Rain and the rangefinder -new question

kshapero

kshapero

South Florida Man
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Which type of rangefinder would hold up better after being caught in a rainstorm, an all mechanical RF like an M3, a Manual metered RF like a M6 or an aperture preferred electronic RF like a M7?
You see where I am going with this?:cool:
 
It has to be the M3 ... no electronics.

I remember reading about someone who dropped their mechanical M into the water from a boat but got it out pronto. The camera once dried out still worked OK.
 
Keith said:
It has to be the M3 ... no electronics.

I remember reading about someone who dropped their mechanical M into the water from a boat but got it out pronto. The camera once dried out still worked OK.
Click to expand...
Of course, I guessed this, too. Love to hear so more comments and not limited to Leica. I only used the Leica line as an example of the 3 different types.
 
Any mechanical M - I have never, ever had a problem with my M4-P in the rain or snow. Come to think of it, even my Klasse W was happy and dandy with shooting in a snowstorm in Denmark last winter, until it got too cold for the battery. Likewise with my GRD III, I just keep the electronic cameras dry when I am not taking a shot and wipe off water when needed.
 
I can't comment about using Leica M's in the rain but I know they don't swim too well. My M6ttl.58 bought new 4 years ago went under 6 Mile Creek with me on a hiking trip in New Zealand last summer. The final verdict "DOA". The cost of a new circuit board was going to be more than I paid for the camera originally not counting works on the shutter etc. So if there's any electronics involved I'd suggest using a raincoat.
 
Mechanicals are great I would've thought, but a metered camera with built in film advance like Hexar RF under a protective zip lock bag is pretty good as well.

I put it in a zip lock bag, a hole for the camera lens, seal that up nice with electric tape and uv filter, set it on Aperture priority, external finder, works like a charm.

I'd imagine something like Contax G2 even better with auto focus... just seal it up properly, dead easy.
 
With regards to the electronics in the M6/M6TTL: Even if the electronics were fried, these cameras would still operate, you only lose the metering. As such, they would hold up just as well as the M3 the OP mentioned.

Dirk
 
What do you mean by 'caught in a rainstorm'? I mean, it makes sense to put the camera under cover when it starts raining stair-rods. A few weeks ago I was carrying my M9 when the weather changed VERY suddenly. I was a couple of miles from home, on foot, on a small path in the woods, wearing a T-shirt and jeans (not much to protect a camera).

The solution? A very large leaf (about 6x8 inches) as a 'rain cape' on the camera, with my hand on top of it.

Cheers,

R.
 
The answer would have to be: the RF whose owner is smart enough not to let it get caught in a rainstorm. Otherwise, it's the camera designer's fault.
 
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I have never had a camera die becaue of rain. Nor for getting wet for that matter. I always take precautions; in bags, in plastic bags, or whatever. If it's too wet, I just don't use them, or keep them under umbrellas, large brimmed hats, or whatever.

Large leaves? I haven't done that yet, but I will keep it in mind. Thanks Mr. Hicks.
 
I like taking pictures in light rain. I take the same care you would of an old paperback field guide, as in a few drops are OK here and there but don't expect to leave out in the weather all afternoon without damage.
 
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