Am I being paranoid about my MP240??

[Ccoppola82]

A few months ago I bought an MP-240 to go along with my m6. I enjoy it thoroughly but I have not had it in any environment that I worry about it.

So, I’m planning for vacation to Cape Cod which will include beach time, Hikes, possible street stuff. The typical travel stuff I am thinking. This is the first camera I’ve ever bought that I’m babying a little bit, and I am having thoughts of bringing my Xpro2 + 2 primes along with my Nikon F3 + 2 primes rather than my usual MP240/M6 Kit.

I definitely enjoy shooting my leicas more. I’m quite fond of the rangefinder style shooting. I don’t think I will be lacking IQ with the Xpro2, but it’s just not as enjoyable to me as the Leica. Am I being paranoid leaving it home and packing my cheaper kit?? Just how durable is the M240 when it comes to its “weather sealing”?

 

[farlymac]

If you're spending time on the beach, maybe you should get some cheap camera that you won't worry about, because the sand and salt will get in most anything that isn't water proof. It's too bad most of the rugged cameras have small sensors, but they have to be able to pack all that versatility into a restricted package.


PF

 

[Rob-F]

Well, since paranoia is an irrational fear, and there is reason to be concerned about potential damage at the beach environment, you are not being paranoid. You may be a bit overcautious, though. I have carried both a Nikon and a Leica on the beach at Cape Cod. However, I wasn't laying around with them, but rather walking and shooting. I would not leave them laying on the sand, or on a beach towel--not even in a camera bag. I think that would invite trouble. But I think that with a little risk management, it should be OK.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I regularly walk on the beach with digital M. With single lens attached. And clear filter attached to the lens. I used in the pool once.
I never laying down. I swim or I walk. If I swim, camera is in the camera bag. I prefer bag with zip for it.

I do not take digital M on kayak or inflatable, nor if I swim.
I have Go Pro for it.

 

[kshapero]

Maybe you should consider a Pentax DSLR.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo61t5fH6Qw

 

[gavinlg]

Use the camera. They're exceedingly well built, and (I imagine) you bought it to use, not to shelf sit. Imagine getting home from the trip and going through your photos and having the nagging feeling that you would have taken them differently with a rangefinder.
Pack a correctly sized zip lock bag or two if you're really worried about heavy rain, but otherwise it will be fine with a bit of drizzle or spray.

 

[gavinlg]

Use the camera. They're exceedingly well built, and (I imagine) you bought it to use, not to shelf sit. Imagine getting home from the trip and going through your photos and having the nagging feeling that you would have taken them differently with a rangefinder.
Pack a correctly sized zip lock bag or two if you're really worried about heavy rain, but otherwise it will be fine with a bit of drizzle or spray.

https://petapixel.com/2017/04/10/soaking-freezing-overheating-leica-m-different-sort-review/

Found a user experience with a 240 in adverse conditions to back it up.

 

[Fraser]

Just get some insurance and don’t put it down in the sand.

 

[sepiareverb]

Just get some insurance and don’t put it down in the sand.

Yep. Insurance brings peace of mind.

 

[kshapero]

https://petapixel.com/2017/04/10/soaking-freezing-overheating-leica-m-different-sort-review/

Found a user experience with a 240 in adverse conditions to back it up.

Very good article. But I forget the combination to my camera safe, so my Leica will always handle the elements in safety.:bang:😱🙄

 

[Ccoppola82]

I didn’t buy it with the intention of being a shelf queen, so I guess I’ll take it. What insurance do you folks recommend? I’ve heard State Farm sells a policy, but haven’t looked into it much.

 

[Glenn2]

A little bit of paranoia is healthy! As a retired oceanographer I’ve seen first hand what moist salty sea air can do to electronics. It penetrates through any tiny opening and I’m not talking direct spray.

It’s the reason I left my M gear at home and took a beater Barnack when I went to sea. If you’re worrying about an expensive camera you will probably avoid places and shots that could damage it, and those often yield the best photos. I wouldn’t be so worried about a film camera, but have seen 60K$ instruments turned to junk just from exposure to moist sea air. Any current carrying contacts are the first to fail and this is very hard to diagnose or fix.

Like mentioned above zip lock bags and some common sense do help if you decide to take the 240.

Glenn

 

[willie_901]

If your X-Pro 2 primes are WR (water resistant) lenses, then this would be useful for beach time. The risk of water mist and, or invasion would be much lower.

The only time I use Uv lens filters is in sandy, dusty conditions.

If it's not windy during your beach time WR is unimportant.

 

[B-9]

MP240 for the streets

Nikon F3 for the beach.

Perfect!

 

[raid]

Get camera insured. Act logically when using the M 240. Enjoy the trip.

 

[sepiareverb]

I have a policy through Maine Mutual, fairly reasonable, and equipment is covered everywhere, so even things getting shipped for repair are covered while in transit. I never worry about what I have with me.