K30 in the rain with a regular lens

Unregistered User · 12-30-2012, 10:25 AM

I have never owned one of those WR lenses and as far as I can see, the rear part of the WR lens has
no coating which would set it apart from non-WR lenses.

I have some cheap DAL lenses, which I would not mind using during rainy days. Even if they are damaged
by water, the economic loss would be insignificant.

So, my question is: can the K30 be used with a non-WR lens in the rain or is a WR lens an absolute
necessity with a view to protecting the camera body itself?

Dom

Julie · 12-30-2012, 10:37 AM

I'm pretty sure that if you use a non-WR lens, the water would be able to get through it and into the camera near the lens opening.

If I were you, I wouldn't try it...

**jatrax** · 12-30-2012, 10:41 AM

Without a WR lens (or a da*) water can get into the camera through the lens openings. So to answer your question: no. But remember that WR is just water resistant not water proof.

My only WR is the DFA 100WR and it has a red gasket at the camera mount to prevent leakage in that area.

I have shot in the rain and snow with a k-x and Takumar lenses, neither of which are WR and with due precaution it has worked well. Even with a full WR kit (k-30 and WR lenses) I would not be standing out in a downpour.

I would have no problem using a DAL lens in the rain provided I protected it properly, which means keeping it under my rain coat when not in use, wearing a wide brimmed hat to keep as much off as possible and carrying a towel to wipe things dry. It is also very important to dry your gear properly when you get back in. Spend some time to warm everything up and wipe it all down, inspect everywhere to make sure you have it all dry.

Unregistered User · 12-30-2012, 11:11 AM

Originally posted by jatrax

Without a WR lens (or a da*)

Would you say that a DA with SP coating will repel water as well as a WR lens?

**Eric Auer** · 12-30-2012, 11:14 AM

Originally posted by DominicVII

I have never owned one of those WR lenses and as far as I can see, the rear part of the WR lens has
no coating which would set it apart from non-WR lenses.

Dom

WR seal (In Red):

**Eric Auer** · 12-30-2012, 11:17 AM

Originally posted by DominicVII

Would you say that a DA with SP coating will repel water as well as a WR lens?

No, its how they are sealed (internally and to the camera mount).

Adam · 12-30-2012, 11:18 AM

Originally posted by DominicVII

Would you say that a DA with SP coating will repel water as well as a WR lens?

No, SP coating is to protect the front element only. If you want proper weather sealing, you will need to get a WR lens.

What you can do, though, is get a rain sleeve like this and then use any lens: OP/TECH USA 18" Rainsleeve (Set of 2) 9001132 B&H Photo

Adam
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**jatrax** · 12-30-2012, 11:23 AM

Originally posted by DominicVII

Would you say that a DA with SP coating will repel water as well as a WR lens?

SP is a lens element coating, has nothing to do with sealing the lens AFAIK.

Edit: +1 to what Adam said.

Unregistered User · 12-30-2012, 11:34 AM

Originally posted by Adam

No, SP coating is to protect the front element only. If you want proper weather sealing, you will need to get a WR lens.

What you can do, though, is get a rain sleeve like this and then use any lens: OP/TECH USA 18" Rainsleeve (Set of 2) 9001132 B&H Photo

I just got something similar. But I must add that I have used my K-r with a regular lens in mild rain; there never was
a problem.

D

SpecialK · 12-30-2012, 01:59 PM

Originally posted by DominicVII

I have never owned one of those WR lenses and as far as I can see, the rear part of the WR lens has
no coating which would set it apart from non-WR lenses.

I have some cheap DAL lenses, which I would not mind using during rainy days. Even if they are damaged
by water, the economic loss would be insignificant.

So, my question is: can the K30 be used with a non-WR lens in the rain or is a WR lens an absolute
necessity with a view to protecting the camera body itself?

Dom

Just get a cheap camera condom. Here's one:

OP/TECH USA 18" Rainsleeve (Set of 2) 9001132 B&H Photo

12-30-2012, 10:25 AM	#1
Unregistered User Guest	K30 in the rain with a regular lens I have never owned one of those WR lenses and as far as I can see, the rear part of the WR lens has no coating which would set it apart from non-WR lenses. I have some cheap DAL lenses, which I would not mind using during rainy days. Even if they are damaged by water, the economic loss would be insignificant. So, my question is: can the K30 be used with a non-WR lens in the rain or is a WR lens an absolute necessity with a view to protecting the camera body itself? Dom

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12-30-2012, 10:37 AM	#2
Julie Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Illinois Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,069	I'm pretty sure that if you use a non-WR lens, the water would be able to get through it and into the camera near the lens opening. If I were you, I wouldn't try it...

12-30-2012, 10:41 AM	#3
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Without a WR lens (or a da*) water can get into the camera through the lens openings. So to answer your question: no. But remember that WR is just water resistant not water proof. My only WR is the DFA 100WR and it has a red gasket at the camera mount to prevent leakage in that area. I have shot in the rain and snow with a k-x and Takumar lenses, neither of which are WR and with due precaution it has worked well. Even with a full WR kit (k-30 and WR lenses) I would not be standing out in a downpour. I would have no problem using a DAL lens in the rain provided I protected it properly, which means keeping it under my rain coat when not in use, wearing a wide brimmed hat to keep as much off as possible and carrying a towel to wipe things dry. It is also very important to dry your gear properly when you get back in. Spend some time to warm everything up and wipe it all down, inspect everywhere to make sure you have it all dry.

12-30-2012, 11:11 AM	#4
Unregistered User Guest	Originally posted by jatrax Without a WR lens (or a da*) Would you say that a DA with SP coating will repel water as well as a WR lens?

12-30-2012, 11:14 AM	#5
Eric Auer Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,211	Originally posted by DominicVII I have never owned one of those WR lenses and as far as I can see, the rear part of the WR lens has no coating which would set it apart from non-WR lenses. Dom WR seal (In Red):

12-30-2012, 11:17 AM	#6
Eric Auer Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,211	Originally posted by DominicVII Would you say that a DA with SP coating will repel water as well as a WR lens? No, its how they are sealed (internally and to the camera mount).

12-30-2012, 11:18 AM	#7
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Originally posted by DominicVII Would you say that a DA with SP coating will repel water as well as a WR lens? No, SP coating is to protect the front element only. If you want proper weather sealing, you will need to get a WR lens. What you can do, though, is get a rain sleeve like this and then use any lens: OP/TECH USA 18" Rainsleeve (Set of 2) 9001132 B&H Photo Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

12-30-2012, 11:23 AM	#8
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	Originally posted by DominicVII Would you say that a DA with SP coating will repel water as well as a WR lens? SP is a lens element coating, has nothing to do with sealing the lens AFAIK. Edit: +1 to what Adam said.

12-30-2012, 11:34 AM	#9
Unregistered User Guest	Originally posted by Adam No, SP coating is to protect the front element only. If you want proper weather sealing, you will need to get a WR lens. What you can do, though, is get a rain sleeve like this and then use any lens: OP/TECH USA 18" Rainsleeve (Set of 2) 9001132 B&H Photo I just got something similar. But I must add that I have used my K-r with a regular lens in mild rain; there never was a problem. D

12-30-2012, 01:59 PM	#10
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,482	Originally posted by DominicVII I have never owned one of those WR lenses and as far as I can see, the rear part of the WR lens has no coating which would set it apart from non-WR lenses. I have some cheap DAL lenses, which I would not mind using during rainy days. Even if they are damaged by water, the economic loss would be insignificant. So, my question is: can the K30 be used with a non-WR lens in the rain or is a WR lens an absolute necessity with a view to protecting the camera body itself? Dom Just get a cheap camera condom. Here's one: OP/TECH USA 18" Rainsleeve (Set of 2) 9001132 B&H Photo