monochromejrnl
Well-known
I 'm planning to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro this September and I've been advised that at night and on the peak the temperatures can be as low as -20C. I'm planning on taking a light weight kit for obvious reasons and I'm split between an M3 and 50/1.4lux or a R2A with a 35/2cron. Leaning towards the R2A due to lighter construction and advantage of a meter and aperature priority (I think it will come in handy at altitude when my ability to make exposure decisions make be challenged by a lack of oxygen) however, I'm a little worried about it's functionality at sub zero temperatures...
experiences (both positive and negative) with the R2A, R3A etc in sub zero temperatures would be appreciated... any other experience or suggestions on what I should do in preparation camera wise would be much appreciated... I was also thinking about bringing a Fuji GA645 Pro as my sole camera for the ascent but also have fears of operatings at such low temperatures...
thanks in advance...
Ken
experiences (both positive and negative) with the R2A, R3A etc in sub zero temperatures would be appreciated... any other experience or suggestions on what I should do in preparation camera wise would be much appreciated... I was also thinking about bringing a Fuji GA645 Pro as my sole camera for the ascent but also have fears of operatings at such low temperatures...
thanks in advance...
Ken
sienarot
Well-known
I'd probably be more concerned about the battery life in cold temperatures than the actual mechanics of the camera. Once the battery goes on the R2A/R3A, the shutter won't fire.
unless the camera manufacturer advertises weather proofing and low temperature operation, I personally would trust NO battery operated camera for your trip.
Stephen
Stephen
rxmd
May contain traces of nut
I've used a Bessa R down to -15°C in Ukraine. Mechanically it wasn't a problem. The camera is mechanically-operated, though, the batteries just run the meter, so no comparison to the R2A.
From past hiking experience I'd say if you want to take just one lens, there is no point in taking an exchangeable-lens camera. You can save a lot of weight by taking a fixed-lens camera with mechanical shutter and aperture operation. I refer you to Stephen's page about compact RF's. When hiking I usually take a Canonet and don't worry about the battery.
If you have oxygen deprivation to the extent where you can't reliably take an exposure reading, you have bigger problems than photography. Just think about the other potentially critical things you won't be able to do anymore.
Philipp
From past hiking experience I'd say if you want to take just one lens, there is no point in taking an exchangeable-lens camera. You can save a lot of weight by taking a fixed-lens camera with mechanical shutter and aperture operation. I refer you to Stephen's page about compact RF's. When hiking I usually take a Canonet and don't worry about the battery.
If you have oxygen deprivation to the extent where you can't reliably take an exposure reading, you have bigger problems than photography. Just think about the other potentially critical things you won't be able to do anymore.
Philipp
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payasam
a.k.a. Mukul Dube
You seem to be heading towards a meterless fixed lens camera and a separate selenium meter. Stephen's comment reminds me of the several accounts I have read of cameras being specially "winterised" for expeditions such as yours.
noimmunity
scratch my niche
backpacking cameras
backpacking cameras
These are discussed regularly on other forums related to backpacking... I myself specialize in ultralightweight hiking and have considerable experience in the back country. I have not been to Kilimanjaro, but the conditions you describe are not especially extreme (i.e., they are potentially life threatening but within the range of common alpine conditions). You should be able to use your camera if you take common precautions.
The battery problem can be addressed fairly easily by two things: 1) keeping the batteries warm in your pocket until you need to shoot (or alternately keeping a spare set in your pocket to change occasionally); 2) take along lots of spares, which shouldn't be a problem because the ones for the Bessa R2/3/4s are quite small. (If only there were lithium batteries available: lithium is lighter and much more impervious to cold).
A bigger problem ought to be moisture and dust penetration. For that reason, some kind of dry sack would be essential, preferably something that is padded and can be worn separately or on your hip belt so you won't miss the shot. A super light option would be to put your camera and other items in waterproof/odorproof Aloksaks (military grade ziplocs)--probably a good idea inside the dry sack anyway.
Next, I'd argue that a wide lens is going to be much more valuable than a normal lens if your primary goal is landscape.
Since my style of high altitude hiking is ultralight (my base pack weight is around 5 kgs before food and water, even for long alpine trips), as I mentioned, I compromise on the side of lighter weight. Nothing makes a trip more enjoyable and memorable (and safe) than taking the minimum amount of weight possible. Hence, I usually only take a small pocket camera. This has been the Ricoh GRD, which is capable of getting impressive results in daylight and is extremely small and lightweight and runs on AAA batteries if needed. I have supplemented and/or substituted that sometimes with the Fujifilm Natura Black, which sports a 24mm f1.9 lens (but uses film, which poses extra problems of storage space). I've only started to shoot RF this summer. I have two friends with whom I often go hiking who go in the other direction. One always takes a Leica SLR (he likes telephoto, too) with Leica glass; the other takes a mammoth MF or LF setup. The shots they come back with are always breathtaking. Yet I am sure I will never take such a complex and weighty setup with me into the mountains on a self-propelled trip. Life is a series of wise compromises. However, I would be very tempted to take an R4M mounting a Zeiss ZM Biogon 25/2.8 on a trip sometime:angel: . You might also consider small fixed wide lens pocket film cameras like the GR1, GR21 and the new Fuji Klasse W, as well as digicams like the Ricoh GX100.
backpacking cameras
These are discussed regularly on other forums related to backpacking... I myself specialize in ultralightweight hiking and have considerable experience in the back country. I have not been to Kilimanjaro, but the conditions you describe are not especially extreme (i.e., they are potentially life threatening but within the range of common alpine conditions). You should be able to use your camera if you take common precautions.
The battery problem can be addressed fairly easily by two things: 1) keeping the batteries warm in your pocket until you need to shoot (or alternately keeping a spare set in your pocket to change occasionally); 2) take along lots of spares, which shouldn't be a problem because the ones for the Bessa R2/3/4s are quite small. (If only there were lithium batteries available: lithium is lighter and much more impervious to cold).
A bigger problem ought to be moisture and dust penetration. For that reason, some kind of dry sack would be essential, preferably something that is padded and can be worn separately or on your hip belt so you won't miss the shot. A super light option would be to put your camera and other items in waterproof/odorproof Aloksaks (military grade ziplocs)--probably a good idea inside the dry sack anyway.
Next, I'd argue that a wide lens is going to be much more valuable than a normal lens if your primary goal is landscape.
Since my style of high altitude hiking is ultralight (my base pack weight is around 5 kgs before food and water, even for long alpine trips), as I mentioned, I compromise on the side of lighter weight. Nothing makes a trip more enjoyable and memorable (and safe) than taking the minimum amount of weight possible. Hence, I usually only take a small pocket camera. This has been the Ricoh GRD, which is capable of getting impressive results in daylight and is extremely small and lightweight and runs on AAA batteries if needed. I have supplemented and/or substituted that sometimes with the Fujifilm Natura Black, which sports a 24mm f1.9 lens (but uses film, which poses extra problems of storage space). I've only started to shoot RF this summer. I have two friends with whom I often go hiking who go in the other direction. One always takes a Leica SLR (he likes telephoto, too) with Leica glass; the other takes a mammoth MF or LF setup. The shots they come back with are always breathtaking. Yet I am sure I will never take such a complex and weighty setup with me into the mountains on a self-propelled trip. Life is a series of wise compromises. However, I would be very tempted to take an R4M mounting a Zeiss ZM Biogon 25/2.8 on a trip sometime:angel: . You might also consider small fixed wide lens pocket film cameras like the GR1, GR21 and the new Fuji Klasse W, as well as digicams like the Ricoh GX100.
photophorous
Registered User
I think Noimmunity got it right about the batteries. Take a couple of extra sets (they're tiny and light), and keep the batteries near your body (pocket, sleeping bag) when not in use. At -20 you had better be wearing gloves. Have you attempted to opperate the camera with gloves on? That might be a challenge.
I'm leaving Saturday to go backpacking in the San Juans in Colorado. It won't get down below zero, but it will most likely freeze. Ive done lots of that kind of hiking (with other cameras) and aside from avoiding rain, the only camera problems I've had were first thing in the morning when my battery got too cold. If I experience any problems with my R2A next week, I'll be sure to post it here.
Good luck and have fun.
Paul
I'm leaving Saturday to go backpacking in the San Juans in Colorado. It won't get down below zero, but it will most likely freeze. Ive done lots of that kind of hiking (with other cameras) and aside from avoiding rain, the only camera problems I've had were first thing in the morning when my battery got too cold. If I experience any problems with my R2A next week, I'll be sure to post it here.
Good luck and have fun.
Paul
monochromejrnl
Well-known
Hi Paul, et al
Thanks for your suggestions... you make a good point about operating the aperature, shutter speeds and release with gloves on, i'm inclined to just bring a small point and shoot like the GR1s or if i'm really ambitious, the GA645 (heck, i could probably bring both since the GR1s is so small and my fiance could carry that)...
i'll have to look into the operating temperature ranges for both cameras... the other thing i didn't think about that was mentioned is the weather sealing... i spoke to a friend who did the ascent last year and she told me that the dust and dirty is absolutely horrible... everything ends up being covered in it... probably best to leave the unsealed M3/R2A at home... though i'm not sure how much better sealed the GR1s and GA645 are...
Thanks for your suggestions... you make a good point about operating the aperature, shutter speeds and release with gloves on, i'm inclined to just bring a small point and shoot like the GR1s or if i'm really ambitious, the GA645 (heck, i could probably bring both since the GR1s is so small and my fiance could carry that)...
i'll have to look into the operating temperature ranges for both cameras... the other thing i didn't think about that was mentioned is the weather sealing... i spoke to a friend who did the ascent last year and she told me that the dust and dirty is absolutely horrible... everything ends up being covered in it... probably best to leave the unsealed M3/R2A at home... though i'm not sure how much better sealed the GR1s and GA645 are...
jmilkins
Digited User
My choice would be an Olympus Mju with the 35 / 2.8, and a Bessa L with a 25 skopar. The Oly is tiny, a good lens, a spot meter (important in the snow) and weather proof too. Lithium battery which has better resistance to the cold - keep the camera and a spare battery or two in a pocket close to your body.
The Bessa L and 25 skopar is light too, the lens is useable with gloves and I use a lithium 3V in it.
Neither are so expensive that a loss ruins your holiday.
Get 2 Mju's secondhand (test 'em) and give one to your partner so you have photos of you!
Happy climbing!
The Bessa L and 25 skopar is light too, the lens is useable with gloves and I use a lithium 3V in it.
Neither are so expensive that a loss ruins your holiday.
Get 2 Mju's secondhand (test 'em) and give one to your partner so you have photos of you!
Happy climbing!