Help: Leica MP on Canoe Trip

[user237428934]

Several years ago I swam up a few rivers in Kakadu Australia with my Hasselblad 501c in one of these dry bags :
http://cascadedesigns.com/en/sealline/dry-bags/see-bag/product

Make sure to use one of these thick vinyl ones - not the lighter weight proofed nylon bags as they are easily pin pricked.

Absolutely agree. Those bags are absolutely water proof. Put your camera in there together with your dry clothes and secure the bag with a rope to the Canoe. Only take photos at land or when the water is very calm. When the water is rough, every hand is needed so you won't have time to take photos.

Edit: The nice thing about this bags is, that there is enough air in them so they float.

 

[d_c]

Forget the MP and get yourself a Nikonos V. If you really must bring the MP along then don't plan on taking any 'on the river' shots with it - you'll need to secure it in a Pelicase while canoeing (i.e. something indestructible that floats) or there'll surely be tears.

 

[swoop]

or there'll surely be tears.

A whole river of them.

 

[thegman]

If it were me, I'd be taking something else. It sounds sarcastic, but it's not meant to be. I think you'd relax and enjoy the trip more taking something a little cheaper.

 

[Johann Espiritu]

I'd leave the MP in the hotel room (or Pelican case) and use a Olympus Mju II while canoeing.

 

[angeloks]

I usually bring it and keep it around my neck when the waters are calm (what's the point of having it in a box the whole time, it won't take any pictures). I put it in a Pelican case when I think there might be some danger.

 

[Benjamin Marks]

Buy an Olympus Stylus used from KEH: $33 bucks.

http://www.keh.com/camera/Olympus--Point-and-Shoots/1/sku-OM059990056180?r=FE

To approach the question from another perspective: MP (or any high-end camera) in a canoe? What's the risk-reward analysis? If you are rich and the only downside of losing or ruining the camera is limited to the minor hassle of replacing it, then go for it. If it is your prize possession and you would have to skip meals to replace it in three years, then Whiskey Tango Foxtrot my friend.

Me: I would just leave all the photo gear home and concentrate on having fun on the water. Some experiences should just be . . . experienced.

 

[skibeerr]

Buy an Olympus Stylus used from KEH: $33 bucks.

http://www.keh.com/camera/Olympus--Point-and-Shoots/1/sku-OM059990056180?r=FE
Me: I would just leave all the photo gear home and concentrate on having fun on the water. Some experiences should just be . . . experienced.

My thoughts exactly, that is the last part.

Just one more idea, i have seen the under water housings for the Oly pen camera's go for nice prices these days.
Been thinking about this myself as I paddle salt water.

The idea would be take photo in action, keel over and roll up thus adding the 37th roll to the Greenland rolling competition. 😀

 

[kutting]

Remember that waterproof cases seal moisture in as well as keep water out. It's a good idea to keep silica-gel packs inside a waterproof case.

 

[jimback]

What about something like this?

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mgeyster/cam-crate-a-weatherproof-dslr-camera-case

Here is their official website:

http://www.camcrate.com/

They seem to be shipping their kickstarter preorders soon. I haven't used or seen one, but they sound pretty useful. Might be good for your next trip?

 

[filmfan]

I'd bring it. You bought the thing to shoot it, no?

 

[Sylvester]

What's the point in using Leica glass if it has a condom in front of it? Buy a couple of disposable waterproof film cameras and experiment something!

 

[newsgrunt]

I usually paddle whitewater canoe 8-10 months of the year and have an MP so take this as you will.

I wouldn't take my MP on a whitewater trip and try to use it while on the water. It's not that the camera could get wet but the fact that you most likely would be kissing away $4k+ worth of gear if you went over sending it to Davey Jones' locker. Film slrs no prob but I'd do as others suggest and get a waterproof p&s for quick access photos. yymv

 

[Beemermark]

I have a clear (I think) Pelican case that cost under $25 for transporting the camera in a canoe. I would never, ever think about taking my M8 out of the case in a canoe. I bought a Nikon IV to use while canoeing. Fantastic camera and they are did cheap.

 

[bean_counter]

back when I was a kid, my aunt was furious at my father for refusing to loan his Leica to her and her husband for a canoe trip. inevitably, they tipped over - and lost everything.

don't take your MP. and tie EVERYTHING you aren't using to the canoe.

 

[boomguy57]

So...maybe a Ziploc bag or two? If you get the (relatively) expensive ones with the real zipper closure, they seal pretty damn tight. You can get one of those floaty-camera attachments so if it falls in or you capsize, it won't sink and be lost forever. The Ziploc should hold for anything but submerging it for a while. Splashing, and a quick dunk should be fine.

Unless you plan on submerging it...?

Everything else seems way off...including a Nikonos. Classic RFF! Ask if you should get the CV 35/1.4 or the CV 35/2.5 for your Bessa and pretty soon you'll have to get a large format camera 😀

 

[willwright]

did 15 years of BSA canoe trips with Leica m's in surplus ammo box. cheap and VERY sturdy. Test first by submerging several feet in water...then I lined it with foam for the cameras sake. Worked perfectly. Survived many a capsize. Painted it dayglo on outside so I could find it floating after a capsize. Modern day equivalent probably a pelican Test it though firs.

 

[marcr1230]

I just did a one day trip on the Pere Marquette river in Michigan.
Took my Nikon S2 in a Gallon ziplock bag
The river is pretty shallow and no rapids worthy of the name
The biggest danger is drunken and incompetent weekend partiers
Theoretically you could swamp by getting stuck on a log or branch in the right spot
Practically is pretty hard

 

[ebolton]

I got a Pentax ME Super and lenses through a few canoe trips, including rapids and accidents in rapids, back in the day. It can be done, but you will need to be careful and you may miss a few shots. As people have described here, you should carry your kit in something waterproof that will float. I had a dedicated waterproof bag for my stuff. Not only did it float, I tied it into the boat. I was in the rear seat on most of my trips, and I kept the kit in the highly limited, prime real estate right behind me. It was a pain to access, but I did get some good shots in smooth calm water and around the camps. If I'd had something inherently waterproof like the Nikkonos, I might have been less paranoid and got more shots, but probably not a lot more shots. Knowing me, I'd still have a decent level of protection for the Nikkonos.

Suggestions above to test I agree with highly. Use toilet paper in your system instead of your camera, and dunk it aggressively. If any of it gets wet, you need to work out something better.

 

[ktmrider]

Have canoed Class 1-4 for years. Have never capsized in flat water unless I was messing around. Get a Pelican case for whitewater and enjoy the camera in the flat stuff (assuming you know how to canoe).