john_wallace2 Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 What is the best way to protect camera equipment from extreme changesin temperatures. Condensation occurs on the camera and lens when goingfrom an outside cold temperature to a heated area such as a car orhouse. Should I be worried about the inside of the camera and whatsteps can be taken to prevent any damage...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob mccarthy Posted February 1, 2005 Share Posted February 1, 2005 Absolutely condensation can wreck havoc with a camera. The key is to understand that very cold air can hold very little moisture so while the camera's outside it's safe (I'm assuming its not raining). The danger is when bringing it inside where the air can hold conciderable moisture. The cold camera surfaces will cause the inside air to condense on the camera and its innards. The key is to provide a barrier between the cold camera and the room temp air. Take a sealable plastic bag (zip lock) and put the camera in it before going indoors. The condensation will form on the outside of the bag while the camera warms up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilkka_nissila Posted February 4, 2005 Share Posted February 4, 2005 I keep silica gel in my camera bag and when going to a different tempearture, I wait some time (2 hours when coming in from the outside). Peculiarly, I have had condensation between the lens elements when going from inside to outside to an open lake or sea. In fact, it has happened several times. Be careful about not breating to the ocular or lens surfaces when it's really cold. All these warnings aside, I've never had any actual malfunction because of photography in the cold; just batteries that have run out!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ilkka_nissila Posted February 4, 2005 Share Posted February 4, 2005 I meant "I wait some time before opening the bag". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
santa1 Posted February 4, 2005 Share Posted February 4, 2005 do a search under the name santa here and at dpreview. this question comes up regularly. It's -40F at my house at the moment. I deal with this every day during winter. I got tired of plastic bags. Now I merely take my camera, remove the CF card before going inside, take off my jacket and warp the camera in my jacket. It will warm up slowly enough assuming you have a reasonably warm jacket that can insulate the camera. A big plastic bag is smart, no doubt, but the key is to have it warm up slowly and a warm jacket works just fine too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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