What do you northern street shooter do in winter?

Nikkor AIS said:


35 1.4 Summilx on Leica MP 1/125 F4 on 160 ASA.

Slipping on the ice is real possibliity in Canada. Just like this poor fellow I photographed a couple of days ago in a Safeway parking lot, last winter, I stepped on some black ice under a light dusting of snow and landed square on my back.

I was carrying my Nikkor 300 2.0 IF ED AIS in my arms and my Leica M7
around my neck. You will be glad to know both where okay.
I landed square on my back and shoulders. Thankfully I nhad time to tuck my chin so I didnt land on my head.
























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Awesome shots fellow Albertan!!
 
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Well... if you don't feel like snapping photos you can always play some football.

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Cold.

Cold.

It can get mighty cold here in New York.



I have no problem staying warm when shooting—especially my hands.

Gloves, well, are needed but totally get in the way. Take them off, fingers get pretty cold pretty quick. Not to mention the fact that the Leica M body is metal, so the camera itself can get quite cold to the touch. I sometimes prefer using a plastic-bodied camera when it's really cold.

While waiting for a flight in DFW last month, I came across 'texting gloves'. I have used the fingerless gloves, the mitten type and the straight gloves, and other 'fitting' gloves, but I've never been happy with them.

Anyhow, I picked up a pair of these and, I'm happy to report, they are pretty close to perfect for use when shooting. These just allow the tips of the index fingers and thumbs to be exposed. They are pretty warm for the fit (I got mine quite tight, so they are fitting and snug—no bulk).

Anyone interested, here they are.

Stay warm.
 
1. Take a mechanical film camera out along with a digital camera.
2. Wait for a day of -10 (f) or colder.
3. (Do step #2 above first)
4. Let each camera reach the outside air temp. Then go home satisfied you still use a mechanical film camera.
 
One thing I won't be doing is shooting with my 35/3.5 summaron when the temp dips below 0 c. Tried it this week. The lube got so thick, I couldn't focus. Every time I tried to turn the lens, I ended up unscrewing it instead. Ooops!
 
I'll get out when the weather cooperates but will probably stay inside and take more portraits in my make-shift studio.

Jim B.
 
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robklurfield said:
One thing I won't be doing is shooting with my 35/3.5 summaron when the temp dips below 0 c. Tried it this week. The lube got so thick, I couldn't focus. Every time I tried to turn the lens, I ended up unscrewing it instead. Ooops!
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Time for a relube with modern grease. I had that happen too with some older lenses. A bit annoying.

Bob
 
Rewind slooooowly

Rewind slooooowly

Rewind sloooowly, just like the Kodak thingy recommends, otherwise you get lightning bolts, even on your indoor shots. Other than that - do what I'll do in a couple hours: wait for the sun to struggle up to mid-day (warms it up, a bit), then take a reliable MECHANICAL camera (M4) and stay near your car or the Metro for warmth.

Oh, and get ready for using f/2 with Tri-X - it's often that dim out. And get used to a 4-stop range of tones in your negs - gray above, snow below, you're in a great big sphere of the most even light possible. Here's your big trade-off: clear, sunny skies = frigid cold & bone dry; heavy overcast = not-so-cold and not-so-dry.

Another plus: the hunters'-camo vest has both insulation AND lots of pockets, and all the layers of clothing are the perfect place to stash the camera - stays warm (okay, not-so-cold) and out of sight. The whole affair tends to make you choosier about the pix you take - not so many throw-away grabs, more yeah-I-really-want-this shots.
 
Cold is never an issue, but light is. With the day time job, it's only weekends that are left for "normal light" photography..


, on Flickr


, on Flickr


, on Flickr
 
nightfly said:
Why would an FM2 be any better than a Leica?

I feel like my Leica is bulletproof and wouldn't hesitate to use it anywhere I would possibly find myself.

Is there really any evidence of the cold hurting the camera?
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This is just my take on the situation...Leicas are of course built really well. I just don't mind being hard on an all-metal camera I can replace for $150, as opposed to $1000+ !

The main thing I've found is batteries dying out in the cold - not an issue with either camera, for me.
The other common issue would be going from outside cold to a warmer inside place -- you'll quite often get condensation fogging up the lens and camera.
Once or twice, no big deal other than wiping it down and waiting for it to warm to ambient temperatures...but over time that'll build up fungus and just generally not be a real great thing for your gear.
 
Go shoot anyway. Just with long john's, big jacket, hat and gloves!

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Then grab some hot chocolate and do a bit of this

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I try to keep my camera strapped around my neck and inside my jacket until I take a shot. Body temp will keep the camera nice and warm until you are ready to shoot.
 
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