Water resistant lenses?

[Horatio]

All this recent talk about the perfect mechanical camera has led me to wonder about mechanical vs AF lenses re: water resistance. I'm not talking about dunking underwater (ala Nikonos), but for shooting in a typical rainstorm. Which, if any, are best for harsh conditions?

 

[ic-racer]

I think the Nikkor 28mm LW is the Holy Grail of water resistant lenses. I only recently discovered that the Nikonos viewfinder DOES cover this lens (outside the range of the 35mm lines) , so It is on my 'want list.'

 

[Pioneer]

Several, not all, of the newer Pentax lenses are water resistant as long as you are using a filter on the front.

In the past whenever I got a lens really wet I sort of assumed that a trip for a lens cleaning and lubing was likely in order. A few sprinkles doesn't count unless you left the camera sitting out long enough to get it good and soaked.

Salt water is an entirely different matter and the lens needs immediate attention if it is soaked in salt water.

 

[Paul Howell]

Many Canon, Nikon, Pentax lens are weather sealed, from I understand Sony G lens made by Minolta are dusted off Minolta designs and are not WR. Nikon D and G will work with many later film bodies, Canon will work on most film bodies, I think there are expectations but don't recall the details. Pentax WR lens are of a later designs and I don't know if the PZ or MZ-S will work with a lens that does not have an aperture ring on the lens. Sigma WR lens should on SA7 and 9 film bodies.

 

[Pioneer]

Many Canon, Nikon, Pentax lens are weather sealed, from I understand Sony G lens made by Minolta are dusted off Minolta designs and are not WR. Nikon D and G will work with many later film bodies, Canon will work on most film bodies, I think there are expectations but don't recall the details. Pentax WR lens are of a later designs and I don't know if the PZ or MZ-S will work with a lens that does not have an aperture ring on the lens. Sigma WR lens should on SA7 and 9 film bodies.

My Pentax PZ1p and MZ-S work fine with them but unfortunately neither of those cameras are water resistant.

 

[GarageBoy]

Don't forget whatever was weather sealed years ago may not be that well sealed now. Rubber degrades