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Photography Question 

Dan C
 

cold weather warm camera


Its now winter. I want to go out and shoot but I am overly concerned about my 35mm camera and exposing it to the cold conditions. Have any suggestions?

thanks!

Dan


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December 25, 2002

 

Derek Cragin
  Taking your equipment out into the cold shouldn't be too much concern if you do it right.

One of the more important things to keep in mind is when you take the camera indoors from outside. If you wear glasses outside, you'll notice that if you go inside suddenly, they fog up. This can also happen to your camera, also known as condensation. It can form on the inside of your camera, harming its functions and possible ruining film.

The simplest way to prevent this from happening is to carry a Zip-LocĀ® bag with you while you're shooting. Before you go inside, place the camera and lens inside the bag, seal it and let it warm to room temperature before removing it from the bag. Condensation will form on the outside of the bag.
I like the slide 'n seal Zip-Loc bags myself as opposed to the ones where you have to align both sides, and press it with your fingers to shut it. The latter can be difficult to shut when your fingers are numb or gloved.

If you shoot in wet conditions and snow/rain falls on the camera or lens, try to wipe it off immediately with a small towel, so it doesn't seep into the lens or camera. Water can damage electronics and corrode metal in a lens or camera. A cheap way to protect your equipment from the elements is to cover it with a shower cap or one of those Saran covers.
A more expensive solution would be the housings that Ewa-Marine (www.ewamarine.com) makes for a variety of cameras and lenses. Some of the housings are for underwater; others just for wet weather. Op-Tech (www.optechusa.com) also makes a weather guard, as well as a few other companies that I can't remember at the moment.

Winter is a great season for photographers to get out and shoot. The snow forms lovely textures and the sunrises/sunsets in winter seem to be even more stunning than at other times of year. Properly protecting your equipment is very important.


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January 04, 2003

 

Dan C
  Thank you for your reply! I will now go out and get my exercise in the winter months! (photography keeps me fit:})


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January 07, 2003

 

Derek Cragin
  One more thing I forgot to mention is batteries (can't believe I forgot that). Batteries can fail in cold weather, and if your camera is a modern one, it may be impossible to operate it if the batteries go. Simply carry an extra pair with you, preferably in a pocket on the inside of your coat, so they can stay thawed from your body heat.

Happy shutterclicking.


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January 09, 2003

 
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