All metal camera - cold weather: how to avoid condensation?

Andy K · Jan 21, 2010

Any tips on avoiding condensation on an all metal camera (CV Bessa R3M w/sidegrip) when returning indoors from shooting in very cold weather?

Normally the camera would be in a camera bag, but when I'm cycling weight and bulk are a consideration, so I wear the camera around my neck. I cannot wear it under my jacket as there is too much humidity from body heat while cycling.

Rick A · Jan 21, 2010

Bring the temp up slowly just as you do when retrieving film from the freezer. If you have a place where the temp is able to be regulated and brought up slowly, or a cool room somewhere in between outside and inside to leave it for a short time. Also, watch the humidity-keep it low if possible.

Rick

kameranerd.com · Jan 21, 2010

I always putting the camera in a plastic bag, before going inndoors.

Kent

lxdude · Jan 21, 2010

A sealable plastic bag, especially a heavy duty type like a freezer bag ("Zip-lock" has become the generic term here in the US). Easy to carry with you.

Stephen Schoof · Jan 21, 2010

I would wrap the camera in my cold shirt before coming inside, if entering the house topless is an acceptable option. Or put the camera bag outside to get cold before your ride, then put the camera in it to bring it indoors when you return. I've never really had a problem with condensation as long as there is some sort of buffer between the equipment and the warm air.

bobwysiwyg · Jan 21, 2010

lxdude said:
A sealable plastic bag, especially a heavy duty type like a freezer bag ("Zip-lock" has become the generic term here in the US). Easy to carry with you.

Ditto and try to remove as much air as possible while zipping it up. Once warmed to room temp, remove from the bag, you don't want to leave it in there.

Philippe-Georges · Jan 21, 2010

Just before coming in the warmth, wrap the camera in a thick towel so it sucks up the moister and isolates it against the temperature shock.

Philippe

John Koehrer · Jan 21, 2010

As above, Bag it. It's fairly compact and light.

Erik Petersson · Jan 21, 2010

Last week I walked the streets of Moscow with a Nikon F3, which has a metal body. -22 outdoors, +20 indoors (Celcius, no idea what that would be in Fahrenheit). I did experience some condensation, but it appears to have disappeared quick enough.

Andy K · Jan 21, 2010

Thank you all for the advice. I think I'll keep a thick towel in the front porch until I get time to go buy some large ziplock bags.

lxdude · Jan 21, 2010

Erik Petersson said:
Last week I walked the streets of Moscow with a Nikon F3, which has a metal body. -22 outdoors, +20 indoors (Celcius, no idea what that would be in Fahrenheit). I did experience some condensation, but it appears to have disappeared quick enough.

Celsius to Fahrenheit is C X 1.8 + 32.

-22C times 1.8 equals -39.6. That plus 32 equals: -7.6F. Or in your case, -7.6F3

20C times 1.8 equals 36. That plus 32 equals 68F.

Minus 7.6 is still cold, but better than minus 22! Umm... :confused: Wait a minute...

Sirius Glass · Jan 21, 2010

Plastic bags as everyone said.

Steve

Erik Petersson · Jan 22, 2010

lxdude said:
Celsius to Fahrenheit is C X 1.8 + 32.

-22C times 1.8 equals -39.6. That plus 32 equals: -7.6F. Or in your case, -7.6F3

20C times 1.8 equals 36. That plus 32 equals 68F.

Minus 7.6 is still cold, but better than minus 22! Umm... :confused: Wait a minute...

I saw a group of people take an outdoor bath in the lake in Park Tsaritsyn. They got dressed and walked away calmly.The F3 has gathered proof. I was very impressed, especially as I could hold out only for about an hour in my down jacket. I just wanted to share.

All metal camera - cold weather: how to avoid condensation?

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