Last minute question - Mamiya 7 + COLD

[zhenka22]

Tomorrow I'm attempting to summit Cotopaxi, which stands at 5900m (19,347 feet).

I'm debating whether to take up my Mamiya 7ii. The temperatures on the summit might be around -10 C, potentially very strong winds and snowfall. Does anyone have experience working with the Mamiya in similar conditions or will it be just dead weight?

Obviously the less I take up the better, so not sure what the best option is?

 

[angelopartemi]

My Mamiya 6 is pretty much dead in those type of conditions. The meter is all off and the shutter acts wonky.

 

[zhenka22]

Thanks for your response.

I've decided to take my chances though. I'm taking up just the body with the 43mm instead of the whole kit. I've gone through Flickr and found a good number of images taken in snow and in the mountains. Hardly scientific, but I think I would be devastated if I summited with good weather and didn't have the M7...

I'll report back on how it all went.

 

[mw_uio]

zhenka22 , are you shooting color film, slides?
good luck and be safe!

Mark
Quito, EC

 

[Armoured]

I've used mine in very cold weather (below minus 20) without any problems. I was checking meter with another as I usually do. I was also probably in and out of warm enough environments with no super-extended periods only in very cold.

But take an extra battery and good luck.

 

[john_s]

There was a thread here not long ago about a Mamiya 7 not working well in the cold. I think the post came from Korea.

 

[zhenka22]

Just an update to those interested.

On a personal front:

I summited Cotopaxi in near perfect weather. It was the hardest thing I've ever done, I vomited on the way up and fought through hours of stomach cramps and fatigue. That said it was also one of the most amazing experiences ever for me. Incredible crevasses and ice formations up there, and I had a perfect view of the monster crater on top and of every significant peak of Ecuador across the horizon.

On the camera front:

The Mamiya 7 held up just fine. Granted the conditions did not get as cold as they could have, the camera seemed to function without a glitch. Light meter seemed to more or less agree with sunny 16, so I assume the photos should come up OK. No problems to report.

Tomorrow I am attempting to summit Cayambe and will be taking the M7 up again.

@Mark
This is purely for memories, so shooting colour neg film. Otherwise, I have been working on a specific personal project in the smaller mountains here for the last 5 months and shooting bnw film. 6x7 slides are impressive, but I far prefer the tonality and latitude of negs for my particular work. Have been using Color Power for all lab work here.

Cheers

 

[2WK]

I've shot mine in -20. I did keep it hanging inside my jacket though between shots. I was looking for the little external battery holder but that thing aint cheap!