How best to lug spare lenses around

[Rolo]

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I can add that I don't store the kit in the ShootSac. I normally remove everything when I return back to base.

 

Neoprene is waterproof, but not airtight.

 

Rolo C.Eng, MIMechE, MIEE

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[wlaidlaw]

I thought the same thing, so I checked Wikipedia on Wetsuits. They indicate that the neoprene used in wetsuits is actually waterproof. The thin layer of water inside enters via the openings, and is tolerated because the bubbles trapped inside the neoprene are effective enough insulators. It appears the idea that wetsuits become soaked and the trapped water provides insulation is an urban myth, possibly partly derived from the water loving stretch fabric they seem to be coated in

 

David,

 

As someone who has been using wet suits for 40 years, I can tell you they get soaked. I used to have a winter 10mm wet suit. When it was wet, it was so heavy you could hardly pick it up. The neoprene itself is waterproof but the cell structure is a semi-open and not closed cell, so that water slowly enters into the structure. The movement of the water is very slow, so that the water next to your skin heats up. It is not an urban myth.

 

Wilson

[dpattinson]

David,

 

As someone who has been using wet suits for 40 years, I can tell you they get soaked. I used to have a winter 10mm wet suit. When it was wet, it was so heavy you could hardly pick it up. The neoprene itself is waterproof but the cell structure is a semi-open and not closed cell, so that water slowly enters into the structure. The movement of the water is very slow, so that the water next to your skin heats up. It is not an urban myth.

 

Wilson

 

Well, that's certainly what I had thought to be the case. However the Wikipedia article definitely contradicts you, saying that wetsuits have positive buoyancy and that the foam is closed cell - apparently filled with bubbles of nitrogen gas which would definitely not be possible if the fabric was permeable. There is a quite good discussion page attached to the article.

[wlaidlaw]

Well, that's certainly what I had thought to be the case. However the Wikipedia article definitely contradicts you, saying that wetsuits have positive buoyancy and that the foam is closed cell - apparently filled with bubbles of nitrogen gas which would definitely not be possible if the fabric was permeable. There is a quite good discussion page attached to the article.

 

David,

 

Wikipedia is not necessarily factual. There are a lot of errors, mistaken beliefs and generalities on it. Whereas the nitrogen bubbles may apply to some foamed neoprene, it does not necessarily apply to all of them. I would agree that wet suits have a lot of positive buoyancy but they also hold a whole lot of water. Just think of the huge puddle that forms round a wet suit when it is hung up to dry. I just don't believe all that comes from the cloth covering.

 

Wilson

[archinaut]

Not a problem at all, they fit in nicely and come out easily. Also, it is very light so carrying it is not an issue.

 

David, I cannot comment about being waterproof......

 

Rolo should come in on this, but I know he has been out of town, will flag it up for him.

Falstaff

 

I recently travelled for a month in Italy with an M and 4 lenses in a Shootsac and found it an excellent bag. Also had room for a small umbrella, guidebook, batteries, memory card pouch and water bottle. With just the lenses and a few accessories it hugs the body tightly and doesn't make you look like a photo-geek. Was in the rain on a few occasions and nothing inside got wet, although I wouldn't rely on it in a downpour without a bit of umbrella shelter. This isn't because the neoprene is porous - it isn't, it's totally waterproof - but because the flap doesn't cover the front pockets completely and doesn't cover the rear pockets at all. The fabric surface of the neoprene does trap some moisture, but so would most canvas or cordura, and it dries quickly. I also really like the fact that you aren't dragging your hand or your gear past big zippers, or messing with velcro or buckles. The deep pockets give a real feeling of security.

[Jerry_R]

Can you remind me - there was an accessory allowing to "stick" two "M" lenses together and carry them in vertical position like one taller lens.

I can't find it now...

[farnz]

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Jerry,

 

It's usually called a 'lens coupler', is made of grey plastic and allows you to mount two M lenses back to back as one unit. There was also one for R lenses.

 

I occasionally use one when I travel but they're open through the centre so you have to be careful which lenses you couple together because some wide angle lenses protrude into the coupler and can touch the rear element of the other lens.

 

I found that the best solution was to get two normal rear lens caps and glue them back to back with epoxy cement after removing their rims so that the flat surfaces are fully in contact.

 

Pete.