Tactics for photographing in the rain - with a rangefinder

[dugrant153]

Looking for tips on how best to photograph in the rain with our lovely Leicas and other rangefinder cameras. Usually I use an SLR and cover it and the lens with a bag, leaving a small hole so I can see through the viewfinder. However, as rangefinders need access to the two windows, I find it not practical to use a bag to cover it...

I've used a large umbrella but sometimes the rains change direction and, as it's by my side, it usually gets a gust of wind and rain before I can realize it.
Another option I've considered is wearing the cameras under a jacket and thus keeping me and the cameras dry until I need to shoot.

Would appreciate any other advice.

 

[BLKRCAT]

M5 fits under a coat when hung sideways. I've done it from time to time.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

I use a Nikonos V. The IVa is a great camera as well but with a little less manual function. These days the Nikonos series are extraordinarily inexpensive. No worries with the rain using a dedicated diving camera with a great 35mm lens.

Phil Forrest

 

[ChrisPlatt]

I second the suggestion of a Nikonos V. With 35/2.5 Nikkor lens under $200.

Chris

 

[:: Mark]

Use an umbrella and shoot one-handed 🙂



(M7 with C-Sonnar and Delta 100 in heavy rain)

 

[JHutchins]

Looking for tips on how best to photograph in the rain with our lovely Leicas and other rangefinder cameras. Usually I use an SLR and cover it and the lens with a bag, leaving a small hole so I can see through the viewfinder. However, as rangefinders need access to the two windows, I find it not practical to use a bag to cover it...

I've used a large umbrella but sometimes the rains change direction and, as it's by my side, it usually gets a gust of wind and rain before I can realize it.
Another option I've considered is wearing the cameras under a jacket and thus keeping me and the cameras dry until I need to shoot.

Would appreciate any other advice.

My suggestions:

1) Avoid camera bags. Waterproof things are barriers to the passage of moisture. As long as you keep them closed, they're ok at keeping water out when it's out but they always suck at letting water out when it's in. The inside of your bag gets damp and stays damp and that's a ****ty environment for your camera.

2) Keep it under your coat. I put my camera over my shoulder or across my body then put my coat on. It's easy and it works well and lets air move around your camera so even if it does get a little wet it dries efficiently.

3) When you get home, leave the camera out in the open in a room with good air circulation to dry. The best friend to a wet camera is moving air.

4) Don't be afraid to use it. Rain is fresh water and the film Leicas at least don't have incredibly complicated electronic systems to worry about. They can take a little rain.

 

[presspass]

Leica Ms seem to work fine in the rain. I've had mine out in downpours and, with an occasional wipe with a cloth diaper, kept most of the rain off the camera and lens. Obviously, they're not made to be left out in heavy rain for hours on end, but if you can keep them under a coat, in a pocket, or otherwise shielded when not shooting, they'll be fine. Another solution is a cheap shower cap like the ones in motel bathrooms. The elastic allows you to keep the camera dry, take the cap off when you want to shoot, and then put it back on - dry side in, of course.

 

[css9450]

Umbrella, with camera under jacket as needed.

Its awkward to shoot while holding the umbrella, so it becomes a bit of a juggling act sometimes. My classic rangefinders don't have lightmeters, so I'm carrying a Gossen meter around my neck too. Truth be told, I suspect its less well-sealed against rain than the cameras are. So far so good. But there's good shots to be had in the rain (and snow!) so you do what you have to do.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I purchased once EOS 3 to use in combination with weather sealed 50L lens. And... I never used it under rain. I have for few years Konica-off Road and used it under rain only once. Getting front filter wet constantly, which is affecting photography wasn't worth it.
If you really have to, get non collapsible lens with deep unvented hood and have filter on the lens and at least two micro fiber towels in the bag.

I have zero interest in getting my Leica cameras wet now. If it rains, I look at Winogrand, Bresson, Zimbel and Kolář photo books with images taken with Leica. Hardly any photo taken under rain...

 

[narsuitus]

When I need to shoot in the rain, I rely on my waterproof watertight Nikonos III.


Nikonos III by Narsuitus, on Flickr

 

[jordan.dickinson]

Also, here's a YouTube DIY video of a similar setup
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7UvPYUih08I

Sorry, these probably aren't helpful and pretty ridiculous, but still, seems loosely practical in this particular instance.

 

[Ranchu]

Definately keep it under a jacket. I wish I knew how to get my Nikonos II open to clean the hazy finder.

 

[tunalegs]

Sometimes it's too hot to wear a jacket. Use an ever-ready case then. Just flip it open when taking a picture and flip it closed when done.

 

[Colin Corneau]

If it's raining heavily enough to submerge your Leica, I can't imagine you'd see much to photograph anyway.

If you can see well enough to photograph, it's really not wet enough outside to do any damage if you take simple basic precautions (keep under your coat when not shooting, jury rig a simple cover, etc.)

 

[Roger Hicks]

If it's raining heavily enough to submerge your Leica, I can't imagine you'd see much to photograph anyway.

If you can see well enough to photograph, it's really not wet enough outside to do any damage if you take simple basic precautions (keep under your coat when not shooting, jury rig a simple cover, etc.)

Dear Colin,

True. But "simple basic precautions" seem to be beyond the intellectual reach of the more precious among Leica users.

In the monsoons in India, I've found a cycle cape to be ideal for protecting the camera when I'm not using it. When I am using it, it takes its chances. And survives.

Cheers,

R.

 

[ktmrider]

Move to the desert if you are worried about getting a camera wet or buy a Nikonos.

 

[B-9]

Plastic shopping bags and gaffers tap.

Poke the appropriate holes and tape, works best if you have a filter attached.

Ive done this to camera from a Leica M4-2 to a Fuji 645Zi

The Nikonos is a good in retrospect, but what if it begins to rain and you forgot your heavy underwater kit?

 

[narsuitus]

The Nikonos is a good in retrospect, but what if it begins to rain and you forgot your heavy underwater kit?

If I have forgotten the Nikonos, then I have also forgotten the plastic shopping bags and gaffers tap.

 

[giganova]

M5 fits under a coat when hung sideways. I've done it from time to time.

M4 fits inside my car and I make pictures through the windshield. I've done it from time to time. 😀

 

[Colin Corneau]

Dear Colin,

True. But "simple basic precautions" seem to be beyond the intellectual reach of the more precious among Leica users.

In the monsoons in India, I've found a cycle cape to be ideal for protecting the camera when I'm not using it. When I am using it, it takes its chances. And survives.

Cheers,

R.

Thanks for a good laugh, Roger, and a tip if I'm ever in an Indian monsoon! (one never knows...)