So, a while ago I purchased a Pentax K50|18 - 135 Kit with the intention of using it as a travel/adventure and hiking DSLR that will essentially live in my car/backpack. I was looking for a few things in a camera and the K50 is, in my personal opinion, the best in class DSLR for travel or adventure/hiking. My reasoning was as follows:
Weather-Sealing
Durable Construction
Lightweight
Weather-sealed and versatile lens option
GPS Compatible
AA-Battery Power compatible.
I believe the K50 is well built especially for it's market level, but as I do with most things I own I attempted to improve it. My aim being to increase the overall weather-sealing and durability of the camera. This is what I have achieved so far.
The obvious addition of a HD UV filter on the lens and screen protector aside, I decided to add two layers of teflon tape onto the threading between the lens and the Hoya HD UV filter. Those of you who know teflon tape will understand how effective it is (I learnt of it's ability while building air guns in my shed. Ah, the good days). This virtually eliminates the possibility for water to enter between the front element and the filter. (The filter itself is capable of pooling water without leaking.)
My next modification was to address the obvious point of failure between the lens and the DSLR body. While the 18-135 is already weather resistant, I believed I could resistance two fold, at least at the mount. Take into mind I do not plan to changing lenses with this particular model.
Once again I used teflon tape, applying a multitude of layers. I used a bobby pin to force the teflon tape into the small but apparent dip at the furthermost point of the lens/DSLR connection.
On top of this I then rolled a 50mm heavy-duty rubber o-ring over the lens until it squeezed itself down over the teflon tape between the camera and lens. Using a significantly smaller ring had the intended effect, and the tension it sits makes it impossible to remove without removing the lens completely.
I am planning on cutting myself a metal/rubber frame that will surround the bottom, sides and (Hopefully) top corners of the DSLR body, adding to the durability of the device.