Q Typ 116 - chances of working in drizzle

[NFKDave]

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I'm off to Bergen in April - the rainfall capital of Europe - and really REALLY want to take a Q Typ 116 to take photos (I really can't afford a Q2 or Q3 for the foreseeable future) but I'm worried that it won't withstand the constant drizzle, even if I tape up the microphone holes and have the lens hood and a filter on the lens. My alternative is that I get a Fujifilm X-T5 which is weather sealed, but I would rather have real Leica colour science rather than a Fuji film simulation. Is it worth the risk?

[Luke_Miller]

My rainy day approach is a wide brimmed hat and rain proof jacket.  The camera is carried inside the jacket and raised to my eye under the brim of the hat.

[gulenissen]

21 minutes ago, NFKDave said:

I'm off to Bergen in April - the rainfall capital of Europe - and really REALLY want to take a Q Typ 116 to take photos (I really can't afford a Q2 or Q3 for the foreseeable future) but I'm worried that it won't withstand the constant drizzle, even if I tape up the microphone holes and have the lens hood and a filter on the lens. My alternative is that I get a Fujifilm X-T5 which is weather sealed, but I would rather have real Leica colour science rather than a Fuji film simulation. Is it worth the risk?

As a Leica Q (Typ 116) owner living in Bergen, I can say the camera generally handles the damp climate quite well. It’s not weather-sealed, though, so when it’s really coming down, keep it under an umbrella or in a waterproof bag. Light rain or drizzle is usually fine, but when it’s pouring, it’s best to put it away and wait it out.

And if you’re lucky enough to get some sunshine in Bergen, nothing beats taking photos here, the light and colors are just incredible.

 

[bobtodrick]

Have had the original Q for six years now,  Have used it many time in the drizzly conditions.  As others have said when not actually shooting will shelter it in its case or under a jacket..but have never had an issue.

[stuny]

About 8 years now with my Q, going all over the world, in every sort of climate, and never a problem with high humidity, rain, dessert sandstorm, and more. Read the advice above - It should work.

Bergen is lovely. by the way, as are its inhabitants.

[jaapv]

Taping the microphone holes is not very useful - the microphones themselves will not let any water in.

[PhotoCruiser]

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vor 17 Stunden schrieb gulenissen:

It’s not weather-sealed, though, so when it’s really coming down, keep it under an umbrella or in a waterproof bag. Light rain or drizzle is usually fine, but when it’s pouring, it’s best to put it away and wait it out.

THIS!

Back in 2019/2020 there where some Q2 users here complaining that they ruined their Q2 (what is spray/dust protected) using her either in pouring rain or extremely dusty conditions and same will probably happen to the X-T5 under same conditions.

As gulenissen wrote
protect your camera from rain carrying under a jacket and use a umbrella when taking photos, carry a towel to dry her
If you want to use her under pouring rain use a dry bag (EVA-Marine or similar brands) or other plastic covers exposing only the front lens
fork out a substantial sum for a underwater housing and she will not get damaged by dust and water as long you close the housing correctly

Chris