weather sealing

shiner · 07-21-2011, 03:56 AM

Originally posted by rparmar

If you're going to be in a place with a heck of a lot of wheat, in small particles, then, yes, it's important. Like, say, shooting next to a thresher.

I might add that processed and/or cooked wheat- whether pasta, bread, or cereal- poses less of a challenge to the WR.

Osama Binhidin · 07-21-2011, 04:20 AM

I have taken shots standing on rocks in the surf to get shots covered in salt spray and just rinsed the camera and lens 50-135 under the tap and its fine. I now have a sigma 150-500 so I dont need to get wet any more. lol

Skog · 07-21-2011, 04:57 AM

I use my cameras in all weather. Even the non wr ones I use in arctic shit weather. Now I have wr camera and lens, but I don't really trust it, so I am still careful when I use it regardless of weather. Should it break due to simple rain though, I'd have it replaced on warranty.

philbaum · 07-21-2011, 05:07 AM

I've had my K5 and DA50-135 out in an unexpected rain in Seattle for an hour and not had a problem. it was really nice with fog accompanying the rain. I usually carry a rag along to keep standing water off the camera and lens, especially if the lens is not a water resistant one. Seashores are a concern for me because salt is so corrosive and makes the camera feel "greasy". Cleaning the camera up later with a fresh water dampened rag is a good idea. I've never taken my camera out into salt water surf, but if i did, i'have some sort of sleeve for it as discussed above.

I've read one post some time ago where water got into someone's camera and the warranty did not cover the water damage that occurred - not sure which dslr model it was, but one of hte WR ones. Just so you know - its your dime.

philbaum · 07-21-2011, 05:23 AM

Originally posted by Skog

I use my cameras in all weather. Even the non wr ones I use in arctic shit weather. Now I have wr camera and lens, but I don't really trust it, so I am still careful when I use it regardless of weather. Should it break due to simple rain though, I'd have it replaced on warranty.

Just so you know, the warranty policy in the back of your manual excludes repairs if there is evidence of impact, sand or liquid damage.

RonHendriks1966 · 07-21-2011, 07:30 AM

Originally posted by philbaum

Just so you know, the warranty policy in the back of your manual excludes repairs if there is evidence of impact, sand or liquid damage.

I was thinking about that too. So maybe only my black K-5 in the rain.

FullertonImages · 07-21-2011, 12:48 PM

I have used both the K-7 and K-5, with all of the DA* lenses, extensively in rain, sleet and snow. Never had a problem. It's been posted before, but here's a video I made after getting knocked over by an ocean wave, while shooting with a K-7 and DA* 300mm.

I've also had a camera on the outside of a vehicle, while driving through a rain storm, shooting a timelapse. Still need to put that together one of these days...

I have a friend who shot for 9 hours in a driving rain storm in Patagonian Andes in southern Chile with a K-7 and DA* 16-50mm.

They can take a lot, it's quite remarkable. I'm always wondering when that day will come when I finally push it to far. But it hasn't happened yet. I think watching a game in the rain should be fine. Just for back up, bring a waterproof camera case, or a regular case and a small trash bag. If it gets too heavy for you liking, just stash it for the rest of the game.

RonHendriks1966 · 07-21-2011, 01:57 PM

Originally posted by FullertonImages

They can take a lot, it's quite remarkable. I'm always wondering when that day will come when I finally push it to far. But it hasn't happened yet. I think watching a game in the rain should be fine. Just for back up, bring a waterproof camera case, or a regular case and a small trash bag. If it gets too heavy for you liking, just stash it for the rest of the game.

Wow thanks. Well I still hope for a sunny day, since I like that more myself.

Skog · 07-22-2011, 04:23 AM

Originally posted by philbaum

Just so you know, the warranty policy in the back of your manual excludes repairs if there is evidence of impact, sand or liquid damage.

Hmm so what on earth is the WR about then? And they pour water over the camera on demos etc. If they cant back up their claim, it's all just a gimmick then.

Clavius · 07-22-2011, 04:58 AM

Originally posted by Skog

Hmm so what on earth is the WR about then? And they pour water over the camera on demos etc. If they cant back up their claim, it's all just a gimmick then.

Yes, but when they do not put the fineprint there, and someone goes diving with their K5/7 and files a claim, they're going to have to follow through.

There is no way of telling if somebody used the WR seal past their capabilities or not. So their rule of thumb must be: If there's evidence of water inside the camera, the customer must have put it through THAT much moisture, that the WR failed.

sebberry · 07-22-2011, 10:08 AM

What if the WR failed because it was improperly sealed at the factory?

I'm sorry, but if you advertise something as being weather resistant and stamp WR onto all the WR lenses, then you need to support it if it fails, especially when there is a good possibility of someone buying your product over someone else's specifically for that feature.

FullertonImages · 07-22-2011, 02:36 PM

Originally posted by sebberry

What if the WR failed because it was improperly sealed at the factory?

I'm sorry, but if you advertise something as being weather resistant and stamp WR onto all the WR lenses, then you need to support it if it fails, especially when there is a good possibility of someone buying your product over someone else's specifically for that feature.

I completely agree. But in their defense, stamping WR on all your stuff doesn't give your users a lisence to going a complete jackass with their gear (which is what I do), and then complain when it break (which I wouldn't and haven't needed to do). If Pentax came out and said we stand by out WR and will replace anything water damged camera for free, they would be out of business in a year due to all the free repairs of cameras that got chinese water tortured until they broke. It's impossible to tell when a camera comes in for repair if it was dropped in a lake or used in the rain, and it just ends up being your workd versus theirs. Just like REI's (Return Everything Incorporated) return policy that get recklessly abused, I get the feeling that if Pentax stood behind this as much as we would like, people would abuse the crap out of it, take no care in keeping their camera safe from water, then expect Pentax to fix whatever goes wrong. My guess is that they design them to tolerate a certain amount, and in their opinion, if they see your camera, you exceeded that amount.

Skog · 07-24-2011, 03:19 AM - **1 Like**

cant be all that difficult to include a 1 bar pressure sticker or something inside the housing. That way they could easily determine if it was submerged or not. WR was and is the main reason I chose pentax. This fine print stuff is bullshit!

RonHendriks1966 · 07-24-2011, 03:36 AM

Originally posted by Skog

Cant be all that difficult to include a 1 bar pressure sticker or something inside the housing. That way they could easily determine if it was submerged or nor.

That is even a great idea! Is it that simple?

**dadipentak** · 07-24-2011, 03:55 AM

C'mon, folks, get real! Just because it has beefed up WR doesn't mean it's invulnerable to liquid damage. You don't see Pentax pouring Coca-Cola into an open camera through the lens mount or dunking a K-5 in the Pacific with a MF Tokina mounted lens on it.

I think Rupert is right:

Originally posted by Rupert

Viewing every complaint imaginable here on the K5 Forum, and we have our choice of those, I can't recall any abundance of failures with weather sealing. Unless there are almost no shooters in wet weather, then I conclude from this that the sealing is effective and as advertised...or we would be hearing a lot of squealing....you can count on it!

I just wish Pentax would adopt a three-year standard warranty period.

07-21-2011, 12:48 PM	#22
FullertonImages Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 883	I have used both the K-7 and K-5, with all of the DA* lenses, extensively in rain, sleet and snow. Never had a problem. It's been posted before, but here's a video I made after getting knocked over by an ocean wave, while shooting with a K-7 and DA* 300mm. Vimeo I've also had a camera on the outside of a vehicle, while driving through a rain storm, shooting a timelapse. Still need to put that together one of these days... I have a friend who shot for 9 hours in a driving rain storm in Patagonian Andes in southern Chile with a K-7 and DA* 16-50mm. They can take a lot, it's quite remarkable. I'm always wondering when that day will come when I finally push it to far. But it hasn't happened yet. I think watching a game in the rain should be fine. Just for back up, bring a waterproof camera case, or a regular case and a small trash bag. If it gets too heavy for you liking, just stash it for the rest of the game.

07-24-2011, 03:19 AM - 1 Like	#28
Skog Inactive Account Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 167	cant be all that difficult to include a 1 bar pressure sticker or something inside the housing. That way they could easily determine if it was submerged or not. WR was and is the main reason I chose pentax. This fine print stuff is bullshit! Last edited by Skog; 07-24-2011 at 05:14 AM.

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07-21-2011, 03:56 AM	#16
shiner Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: N GA USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,127	Originally posted by rparmar If you're going to be in a place with a heck of a lot of wheat, in small particles, then, yes, it's important. Like, say, shooting next to a thresher. I might add that processed and/or cooked wheat- whether pasta, bread, or cereal- poses less of a challenge to the WR.

07-21-2011, 04:20 AM	#17
Osama Binhidin Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Mallacoota inlet Photos: Albums Posts: 87	I have taken shots standing on rocks in the surf to get shots covered in salt spray and just rinsed the camera and lens 50-135 under the tap and its fine. I now have a sigma 150-500 so I dont need to get wet any more. lol

07-21-2011, 04:57 AM	#18
Skog Inactive Account Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 167	I use my cameras in all weather. Even the non wr ones I use in arctic shit weather. Now I have wr camera and lens, but I don't really trust it, so I am still careful when I use it regardless of weather. Should it break due to simple rain though, I'd have it replaced on warranty.

07-21-2011, 05:07 AM	#19
philbaum Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Port Townsend, Washington State, USA Posts: 3,659	I've had my K5 and DA50-135 out in an unexpected rain in Seattle for an hour and not had a problem. it was really nice with fog accompanying the rain. I usually carry a rag along to keep standing water off the camera and lens, especially if the lens is not a water resistant one. Seashores are a concern for me because salt is so corrosive and makes the camera feel "greasy". Cleaning the camera up later with a fresh water dampened rag is a good idea. I've never taken my camera out into salt water surf, but if i did, i'have some sort of sleeve for it as discussed above. I've read one post some time ago where water got into someone's camera and the warranty did not cover the water damage that occurred - not sure which dslr model it was, but one of hte WR ones. Just so you know - its your dime.

07-21-2011, 05:23 AM	#20
philbaum Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Port Townsend, Washington State, USA Posts: 3,659	Originally posted by Skog I use my cameras in all weather. Even the non wr ones I use in arctic shit weather. Now I have wr camera and lens, but I don't really trust it, so I am still careful when I use it regardless of weather. Should it break due to simple rain though, I'd have it replaced on warranty. Just so you know, the warranty policy in the back of your manual excludes repairs if there is evidence of impact, sand or liquid damage.

07-21-2011, 07:30 AM	#21
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675 Original Poster	Originally posted by philbaum Just so you know, the warranty policy in the back of your manual excludes repairs if there is evidence of impact, sand or liquid damage. I was thinking about that too. So maybe only my black K-5 in the rain.

07-21-2011, 01:57 PM	#23
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675 Original Poster	Originally posted by FullertonImages They can take a lot, it's quite remarkable. I'm always wondering when that day will come when I finally push it to far. But it hasn't happened yet. I think watching a game in the rain should be fine. Just for back up, bring a waterproof camera case, or a regular case and a small trash bag. If it gets too heavy for you liking, just stash it for the rest of the game. Wow thanks. Well I still hope for a sunny day, since I like that more myself.

07-22-2011, 04:23 AM	#24
Skog Inactive Account Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 167	Originally posted by philbaum Just so you know, the warranty policy in the back of your manual excludes repairs if there is evidence of impact, sand or liquid damage. Hmm so what on earth is the WR about then? And they pour water over the camera on demos etc. If they cant back up their claim, it's all just a gimmick then.

07-22-2011, 04:58 AM	#25
Clavius Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: De Klundert Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,150	Originally posted by Skog Hmm so what on earth is the WR about then? And they pour water over the camera on demos etc. If they cant back up their claim, it's all just a gimmick then. Yes, but when they do not put the fineprint there, and someone goes diving with their K5/7 and files a claim, they're going to have to follow through. There is no way of telling if somebody used the WR seal past their capabilities or not. So their rule of thumb must be: If there's evidence of water inside the camera, the customer must have put it through THAT much moisture, that the WR failed.

07-22-2011, 10:08 AM	#26
sebberry Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Frozen white North Photos: Albums Posts: 1,135	What if the WR failed because it was improperly sealed at the factory? I'm sorry, but if you advertise something as being weather resistant and stamp WR onto all the WR lenses, then you need to support it if it fails, especially when there is a good possibility of someone buying your product over someone else's specifically for that feature.

07-22-2011, 02:36 PM	#27
FullertonImages Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 883	Originally posted by sebberry What if the WR failed because it was improperly sealed at the factory? I'm sorry, but if you advertise something as being weather resistant and stamp WR onto all the WR lenses, then you need to support it if it fails, especially when there is a good possibility of someone buying your product over someone else's specifically for that feature. I completely agree. But in their defense, stamping WR on all your stuff doesn't give your users a lisence to going a complete jackass with their gear (which is what I do), and then complain when it break (which I wouldn't and haven't needed to do). If Pentax came out and said we stand by out WR and will replace anything water damged camera for free, they would be out of business in a year due to all the free repairs of cameras that got chinese water tortured until they broke. It's impossible to tell when a camera comes in for repair if it was dropped in a lake or used in the rain, and it just ends up being your workd versus theirs. Just like REI's (Return Everything Incorporated) return policy that get recklessly abused, I get the feeling that if Pentax stood behind this as much as we would like, people would abuse the crap out of it, take no care in keeping their camera safe from water, then expect Pentax to fix whatever goes wrong. My guess is that they design them to tolerate a certain amount, and in their opinion, if they see your camera, you exceeded that amount.

07-24-2011, 03:36 AM	#29
RonHendriks1966 Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,675 Original Poster	Originally posted by Skog Cant be all that difficult to include a 1 bar pressure sticker or something inside the housing. That way they could easily determine if it was submerged or nor. That is even a great idea! Is it that simple?

07-24-2011, 03:55 AM	#30
dadipentak Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,590	C'mon, folks, get real! Just because it has beefed up WR doesn't mean it's invulnerable to liquid damage. You don't see Pentax pouring Coca-Cola into an open camera through the lens mount or dunking a K-5 in the Pacific with a MF Tokina mounted lens on it. I think Rupert is right: Originally posted by Rupert Viewing every complaint imaginable here on the K5 Forum, and we have our choice of those, I can't recall any abundance of failures with weather sealing. Unless there are almost no shooters in wet weather, then I conclude from this that the sealing is effective and as advertised...or we would be hearing a lot of squealing....you can count on it! I just wish Pentax would adopt a three-year standard warranty period.