Maxxum 9 weather proofing

Can anyone advise on the weather proofing of the Maxxum 9. I am

reluctant to risk my 7s in adverse conditions but don't want to miss

the images these conditions offer (rain, seaside, etc.).

 

I have too much sunk into my Minolta system (and am too happy with

it) to seriously consider switching just for a more robust body.

 

As I look out the window here in Liverpool, UK, I can't help but

marvel at those lovely relections in the puddles I can see forming

as it pours down.

 

Thanks in anticipation.....

The 9 has O-rings in its knobs. But then, I didn't have a problem with my 7, either. The weakest link is the lens, anyway.

An underwater or weather-proof case might be a cheaper alternative to a new body.

In the similar situation i purchased a maxxum 9 to work alongside with my maxxum 7. Minolta says it is weather proof (dust and humid resistant). I have heard great things about its rebustness and weather resistance up to even getting somewhat wet while still working! I don't know how much these stories are true. However one certainly feels mre relaxed about his/her camera if it's a maxxum 9

than a maxxum7.

Another much less expensive alternative is maxxum 9xi (my initial choice as a back-up body before getting a maxxum 9). It is also a very solid and weather proof camera however it has a different user interface than that of maxxum 7.

You could try a few things. Here's what I do: If it's just misty or raining, I pull out a

plastic bag and carefully wrap up my whole system, leaving the lens to poke out, and

then put a rubber band around it. Finally, I put another plastic bag the other way to

cover the lens, which I then remove to actually shoot. (hope that made sense)

Secondly, if you can find a willing grunt, have someone carry an umbrella over your

head. Only works if it's quality weather coming straight down. Third, buy a cheap

second body, like a beaten-to-hell Maxxum 7000. As long as it still takes pictures,

and the meter works, it isn't the biggest deal in the world. I'd much rather lose a

$35 7000 than a $500 7. (You still have to worry about the lens, though -- try

throwing on a 50 1.7. They're such high-quality cheapness it's absolutely ridiculous. I

love 'em.)

 

But the plastic baggies is my tried and true method. I very carefully fold and stuff a

few in a film canister, and it's usually very much needed in a pinch if I'm caught in a

downpour or some such nasty nonsense. You might even tape said film canister to

your camera strap, like the boys in Vietnam did (with their film, not plastic baggies.)

 

There's three things I hate in the world of photography, and that's water, sand/dust,

and impacts. Ziploc will save you from the first two.