Recommendations on a weatherproof setup?

[Fjäll]

Inspired by the city lights and reflections on the rainy streets lately - I'm looking for a setup specifically for that type of shooting.

Although I'm trying to find my ways through preferably investing in my Leica M system, it's not something I'd choose for this type of situation.

So what I'm looking for is a setup that could handle a proper downpour. Any brand or type of gear (which has manual controls) would do.

I need both a body and a lens, preferably a fast lens on the longer side (75mm-105mm). Ideally a 75mm 2.0 or something in that fashion. Doesn't necessarily have to be anything super fancy.
I would prefer a film body but digital is fine as well.

Any suggestions on this would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[BillBingham2]

Nikonos III or later would be my choice. Most come with the 35 and pick up the 80, both work above water as well as under.

I've never had the need or guts to take any of my Leicas out in the rain. But that's me.

In High School I did take my Nikkormat (my only camera at the time) out in the rain several times using some plastic bags, rubber bands and a good rain coat.

B2 (;->

 

[kxl]

For digital, I'd recommend the Olympus Tough TG-5 (or the older TG-4). It's good to ISO 400.

Now mind you, it would NOT be my camera of choice in good weather - there are many other P&S digis out there that are much better in ideal conditions. But in a downpour, yes I'd use one.

 

[Archlich]

I assume you are after the depth of field of full frame 135 format.

The Nikon F100 plus a 85/1.8G would do - not exactly small, but fits your need. Well sealed, not too expensive, with the best possible result.

For digital, try any FF body (like a used D600 or D700) with the same lens. If you want something smaller, the APS-C Fuji X-T1(and 2, if you can justify the cost) and the 50/2WR are fully sealed, offer a 75mm field of view, but come with a wider depth of field.

 

[raid]

For on the go, think small. SAMSUNG weatherproof phone?
For a real camera, a Nikonos with a Nikkor would be good.

 

[charjohncarter]

Pentax has many DSLRs and some lenses that are water proofed. You can use them in a rain storm.

For the beauty of film I would use any Nikonos: high quality lenses, but scale focus (I have a handheld RF for mine).

 

[Pioneer]

The Pentax LX is weather sealed but as far as I know there were never any weather sealed lenses made for it. The newer Pentax lenses for their weather resistant digital cameras do not have aperture rings on the lenses so would not be usable with the LX. (I would be doing it if it were possible.)

However, most lens mounts are snug enough to the camera mount to provide some level of weather resistance. How much is probably debatable but I have used several of the smaller Pentax M prime lenses with the LX in mild rain and drizzle without any problems. Your own mileage may vary of course, and you may not want to subject an older camera to this type of abuse anyway.

I have also used my Leica M3 with the 50mm Summicron collapsible in the rain without problem. I was caught out during a day hike and was really unprepared. I kept it covered with my jacket unless I was using it but both the camera and the lens did get fairly wet. Again, I didn't have any problems. But I put camera and lens along with a dessicant package in a styrofoam cooler for a couple of days to ensure things dried out. I'm still using the camera and the lens several years later with no obvious problems.

As long as you don't do it every day, most manual, mechanical cameras without electronics can stand up to a bit of rain without problem. I don't do this on purpose but it does happen, particularly if you hike with your equipment. Use common sense and it usually works out OK. Keep it under cover unless you are using it, carry a towel to wipe it down if it gets too wet, and don't remove or collapse lenses while everything is still wet. Zoom lenses should not be zoomed in and out a lot since that will draw moisture in.

You should also be aware that if you live in a cool, humid environment, just carrying equipment in and out of doors where there is a change in temperature and humidity will almost certainly introduce moisture inside your camera and your lenses, sometimes quite a bit. Dessicant products can be purchased that will help remove moisture as well as protect equipment in humid environments.

Of course working with camera equipment this way can introduce rust to some delicate parts inside and can also make certain lubricants less effective. I think this is probably more likely where salt water is involved (corrosion in this situation can happen VERY quickly, sometimes within hours) but even fresh water can create problems for you in the long run.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

Nikonos V with the 80mm and some Delta 3200.

Phil Forrest

 

[Fjäll]

Thanks for the replies.

I've looked into the Nikonos before when I did a lot of shallow depth diving. Underwater film photography is something I'm yet to check off the list.

The 80mm might be a bit on the slow side for somewhat freezing subjects in the night shooting on film however. And where I live I could easily get an Nikon F5 for the same price as a Nikonos setup. (US$200)
The F5 would probably be a bit more versatile in terms of shooting it out of these conditions as well. It seems to be quite well sealed too.

As far as lenses go, I think I would need the extra speed,
(1/30th, f/2.0, ISO800) would be something more a long the lines for exposure. The idea is to shoot colour and anything higher than that might be too grainy.

Someone mentioned the 85mm 1.4. Would this mount on the F5?