Can the M10-R (and an M246) survive in the Arctic?

[Life By Stills]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hi everyone,

Hope everyone is doing well. As some of you know, I really didn't get on with the Q2's autofocus and the the view finding having a different white balance to the LCD screen on the back, and so I ditched the Q2 for the M10-R, 28mm Summicron, with an M Monochrom 246 for those pure BW moments. I really love the Ms with their relative small footprint, even when compared with the Q2.

My problem now is that I am planning to head back to the Arctic for a few years on the trot in winter, and am worried about the M10-R and the M246 surviving in the Arctic winter... I'm talking about snow falls (sometimes blizzardy) with temperatures of -20°C and possibly lower. Would the M cameras survive this?

I know the Q2 did survive this as I brought it with me on one of my Arctic trips... but would an M?

M am thinking of maybe swapping out the Ms and lenses and getting a Q2 and Q2 Monochrom as replacement in order to be safe. Wonder what peeps think? Would love to have your thoughts!

Many thanks in advance.
Howard

Edited February 19, 2023 by Life By Stills

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[jaapv]

Why wouldn't it?  It might not function at such temperatures, but it would it survive.

[Life By Stills]

5 minutes ago, jaapv said:

Why wouldn't it?  It might not function at such temperatures, but it would it survive.

Don't know, which is why I'm asking. I was thinking especially in relation to moisture, snow, leakage into the camera at the mount, etc. But I'm guessing if it might not function, then it's also a problem since it just becomes deadweight for me LOL.

Edited February 19, 2023 by Life By Stills

[RexGig0]

55 minutes ago, Life By Stills said:

Don't know, which is why I'm asking. I was thinking especially in relation to moisture, snow, leakage into the camera at the mount, etc. 

If everything is below freezing, the snow will not “leak” into the camera. The problem is when the camera is above freezing, which causes snow to melt upon contact with the camera. The melt water can then enter the camera. A further problem is that the batteries are not happy, when below freezing. One solution is to keep the removable, rechargeable battery or batteries inside an internal pocket, and only load the battery into the camera, when ready to shoot. There is, however, another battery, inside the camera, that keeps the clock running, when there is no removal battery in place. If that freezes, the internal clock and calendar will need to be reset, if that information is important to the shooter.

The ultimate solution is to keep a film camera body, to use in such situations. The film camera and lens can be allowed to stay below freezing. I do not have a film M camera, but do have film SLR bodies, that do not need batteries, and totally manual SLR lenses. I have no immediate plans to shoot in constant sub-freezing conditions, but, am able to do so.

Here is a link to a line of waterproof housings and covers. I have not yet bought one, but am considering doing so, because I want to start using a small canoe, for some photo outings.

https://www.ewa-marine.com/products/photo/

Edited February 19, 2023 by RexGig0

[Life By Stills]

1 hour ago, RexGig0 said:

If everything is below freezing, the snow will not “leak” into the camera. The problem is when the camera is above freezing, which causes snow to melt upon contact with the camera. The melt water can then enter the camera. A further problem is that the batteries are not happy, when below freezing. One solution is to keep the removable, rechargeable battery or batteries inside an internal pocket, and only load the battery into the camera, when ready to shoot. There is, however, another battery, inside the camera, that keeps the clock running, when there is no removal battery in place. If that freezes, the internal clock and calendar will need to be reset, if that information is important to the shooter.

The ultimate solution is to keep a film camera body, to use in such situations. The film camera and lens can be allowed to stay below freezing. I do not have a film M camera, but do have film SLR bodies, that do not need batteries, and totally manual SLR lenses. I have no immediate plans to shoot in constant sub-freezing conditions, but, am able to do so.

Here is a link to a line of waterproof housings and covers. I have not yet bought one, but am considering doing so, because I want to start using a small canoe, for some photo outings.

https://www.ewa-marine.com/products/photo/

Thanks for the link! I'll have a gander!

I wasn't too sure if the camera's operation would render it warm enough to melt the snow etc, and accompanied with your own heat when say brushing the snow off. Will definitely have a look at those waterproof housings though and see if you can see operate an M with one of those.

Thanks @RexGig0. 😃

[overexposed]

at minus degrees i ran into the issue that the rear display became slow and ultimately froze, funny effect.

luckily no lasting defect

[Leitz.]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

The battery may last a few minutes 😀

[Kiwimac]

I don’t see why not although battery life will be much shorter. 
 

I took a much less well built Nikon D200 to Canada and shot for a week in temperatures in the region of minus 40 Centigrade and it was fine. 

[fenykepesz]

what about condensate water inside the camera ?  i frequently use my M10-D in Canada in -20°C or lower and always ask myself if short circuits could damage its electronics after returning from the cold to a warm and relatively humid room.  in such cases i am luckily prevented from using the camera because the lenses are fogged up too, but what if...?