Surviving the cold?

[Ash]

I know that I can hardly say England is cold when we haven't even reached freezing yet. But after a nice warm summer and a comfortable light level for the use of Pan F+, the weather suddenly seems to put a grim outlook on photography.

Got me thinking.

I know that FSU cameras are built in stupidly cold conditions. It's Eastern Europe, it's MEANT to be cold 😀 so I expect that FSU cam's have a better survival rate in the cold.


Here's my question, what are the 'extreme temperatures' (high and low) that you would trust the following to work in?

Leica LTM/M
Contax Pre/Post-war (I'm talking II's and III's, as I'm not sure about the newer Contax gear)
FSU LTM cameras (fed, zorki)
FSU Kiev/Contax cams


😕

I don't really want a camera freezing up on me, and I have a bit of a selection so what is best for the 'not-so-sunny-16' days/trips ?

 

[Keith]

For "f***ing freezing f2" I would suggest a Fed 2 ... a blue one if possible! 😀

 

[Ash]

But Keith, what if you put it down, doesn't it blend in with the ice? 😀

 

[Keith]

But Keith, what if you put it down, doesn't it blend in with the ice? 😀

When photographing polar bears there is a big advantage in camoflage! 😉

 

[peterc]

FSU LTM cameras (fed, zorki)
FSU Kiev/Contax cams

I've used various Zorki and Kiev 4 models at -20C with no problem (other than the metal can stick to your fingers if it gets wet).
I prefer the Bessa R for really cold days since plastic doesn't freeze to the fingers.

Peter