waterproof film camera recommendations

[itf]

I'm just wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a waterproof 35mm camera? I've been looking at the Minolta 35dl and Canon Sureshot A1. Can anyone compare these or recommend any others? I'd be interested if the flash can be forced on or off in either, and any other details.

Cheers,
rich

 

[Robin Harrison]

I took a Canon Sureshot A1 white-water rafting in Peru. In terms of being watertight, it was sound, even when sand got in the seals. You can force the flash on or off, and there is an underwater mode. The finder is very, very big (presumably so it's usable with goggles or a mask). The lens is a nice focal length, but fairly low contrast. The one problem I found with it was the protective front element (not part of the lens itself, but a flat piece of glass/perspex (can't remember) is far enough away that big drops of water on it cause blur, distortion, and flare in parts of the frame.

 

[AzzA]

Hmm, waterproof and all-weather/water resistant are very different. Which one do you need?
For something "all-weather", i'd recommend considering the Olympus Stylus Epic aswell.
It's not designed to me a super rugged outdoors camera though, so may not 100% suit your needs.
However, I have a couple and they've put up with a fair bit of abuse (actually, alot). One in particular i've dropped several times and its fallen into water on more than one occasion (at the beach). Another time I slipped over on wet rocks and put my right hand out to take the force of my fall. The thing is the Olympus was still in my hand at the time, and as a result it took most of my weight as it was smashed up against the rocks.. The thing survived with a couple of scratches and i still use it today..
(no i dont treat all of my cameras this bad haha)

 

[itf]

Yeah, I should have been a bit more specific. I'm after a waterproof camera, for taking photos in surf. I want to be using film too. It probably needs to be able to withstand at least 3 to 5 metres of pressure (not because I'll be going that usually, but to be on the safe side with the surf adding a bit of pressure).

The idea is to be taking both under and above water photos, but I've just read about the change in angle of view that effectively gives lenses a longer focal length under water. This makes me lean towards a 20mm or wider lens, and maybe a second body with a 35 for above water. Are there any 20mm waterproof film P&S cameras, or do I need to go for a Nikonos for this?

 

[Bob Michaels]

I'm just wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a waterproof 35mm camera? I've been looking at the Minolta 35dl and Canon Sureshot A1. Can anyone compare these or recommend any others? I'd be interested if the flash can be forced on or off in either, and any other details.
Cheers,
rich

I recommend a used Nikonos. I do fine with a Nikonos III that was about $175 including the 35mm lens. I think they can be found cheaper now.

The primary advantage of the Nikonos is that they are just a basic camera. One where you set the shutter speed, the aperture, and focus it. (nothing electronic, no battery in the III) But the Nikonos are truly rugged and waterproof.

I do believe the 35mm lens is the only one that works above and below water. But it does well at both.

 

[itf]

Thanks for the responses. will sheck the nikonos out.

 

[plexi]

I`m very happy with my Nikon L35AW AF.
It`s pretty simple but does the job, and it `s has AF(MF-scale for under water use). 🙂

Here`s a couple snaps taken while enjoying the water and sun last summer.

Scanned on an Epson 4990, so it`s far from optimal, but it`ll give you an idea..