question for bessa users

[mhazzaa]

My r3m and my 35mm 1.2 are on a long trip from the US to Egypt and i wanted to ask some hypothetical question.

Even though it rains once a year in Egypt... Would i be pushing it too much if i asked about weather sealing on the bessa r3m?

I also want to thank all of you. This forum is very useful and more important ...tasteful.

I will post my first thoughts and results. 🙂

thanks

Mahmoud

 

[Jason Sprenger]

The Bessa isn't weather-sealed. More than a heavy fog, my R2a would be in its bag and me under some shelter.

 

[mhazzaa]

how about the lenses ?

 

[wgerrard]

I have an R4M and have no idea about weather sealing. But, I did spend a few years in Amman, which is not that far from Cairo. I can't remember rain, although I am sure it happened once or twice.

Don't worry about rain. Almost certainly, it wont happen. To be really safe, check the forecast just before you pack.

 

[Jason Sprenger]

how about the lenses ?

I don't believe the lenses are either. Most camera lenses are not weather-sealed and when they are, the makers make a point of saying so.

BTW, Leica M equipment isn't weather-sealed either.

 

[capitalK]

I'd be more worried about the very fine sand/dust in Egypt.

 

[climbing_vine]

What capitalK said. I've used bessas in the rain and have no qualms about doing so, even though they aren't technically "weather-sealed", but I'd worry about the dust.

 

[Tom A]

Unless the camera gets soaked - it should not be a problem. If moisture gets into the finderhousing it can "fog" it (not specific to bessa's - happens on M's too). The lens should be OK. Just wipe off water thats accumulating on it with a cloth and also do the body the same way.
The R3M is a mechanical camera - IF you had sufficient moisture getting in to it to damage or disable the meter circuit - it will still work.
In a place like Cairo or any "desert" type environment - you biggest problem is going to be dust/sand. Get a small brush (either a dedicated lens brush or a plain small, soft bristled paint brush) and make it a habit to brush of any sand sticking to it - and, against my own principles - get a UV filter for the lens - just in case.
The worst combination is flying sand and high humidity as it will combine to "mud" and grind itself into helicoils, gears and the rivets on the shutter and slowly wear them out.
Mechanical cameras are quite tough and with some cleaning and brushing off loose dirt - you should be fine.
Have a great trip.

 

[mhazzaa]

... what i conclude from your replies is that its not made for rough whether but it would not mind being taken out for 2 shots or so and then sent back in.

we have very very dry weather in egypt... as u guys pointed out the dust is concern but not a major one judging by how my other (consumer) gear is doing so far.

thanks for the help everyone !

Btw, i live in Egypt 🙂 only the camera and the lens are making the trip from the US. Can't wait.