I'll be bringing a PhaseOne/Mamiya III (with a P45+ back) to Antarctica on Michael's expedition. I'm bringing 4 batteries for the back, but am clueless about the best strategy for the body. I'm thinking that lithiums would make the most sense because they're light, but I have no idea as to how many to bring. Could also bring several sets of NiMH which are heavier but I wouldn't need as many.
Anyone have experience with this body in COLD climates?
Thanks,
Paul
Paul, I do a fair amount of winter photography here in Canada with my AFD and P45+. I use rechargeable Duracell NiMH 2650 mAH batteries and have no problem even on the coldest days. I do keep two sets next to my warm body and one in the camera.
Having said that, I have been to Antarctica twice, once in February (mid summer) and once in November (early summer) and it really is NOT very cold on the Peninsula. The lowest temp on my Feb trip was -3C. We even had a BBQ on deck, just wearing heavy sweaters! You are on an unfrozen ocean, which allowing for its salinity, is no colder than about -4C.
The Nov. trip was colder, but never much less than -8C or thereabouts. This poses no problems for most cameras. I have used the AFD in Ontario on much colder days - like -20C!
Good luck - it's a fantastic trip and you'll want to return.
Bill