May
picturelineNews
|
 The
Rain Is Here
protect your delicates
It has been an interesting springtime, here in Utah. We welcome the weekly rainstorms,
hopefully it will help cure a portion of the past years of drought. If you are
a photographer that works outdoors you know the dust and rain wreaks havoc on
camera equipment, especially the interchangeable lens digital single lens reflex
(DSLR) style. I am sure that one or two raindrops would not hurt a camera, but
a torrent will definitely take its toll. Some of the top of the chart models
have utilized gaskets and weather stripping, at every opening, to help seal the
electronics inside. Most cameras and fewer lenses have this alternative available.
So how do you continue to enjoy the outdoors without toasting the electronic
internals?
A student of mine, at the Salt Lake Art Center, passed along a great tip to me
so I will pass it on to you. Next trip to your local grocery store purchase a
box of Saran Quick Covers ten variety pack. It contains 4 small (8” diameter),
3 medium (12” diameter), and 3 large (17” diameter) elasticized bowl
covers. These are thin polyethylene circles with an elastic edge, much like an
inexpensive shower cap found in most motels (which also may be used). With the
large size cover it is possible to hook one edge over the lens hood of a large
size zoom and draw it rearward to hook the other edge over the camera body. See
figure 1 and 2. They will protect precious equipment from the storms rage. The
covers are thin enough to see through and still operate the camera with them
in place. It is possible to lift the rear edge up to access the eyepiece for
focusing while still giving shelter to the camera. Smaller cameras and lenses
may make use of the smaller size covers. They require virtually no room in your
camera bag or pack for storage and they are as light as a feather. Have one or
two with you at all times for protection against the unexpected squall.
Those who own a DSLR are also aware of the inconvenience of having to clean dust
off of the image sensor. The cleaner the camera and lens can be kept the less
of a burden this becomes. You may stretch a Saran cover over equipment while
it is perched atop a tripod awaiting the next shot. They may be used for a cover
while moving through dust, sand, or across the beach searching out that next
shot. They may also be employed as a protector while working near salt-water
spray. For small compact cameras a good-sized zip lock bag will do the trick.
Remember to replace them often to prevent trapped sediment from working its way
back to the camera. They are inexpensive to replace; don’t let them become
a liability.
Attached are a couple of good examples from working in last weekends storm. The
rain helps reduce harsh contrast and fully saturates all colors. The beautiful
soft rainy look is not easily duplicated. There is no reason to be afraid, get
out there and make pictures. Enjoy life.
Figure
1.jpg (camera)
Figure
2.jpg (camera)
Figure
3.jpg (taken in rain)
Figure
4.jpg (taken in rain)
Submitted by AskRodger™ |
