Luminous Landscape Forum

Equipment & Techniques => Medium Format / Film / Digital Backs – and Large Sensor Photography => Topic started by: calindustries on March 01, 2014, 12:59:01 pm

Title: weather sealing question
Post by: calindustries on March 01, 2014, 12:59:01 pm
I'm considering taking advantage of the Credo 40/DF+ promo deal. How is this system for weather sealing? I don't plan on standing in a downpour, but I was never really worried about an occasional drop or misting on my 5DMKII and L lenses. Should I expect at least this much protection/piece of mind?

-Craig
Title: Re: weather sealing question
Post by: Doug Peterson on March 01, 2014, 01:47:16 pm
In six years I've had three customers I can remember that had water damage. Two had dropped their systems into water (fully submerged) – total losses. The third was shooting at the base of a waterfall and had a ballpark $600 repair bill for his body (though it did take 2 repairs to resolve the issue, which is unusual - the 2nd repair was of course free since they didn't fully correct the issues in the first repair).

Whether the lack of any other repairs/service/damage is because the systems are quite solid in adverse conditions (though definitely not "fully weather sealed") or because users tend not to push beyond light rain situations and use reasonable precautions like a plastic trash bag* when things start to get dicey, or because customers who shoot in monsoons more often opt for a fully sealed system I cannot be sure. But in practice I've found it is a topic that comes up much more on the forums than among our customers.

Personally when I'm shooting weddings I continue to shoot without concern in light rain and sprinkles but have never pushed beyond that with any of my gear (Canons, Fuji, or Phase).

*a trick I picked up first from Guy Mancuso - the magic being not in the sophistication of the approach but in the dirt cheap and ultra light/small pack weight/size
Title: Re: weather sealing question
Post by: Paul2660 on March 01, 2014, 04:16:19 pm
I have used both the P45+ and IQ160 in light misting rain several times.  Never had any issues, but I also had a towel to wipe the moisture off.  The DF+ may be another problem, but my DF has been through quite a bit and still works fine.  I would be more concerned about the DF+ in heavy rain conditions than the back. 

I also carry a clear bag in my case just in case to allow me to cover the camera/back now. 

Paul C.
Title: Re: weather sealing question
Post by: calindustries on March 01, 2014, 05:35:09 pm
I have used both the P45+ and IQ160 in light misting rain several times.  Never had any issues, but I also had a towel to wipe the moisture off.  The DF+ may be another problem, but my DF has been through quite a bit and still works fine.  I would be more concerned about the DF+ in heavy rain conditions than the back. 

I also carry a clear bag in my case just in case to allow me to cover the camera/back now. 

Paul C.

What's the difference between the DF and the DF+ that would make you more concerned about it?

Title: Re: weather sealing question
Post by: Paul2660 on March 01, 2014, 07:09:28 pm
Sorry for confusion.  I only have the DF but both bodies are pretty much the same as far as weather.  I just meant that between the credo back and DF+, the DF+ has more areas that might catch and hold an errant drop of moisture. 

Credo has no wifi so the top of the back is one solid piece of metal.  Ports are on the sides and sceen is all touch. 

Paul C
Title: Re: weather sealing question
Post by: Ken R on March 01, 2014, 10:45:47 pm
I'm considering taking advantage of the Credo 40/DF+ promo deal. How is this system for weather sealing? I don't plan on standing in a downpour, but I was never really worried about an occasional drop or misting on my 5DMKII and L lenses. Should I expect at least this much protection/piece of mind?

-Craig

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