Best Practice to shoot while it's raining (moody autumn season is coming up)

[Jewl]

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Hi community,

as finally some rain is being forecasted (love the summer weather but nature heavily deserves rain in Germany), what are your best practice to keep on shooting even if it is raining? This is not necessarily about the weather sealing of the Leica M11 but rather how you treat this topic generally if you are out shooting. Typically, I try to avoid rainy days but actually shooting while it is raining could result in cool moody shots!

Thanks for your inputs.

Cheers
Jewl

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[frame-it]

ive seen a guy in Tokyo shooting in the rain with something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Umbrella-Sunshade-Droppings-Waterproof-Accessory/dp/B0B4HPRQ17

[Guest]

Rainy days … increased saturation (colour not moisture), reflections, moody skies, autumnal colours … the list goes on.

[Jeff S]

If small and light isn’t required, I use the SL2 with SL24-90 in rain and snow…weather sealed system, no lens changes, with 6 common focal lengths in one.  

But I’ve used many M’s in the rain, with film M’s and various digital M’s up to but not including the M11.  Weather sealing isn’t necessary, just some common sense.  These aren’t fragile machines; a little rain won’t kill them. Avoid downpours, keep under a light rain jacket between shots (or in a small bag), carry a microfiber cloth, use lens hoods, consider a rain hat with brim, etc.  

Jeff

[Robert Blanko]

The Japanese solution shown above does not seem to be a practical solution… 😳😀

But there are solutions to mount your umbrella to your backpack: a quick Google search revealed this: https://www.livingactive.de/euroschirm-handsfree-tragesystem?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI79v_mev6-QIVV49oCR1QrQFcEAQYASABEgKhR_D_BwE

I should still have mine somewhere that I received as a gift almost 20 years ago. I rarely used it, but the few times I did, it appeared to be a feasible solution.

[ravinj]

Shooting in the rain requires more than protecting the gear. You need to make sure you will be comfortable enough to be able to keep taking pictures.

In Iceland I used this with my Sony A7RII and GM 100-400 for a 6 hour hike on a day that alternated between a steady drizzle and rain with ice cold wind gusts strong enough to shake vehicles.  https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1235782-REG/ruggard_rc_p8_rain_cover_for.html My Leica Q was under my rain jacket and exposed intermittently.

A few things I learnt that day:

1. Waterproof gloves with a bit of insulation are a must. My regular gloves were soaking wet (obviously) and fingers went numb. My mistake was that I thought I will do a quick 30 minute hike, but with the photo opportunities it went on for hours. My clothing wasn't completely ready for that.

2. My cheap waterproof jacket that day started leaking at the seams. I now have Patagonia's Torrentshell which so far has been impervious to the heaviest downpours. If it is a light intermittent drizzle with wind, I pack Patagonia Houdini jacket, which has saved me more than once including on a mountain hike.

3. #2 also applies to waterproof pants. My Mizuno waterproof golf rain pants saved the day for me. A bit pricey, but worth it. Breathable too. 

4. The big lens hood on the GM 100-400 was a lifesaver, no need to worry about wiping water drops on the front element. For the Leica Q, I had a small microfiber towel to wipe off the water drops on the lens. But after 2 hours it was useless as the towel itself was saturated.

5. Waterproof boots with merino socks. Luckily I had these on that day, so was fine. I am a big believer in merino wool now, a few other times on that trip, my socks got wet but still kept me warm. 

I use Mystery Ranch Coulee 25 litre packpack with oversized and sealed YKK zippers. It has been through a lot and proven itself in the field. While it is water resistant, I do carry a rain cover for it just in case.

It all depends on how long you are willing to be out on a day like this and how far will you go. Then there are things to remember about taking care of your waterproof clothing but that will require a separate post.

Finally, as you (OP) noted, shooting out in the rain will give beautiful moody pictures. In fact, I always prefer the weather to be a bit cloudy and drizzling during fall as that brings out the best colors.

Edited September 4, 2022 by ravinj

[Herr Barnack]

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1 hour ago, Robert Blanko said:

The Japanese solution shown above does not seem to be a practical solution… 😳😀

But there are solutions to mount your umbrella to your backpack: a quick Google search revealed this: https://www.livingactive.de/euroschirm-handsfree-tragesystem?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI79v_mev6-QIVV49oCR1QrQFcEAQYASABEgKhR_D_BwE

I should still have mine somewhere that I received as a gift almost 20 years ago. I rarely used it, but the few times I did, it appeared to be a feasible solution.

A much more practical solution - and less costly than the backpack umbrella - would be to wear one of these over your head and torso while shooting in the rain:  https://www.amazon.com/Ox-Plastics-Trash-Liners-Bags/dp/B06VTBVV1D/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3CYPG9RVWIAE&keywords=Hefty+trash+can+liners&qid=1662289826&sprefix=hefty+trash+can+liners%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=ADP4UAKBKM1XF

Edited September 4, 2022 by Herr Barnack

[Robert Blanko]

vor 19 Minuten schrieb Herr Barnack:

A much more practical solution - and less costly than the backpack umbrella - would be to wear one of these over your head and torso while shooting in the rain:  https://www.amazon.com/Ox-Plastics-Trash-Liners-Bags/dp/B06VTBVV1D/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3CYPG9RVWIAE&keywords=Hefty+trash+can+liners&qid=1662289826&sprefix=hefty+trash+can+liners%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=ADP4UAKBKM1XF

Don‘t forget a small Leica-branded trash bag for the camera… 

[Guest]

In heavy rain and snowstorms a Leica X-U is most welcome.
Then the Leica M stays well protected in my backpack or even at home.

[Herr Barnack]

6 hours ago, Robert Blanko said:

Don‘t forget a small Leica-branded trash bag for the camera… 

I meant that you and the camera would be inside the bag together. 

Your M will be safe and dry and your collection of what looks like the back side of the lens cap will grow to prodigious proportions. You can then have a gallery show and title it "3mil Nihilism."

Edited September 4, 2022 by Herr Barnack