Oslo in winter

[garygraphy]

I will be Oslo in winter and concerned on how cameras can survive the very cold temperatures.

Does anyone have advice on how to handle situations like this?

I am probably rolling with X-Pro1/X-E1 and a couple of Leica M lenses. I do not want to damage expensive lenses!

 

[Rogrund]

I wouldn't worry too much. Due to the Gulf Stream, the winter climate in Oslo is actually mild. Here's a link to a site with average temperatures:

http://www.visitoslo.com/en/weather-forecast/climate/

 

[Ezzie]

Its never that cold in Oslo. -10C is not that common. Very short periods of -15C maybe. For the most part between -5C to +5C from Nov to Mar/ Apr.

With respect to cameras. Had you been talking about a classic leaf shuttered camera, I would say get it CLA'd, and take out for shorter periods of time only. A modern camera like the Fuji's, no problem. My D300 I'ved used in -20C all day long. The most sensitive part of the camera in the cold is the battery. I've also used my X-E1 in sub zero temps for several hours at a time, it works perfectly.

EDIT: Also take into account acclimatising the gear when going in and out of the cold. The lenses may fog up when going indoors especially.

 

[Strangeluv]

I live in Oslo and the biggest problem is actually batteries draining to fast due to the cold.

Also, leave the gear in your bag when coming inside and let it acclimatise for a few hours.
Then you shouldn't have any problems 🙂

 

[Rangefinderfreak]

If shooting M8 or M9 keep a fresh charged battery in your pocket near your skin. those batteries in camera and cold, die quickly .

 

[garygraphy]

Thanks for everyone's replies!

I am more assured of shooting comfortably. And I note the acclimatization moving from indoors and outdoors and vice versa.

 

[boomguy57]

I live in Minnesota, and it gets far colder than it does in Oslo typically. I haven't had a problem with any of my cameras. Batteries go faster but it's not super-speed or anything. You'll lose 15-20% (my estimate) if you're out for a long period of time.

Lenses fogging up can be an issue, and I'd advise NOT swapping lenses out on a digital body until it's acclimatized to the indoors again, for fear of getting condensation on the sensor. I'm not sure what that would do, but I wouldn't try it out.