Camera in kayak, bad idea ?

Lauffray

Lauffray

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For my upcoming trip I'm going to go sea kayaking. While I'm not terribly worried about myself (I've kayaked before and this one is in calm waters with a guide etc) I'd really like to take my camera with me, but I'm pretty nervous about the idea.
I'll only have the Leica with me, I don't have a waterproof kit and it might be too late/expensive now to find one before leaving.

I'm thinking about ziplock bags to protect from spray and salt, has anyone does this before ? What do you guys suggest ?
 
A small size pelican case would be perfect for your needs, not to pricey and completely watertight.
 
Dumb question, would the case float if it fell to water ? (Assuming it's closed with air inside) I'm looking at the micro cases now
 
A second recommendation on the Pelican case.

I use a Sea to Summit waterproof compression bag to keep rain off my gear when camping - but I don't recommend throwing it the river.


Best Regards,
 
A Pelican case (nor any other case) will not allow you to take photographs. They just protect during transportation. Get the proper tool for the task, Nikonos perhaps or Aqua Snappy, and enjoy the ride.
 
You can get high visibility flotation blocks to keep the camera afloat (actually, it dangles under the floatation strap but at least you can scoop it up).

My SeaRanger II binoculars came with this one...

14433146403_7ee26ba3a2_b.jpg


...you might be able to buy it as a spare part from Binolyt.
 
I picked up a submergible camera bag that also let me take photos with the x100 when I kayak. They should handle pool depths (10' submerged) and will float if you keep enough air in em. They are also limiting to use, as your access to camera is less stellar. So expect to use as many auto features as you can.

Zip lock and even freezer bags will puncture more easily then you imagine and optically you can't shoot threw them.
 
I'd suggest a Pelican case, Lowe Pro Dryzone or Wotancraft Atelier bags. The latter two have zip-up, waterproof inner bags. I believe all of them float. The Lowe Pro comes in bright yellow, so you can find it downriver... ;)
 
Get a Nikonos 5 and leave that beautful MP and lens of yours home Jerome. If something does happen, it won't feel good after the fact. You said Sea... I would imagine that's deep... all the paint in the world won;t help you if you can't reach it.
 
Took mine sea kayaking in BC years ago. Just kept my camera bag in a plastic bag, and my camera around my neck, but inside the spray skirt. You will find you will want the camera easily accessible while kayaking.
 
Lauffray said:
For my upcoming trip I'm going to go sea kayaking. While I'm not terribly worried about myself (I've kayaked before and this one is in calm waters with a guide etc) I'd really like to take my camera with me, but I'm pretty nervous about the idea.
I'll only have the Leica with me, I don't have a waterproof kit and it might be too late/expensive now to find one before leaving.

I'm thinking about ziplock bags to protect from spray and salt, has anyone does this before ? What do you guys suggest ?
Click to expand...

I say leave the Leica out. Perhaps get a GoPro Hero3+ and mount it on your helmet.
 
While I usually take my Nikonos, I have, on occasion, taken my MP in my kayak when I go for a paddle. I’m always in the Great Lakes, so salt water isn’t an issue, so having my MP hang from my neck isn’t a problem. Of course when the Lakes get rough, I stick the Leica in a plastic bag and stow it away.

Jim B.
 
Leica? Ziplock twice and into the bag with the rest of valuables securely attached to the floating cork (a.k.a sea kayak :) ). If you want to take film pictures from kayak or even nearby in the water, water proved single use camera is the best. They still do sell them at Walmarts. I checked last week :)

I took once Ihagee folder converted to 6x9 into canoe.
This is the result.


Canoeing. by Ko.Fe., on Flickr

My local buddy flipped over twice on Frontenac lakes. His digital advanced P&S dived in and never surfaced back...
 
How long a trip?

Can you rent a Nikonos IV or V from a shop?

While ammo cans work well, think recovery (will it sink or float?). Tie a secure line to the can and the Kayak.

9mm boxes work well if the lens is not mounted (less bulk).

As it's your only camera, insurance policy for a month (only from an agent that you TRUST).

I did a couple of 50 mile canoe with my old Minolta IIIa back in Jr. High and zip-locks worked well but I'd use zip locks in a ammo can. BTW, I would test the ammo can (or any case I was using with an expensive camera) in the bath tube for 24 hours underwater before I trusted it.
 
thanks everyone.
The trip is a couple of weeks long, but I won't be in/near the water the whole time. Did a quick search for Nikonos near me, no rentals, I'm leaving thursday so it's a bit tight for international shipping
 
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