wparsonsgisnet Posted May 31, 2012 Share #1 Posted May 31, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) I will be shooting a brief wedding ceremony on Saturday and it is expected to rain. One of the parties to this alliance said they plan to stand under a big tree (it may be lightning and I told him this is contraindicated). I need to use flash and also keep the M9 and the flash dry. I am planning to cover the M9 with a refrigerator bag with an opening cut for the 35 'lux lens and cover the flash with a bag that will be 'sealed." Anyone think I'm going to be fried? Those who submit the best responses can be in the will for the equipment. Thanks for all comments, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 Hi wparsonsgisnet, Take a look here Flash in rain - Don't wanna be electrocuted. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
lars_bergquist Posted June 1, 2012 Share #2 Posted June 1, 2012 Unless you have a bad heart, it will probably not kill you. That however will not save the shot. The best solution is to bring along a large brolly and to have somebody hold it over you and the camera. Primitive, but works, unless there is a high wind too. The old man from the Age of Flashpowder Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gerard Posted June 1, 2012 Share #3 Posted June 1, 2012 You may find a handy (and free) flash protector at your local petrol/gas station that acts as a nifty diffuser... ...that said, it might be a bit funky, chicken. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/180740-flash-in-rain-dont-wanna-be-electrocuted/?do=findComment&comment=2028586'>More sharing options...
SJP Posted June 1, 2012 Share #4 Posted June 1, 2012 It is extremely unlikely that the HV part of the flash would come in contact with rain, that is what the (plastic?) casing is for. The flash shoe voltage presumably is < 60 V, probably more like 5-10 V, that might be vulnerable to rain & you could consider taping that. I have certainly never had too many concerns with my M8 in (driving) rain & cold, it seems to hold up well enough - although temperature shocks can cause temporary problems (it stopped working once when taken from indoors to -20 °C). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterv Posted June 1, 2012 Share #5 Posted June 1, 2012 Hi Bill, your question reminded me of this movie: YouTube - King Ralph (1991) Original Trailer Be careful! Peter Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
algrove Posted June 1, 2012 Share #6 Posted June 1, 2012 Have someone hold an umbrella over you and your flash. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted June 1, 2012 Share #7 Posted June 1, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) We all know its a sign of future luck if the Mother-in-law's each take a flash photograph in the rain (ask any photographer to confirm this). And if the worst happens at least one person is going to thank you. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave_d Posted June 1, 2012 Share #8 Posted June 1, 2012 I usually get fried at weddings but it is from the alcohol consumed and not the weather. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamie Roberts Posted June 1, 2012 Share #9 Posted June 1, 2012 Hey Bill--I don't bag my digital Ms and they've been in many a downpour--it's too hard to work them in plastic. It is true I'll sometimes balance an umbrella on my head (which can keep water off the whole system)--even as I walk around. Good luck. I generally don't have a flash on the camera body outside, but it should be ok too (though the hot-shoe is what I'd be worried about too). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
wparsonsgisnet Posted June 1, 2012 Author Share #10 Posted June 1, 2012 As I work with a monopod, I think this time I will put the flash in the shoe, as opposed to using the wrist-strap method espoused by Sean. I use the 24 Elmarit for this type of work, so focus is a no-brainer and can easily be set by estimation. Hearing no one tell me to watch my butt, I'll carry the umbrella in one hand and the rig in the other. I did tell the client to get a fall back location. He said we're all standing under a big tree during the thunderstorm. 'Could be that electrocution from the flash is the least of my worrries. Regards to all, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
marknorton Posted June 1, 2012 Share #11 Posted June 1, 2012 I think the threat of electrocution from a lighting strike to the tree you are standing under far outweighs the threat of a shock from the flash. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanG Posted June 1, 2012 Share #12 Posted June 1, 2012 You can put a clear plastic bag over your flash to protect it. Maybe put electrical tape around the foot and flash shoe to seal it to the camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SJP Posted June 2, 2012 Share #13 Posted June 2, 2012 Wear a plastic hat if under the specified tree:D (Bill, Sorry I could not resist, it has been a tough week for various reasons.) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmradman Posted June 2, 2012 Share #14 Posted June 2, 2012 I think the threat of electrocution from a lighting strike to the tree you are standing under far outweighs the threat of a shock from the flash. 1++ Typical flash is powered up by 4 x 1.5V AA size batteries and amount of stored energy is small. Flash gun operate at much higher voltage (achieved by charging condenser circuit) but discharge current is small and discharge duration is short. To be electrocuted you need to to be exposed to high voltage, high current over prolonged period of time - flash gun barely creates one of three conditions. And here is an article from the fountain of all knowledge Electric shock - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Back to OP original question and promise, if you die from flash electrocution you will be the first. Anyone think I'm going to be fried? Those who submit the best responses can be in the will for the equipment. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotoism Posted June 2, 2012 Share #15 Posted June 2, 2012 Here you go! Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/180740-flash-in-rain-dont-wanna-be-electrocuted/?do=findComment&comment=2029649'>More sharing options...
wparsonsgisnet Posted June 4, 2012 Author Share #16 Posted June 4, 2012 Several good things happened on Saturday: 1. There was NO lightning (my greatest worry and one that I did not communicate to others, read: bride) 2. I wore waterproof boots, pants, and jacket and carried the aforementioned golf umbrella (all golf umbrellas, by the way -- they must be popular because none of the cheerful attendees looks like a golfer). As it turned out, we photo-d under a tree with lots of cover but umbrellas were used by all. 3. I had to stand in a puddle, of course. That makes #1 all the more important I suppose (my insurance is probably ok but not sufficient ... but who knows -- that may be responsible for my long life ....) 4. These guys got married and the JP was a great performer. He organized the best selection of golf umbrella colors for himself (black) and the two aspirants (black and white). 5. I got good pix: Blessings to Leica for the M9 and 24/28, to Mr Metz for making wonderful flashes, and to Mr Quantum for the 2x2 Turbo. There is no wonder at all that this stuff is worth more than my car (not the Bride's car, tho). I did a zone focus with the DOF scale (about 12 feet, at f5.6) and just kept the rain off the lens (as I am not-too-stupid, I did confirm focus by enlarging on the viewing screen). Thanks to all for the good-natured and sensible advice and, expecially, the drawings! I will be posing for the cover of GQ with the plastic hat. It *has * been suggested that I wear a plastic bag and I don't even owe these guys money. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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