M240, M9 + heavy rain? How?

[ShotCapture]

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Anyone out there shoot in heavy rain? Literally in the rain and not under shelter. And not under an umbrella.

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[Hookeye]

As you know, most gadgets made for SLRs leave only the lens front open to the elements. They are no good on the Ms as you will need to have a clear view in front of the entire camera in order to use the rangefinder. There are brave people here at this forum who claim they have used their M9 unprotected in heavy rain without any damage. The M240 should fare better as it is weather sealed. But you will need to protect the lens anyway, to avoid water on the front element that will ruin the optical performance.

 

But why not use some form of shelter, like an umbrella? I like the look of this particular contraption , but don't think they make it any more. It probably has the added bonus of making your subjects smile

 

Red Spectrum Pictures: Popabrella - Mini Camera Umbrella

[pico]

Yes, but not without protection. I have soaked enough equipment to not trust weatherproofing.

 

 

If you want to make people smile, try this. (not my image).

[beewee]

No problems with pouring rain and snow for my M8.2 on numerous occasions. The RF viewfinder window does occasionally fog up but I take it inside once I'm done and let it dry out. Haven't killed anything yet.

[Wail]

I've used my M9 extensively in heavy downpours. I do carry an umbrella but that's useless when doing street photography with a camera in your hand.

 

I do, however, use protection and I've tried a variety of options from plastic bags, to "rain guard" etc.; the most effective I've found is a small hand-towel wrapped around the body. It is somewhat clumsy, but very effective.

[nggalai]

I don’t like umbrellas, so I’m pretty much a raincoat & hat kind of person. I usually carry my cameras on Sunsniper straps; when it’s pouring under the coat. This way it’s pretty well protected from the rain, but I can still reach it comfortably.

 

I’ve done this for close to four years now, two years with an M9(-P), never had a camera fail on me. This seems enough protection for Switzerland, but I don’t think it would work well in a tropical torrent or the like. Also, it makes me look somewhat … sinister; fortunately M are small enough not to be mistaken for concealed weapons.

 

(Picture taken this morning – not a heavy downpour yet, but spring has barely started …)

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[StephenPatterson]

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One nice thing about hotels in China and Hong Kong is that they often furnish lots of complimentary toiletries, including shower caps made from clear plastic. I always save these, and with a little tape can weatherproof my M for any downpour. I now have the M240, and while I have heard reports from a Korean gentleman who claims his new M survived a brief submersion under water I would never trust it without some additional protection in the rain.

[algrove]

Stephen is correct. Hotel shower caps come in very handy when away from the hotel for photography purposes and in inclement weather. Have used this method for years.

 

That being said I have also found the Op/Tech rain sleeve to be useful. They come in a pack for 2 for like $5.00 and have a cinch cord at one end and a little precut hole for VF use. Admittedly they are better served when using a DSLR, but at 75cm in length one can configure them for any camera.

[ramosa]

To answer the original question: No.

 

(I'm either smart or not courageous enough )

[MichaelToye]

This has been a useful thread

 

<coward>I think I might find my decisive moments from cover of doorways and shop entrances.

 

Michael