How can I sort of waterproof my camera a little bit?
February 24, 2010 5:13 AM Subscribe
So I have to take photos of Holi in Varanasi next week, then Songkran in Chiang Mai in April. Both of these are giant water fights. How can I jury-rig some sort of waterproofing for my SLR?
Using a P&S or avoiding water isn't really an option. Holi is next week and I'm kind of in the middle of nowhere right now, so I won't be able to buy any sort of professional gear. Is there some sort of standard hack for preventing water from getting all up in your camera's business?
Using a P&S or avoiding water isn't really an option. Holi is next week and I'm kind of in the middle of nowhere right now, so I won't be able to buy any sort of professional gear. Is there some sort of standard hack for preventing water from getting all up in your camera's business?
I'd suggest a variation of the Ziplok bag. Two plastic trash bag, one inside another. Cut a hole in the bottom that fits the lens hood and tape the hole in the bag to that. Drag the bag over the body of the camera.
The front element will get wet, but you're not going to get any decent shots otherwise. What kind of body and lens combo will you be using?
posted by michswiss at 7:04 AM on February 24, 2010
The front element will get wet, but you're not going to get any decent shots otherwise. What kind of body and lens combo will you be using?
posted by michswiss at 7:04 AM on February 24, 2010
Ditto to michswiss. Also you can make a small hole for the viewfinder, pull off the eyepiece, put the bag on line up the hole and slide the eyepiece on again. That helps hold the back of the bag in place. The rest, consider rubber bands and some tape. Rubber bands to keep the bag from puffing up and GOOD tape to tape off where the lens meets the bag. Also maybe keep a small dry towel inside the bag to absorb water if it does get in.
If things do get wet in there I have had luck with pulling the camera apart (battery, lens, cards) and leaving it on a dry towel just wide open to dry out. I was told by my repair guy that this is actually a bad idea because it will lead to corrosion and said I should bring it to them in a bag while it is wet. But if you are in the middle of nowhere what can you do.
You may also want to gaff tape the camera ahead of time. Tape along any seams on the body that you can see. It won't be perfect but it may help. You may also end up with a sticky camera afterward but if it keeps the water out it will be worth it.
posted by WickedPissah at 9:08 AM on February 24, 2010
If things do get wet in there I have had luck with pulling the camera apart (battery, lens, cards) and leaving it on a dry towel just wide open to dry out. I was told by my repair guy that this is actually a bad idea because it will lead to corrosion and said I should bring it to them in a bag while it is wet. But if you are in the middle of nowhere what can you do.
You may also want to gaff tape the camera ahead of time. Tape along any seams on the body that you can see. It won't be perfect but it may help. You may also end up with a sticky camera afterward but if it keeps the water out it will be worth it.
posted by WickedPissah at 9:08 AM on February 24, 2010
When I did it I used a cheap shopping bag (I got it from a 7-11 with a can of soft drink). I put the body in the bag, with the lens sticking out the opening. I then secured it with rubber bands around the lens.
posted by Joe in Australia at 1:59 AM on February 25, 2010
posted by Joe in Australia at 1:59 AM on February 25, 2010
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posted by Grither at 5:24 AM on February 24, 2010