Votes: 438 56.6%

  • I dont mind using my cameras in strong rain.

    Votes: 263 34.0%
  • Total voters
    774
RML said:
Yes, I do use my cameras in the rain. Of course, I try not to expose them for more than a few seconds (composing, (re)setting aperture/shutter time, focus and shooting). When they get wet I wipe them with a dry towel. When not shooting I keep them either in a sling bag of around my neck under my coat. Works well.
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"Copy & paste"...I work the rain the same way...:cool:
 
I used my F3s in all kinds of weather, one of the things I learned to do was set aperture and zone focus with the camera inside my jacket then compose fine focus and shoot fast. This has served me well with the m.
 
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The other day there was a spectacular snowstorm. My M3 has been neglected of late so I grabbed it to finish off the roll inside on the way to work. I shot a few frames using the self timer and setting it on a snowbank. It got a little more wet than I intended, because the residual heat from my hands made the snow melt! I quickly wiped it off with my gloves and jacket.

It wasn't until I got to work that I discovered that there was no roll inside. D'oh!
But, more importantly, there was no snowmelt either!
 
Sureshot A-1

Sureshot A-1

Years ago, I bought a Canon Sureshot A-1 for my son who was going on a summer trip that involved hiking and rafting. Since then, its become everone's extreme weather camera - tough, waterproof to 10 feet and simple to use. A few years ago I used it in the rain on the Inca Trail, having thrown it in my bag as a backup during what was supposed to have been the dry season.
 
Me and the M8 got caught in a pouring rain this morning while on my 6am walk with my dog. Got a few good shots too; no problems at all.
 
I've no problem to use my cameras (every camera) with rain or snow, or on the beach with strong wind, huge waves (lot of salt in the air) and heavy rain . Of course when at home I clean the camera with a wet towel, and dry it

Franco
 
Anything less than a monsoon, and I'll take my SLR's out in the rain.
years ago, I got caught in a downpour and my Nikon F got soaked. When I got out of the rain, I took off the meterless prism, removed the focusing screen, and camera back, wiped everything down inside and out with towels and Q-tips, and let it all dry on a towel.
Re-assembled and used it the next day.
This summer got caught outside in a heavy rainstorm at Niagara Falls while carrying motorized F, motorized F2 and motorized FA. Hid under a large tree (yes I know it was a really bad idea, but there was no lightning so I took a chance, and lived to tell this story) until the rain passed.
Got back to the car, wiped everything down with a towel and went back out to shoot some more.
 
Dougg said:
When we visit the island of Maui, it's usually late November, and light brief rain showers are frequent. I try to keep the camera gear protected somewhat, but a little rain has never bothered those with internal electronics, even my wife's digi-cam. About the wettest event was a winter storm on the north shore with huge breakers splashing maybe 25 feet high as they hit the rocky shore. I was trying to capture the dramatic sprays of seawater, and of course had to get close. The camera got pretty wet that time though I tried not to be IN the wave! I cleaned the salt spray off it; that was probably 20 years ago and the camera (P67) is still fine, none the worse for the experience.
Here's a shot of a damp hillside between showers... (Bronica RF645. 65mm)
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What about your rf645 in the rain? I've one too
 
Being that I can't find an umbrella to mount to the hot-shoe, I use my FM2n or M2 in a ziplock, or whatever clear plastic bag I can find with a filter on the outside.

This trick has been around for decades though it puzzles me that so few adopt it in a downpour.

I have otherwise, just kept the camera under my jacket and only raised it to shoot. Works fine, though I tend to be more concerned about the safety of the film than the camera.
 
I wouldn't use my M9 in torrential rain, but its OK in a shower. For really heavy rain I have my Olympus E3 and sealed lenses which you could dunk under a waterfall. This is a true weather sealed DSLR camera and lens system, suitable for a full day out in a monsoon. The only problem is keeping the front element or filter dry.

Steve
 
I use my cameras in the rain, if I know that the camera and lens can take it. Snow is not so much of a problem. If it is really cold it is possible to simply blow the snowflakes off, but if it is pouring out of buckets I am more comfortable to take the picture from a dry position or to clamp an umbrella between my neck and shoulder.

A good lens hood is essential as it prevents the lens element from being touched by rain drops or snowflakes.

I would not mind taking a camera out in adverse conditions, if it could be serviced easily, such as for example the Zorki 4 or the J8.
 
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Using cameras in the rain is almost unavoidable in the U.K. If it's just a light shower I don't worry, if it's torrential I use the trusty neck-shoulder-clamp method with an umbrella.

But wintersway, that picture is inspiring! :)

wintersway said:
cameraumbrella.jpg
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When you live in Seattle if you won't photograph in the rain you either shoot in your living room or on the two weeks of sunny weather. Or just shoot in bars or coffee houses.
 
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