Hot Shoe Cover how important is it and why ?

stevebrot · 03-10-2020, 12:44 PM

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Originally posted by blackcloudbrew

Read somewhere a ways back that Pentax considers the hot shoe cover (on their DSLRs) an important part of their weather resistant sealing.

That is strange, because one may readily see daylight through the gaps at the rear.

Steve

D1N0 · 03-10-2020, 12:46 PM

Maybe it also keeps the shoulders of the hotshoe from getting dented inwards.

**aslyfox** · 03-10-2020, 01:31 PM - **1 Like**

even if I could find one, I wouldn't buy this one

Pentax 100th Anniversary Commemorative Hotshoe Cover reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

but I have just placed an order for this type

Universal Hot Shoe Spirit Level reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

**blackcloudbrew** · 03-10-2020, 01:33 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by aslyfox

even if I could find one, I wouldn't buy this one

Pentax 100th Anniversary Commemorative Hotshoe Cover reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

How did I miss this one! Very cool, but it's likely that I wouldn't go for one either!

---------- Post added 03-10-20 at 01:34 PM ----------

Originally posted by stevebrot

That is strange, because one may readily see daylight through the gaps at the rear.

Steve

Yeah, yah gotta wonder about that too.

**pacerr** · 03-10-2020, 01:50 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

Steve* Ironically, the hot shoe is never hot unless a hot foot is inserted.

Thanks, Steve. Let me clarify that to "power to OR THROUGH the shoe". In all cases the contacts should be isolated until the shutter is active.

An' just to add a side-bar item for those new to the topic :

https://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

Not a Number · 03-10-2020, 01:53 PM

Other than helping to keep the contacts clear of dust, dirt and other contaminants to function of the cover is probably more cosmetic than any thing else. The proliferation of "designer" covers with logos or artwork on them would seem to reinforce this idea. Also the asymmetric layout of contacts and locking pin openings may not seem all that aesthetic to some people.

crazy4oldcars · 03-10-2020, 04:19 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by pepperberry farm

I keep a spirit level in my hot shoe, rather than the actual cover...

That is what I have on my K3, although it doesn't need it. It was on my K10D, and got transferred when I upgraded.

Kirk B.

Not a Number · 03-10-2020, 04:41 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by blackcloudbrew

Read somewhere a ways back that Pentax considers the hot shoe cover (on their DSLRs) an important part of their weather resistant sealing. I also vaguely recall that somebody here was rejected a warranty repair due to water damage - they said - was caused by the lack of a covered hot shoe. So...before that and since then, I have always made sure to 1) keep my hot shoes covered, and 2) buy them in bulk keeping a extra one around. Furthermore, also having lost my fair share of them, I get quite insane about where I put them when I take them off.

Looking at the K-7 parts list and service manual it can be seen that there is weather sealing around the hot shoe as well as the screws and electrical connections going into the hot shoe. There are no gaskets, grommets or o-rings externally that would seal the cover.

Put the notion that the cover plays a part in weather sealing as misinformation or false assumptions.

In the parts diagram below for the K-7 SX-W in indicates where the sealing is applied:

**UncleVanya** · 03-10-2020, 05:24 PM - **1 Like**

Get some rubber bubble level ones on eBay and and put one in each of your bags...

**blackcloudbrew** · 03-10-2020, 06:17 PM

Originally posted by Not a Number

Looking at the K-7 parts list and service manual it can be seen that there is weather sealing around the hot shoe as well as the screws and electrical connections going into the hot shoe. There are no gaskets, grommets or o-rings externally that would seal the cover.

Put the notion that the cover plays a part in weather sealing as misinformation or false assumptions.

In the parts diagram below for the K-7 SX-W in indicates where the sealing is applied:

Not sure if I see that, but I will bow to your wisdom here. Interesting.

**monochrome** · 03-10-2020, 07:03 PM

@aslyfox There’s an MZ-S era Pentax camera strap that has small snap pockets about 12” above the two ends. They are perfectly sized to hold the Flash shoe cover, an extra SD Card or a remote. I grab one whenever they

show up on eBay.

Aaron28 · 03-10-2020, 08:55 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

Pentax camera strap that has small snap pockets

yep...these are pretty nice....have a couple from ZX-50s which were for the shoe cover and the VF cover which I have in use on K-r & K-50.....sadly I only have 1 eye piece cover

**Digitalis** · 03-10-2020, 11:22 PM - **4 Likes**

I have lost so many flash shoe covers over the years I swear there is a elfin sprite living under my house that resides in a subterranean abode made of them.

**ffking** · 03-11-2020, 01:43 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Digitalis

I swear there is a elfin sprite living under my house that lives in a subterranean abode made of them.

Well, coming from somebody whose scientific rationalism I'vealways respected,Ihave to take that hypothesis seriously ...

**Rondec** · 03-11-2020, 02:29 AM

When I get a new camera I take the hot shoe cover off immediately and stick it in the box for safe keeping. They aren't sealed and just are a tiny part to get lost. If you get dirt or water on the hot shoe cover, just wipe it off as soon as you notice it (and obviously before using an external flash).

03-10-2020, 11:22 PM - 4 Likes	#28
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,695	I have lost so many flash shoe covers over the years I swear there is a elfin sprite living under my house that resides in a subterranean abode made of them. Last edited by Digitalis; 03-11-2020 at 04:58 AM.

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03-10-2020, 12:44 PM	#16
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Originally posted by blackcloudbrew Read somewhere a ways back that Pentax considers the hot shoe cover (on their DSLRs) an important part of their weather resistant sealing. That is strange, because one may readily see daylight through the gaps at the rear. Steve

03-10-2020, 12:46 PM	#17
D1N0 Pentaxian Join Date: May 2012 Location: --- Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,802	Maybe it also keeps the shoulders of the hotshoe from getting dented inwards.

03-10-2020, 01:31 PM - 1 Like	#18
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,583 Original Poster	even if I could find one, I wouldn't buy this one Pentax 100th Anniversary Commemorative Hotshoe Cover reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database but I have just placed an order for this type Universal Hot Shoe Spirit Level reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

03-10-2020, 01:33 PM - 1 Like	#19
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,461	Originally posted by aslyfox even if I could find one, I wouldn't buy this one Pentax 100th Anniversary Commemorative Hotshoe Cover reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database How did I miss this one! Very cool, but it's likely that I wouldn't go for one either! ---------- Post added 03-10-20 at 01:34 PM ---------- Originally posted by stevebrot That is strange, because one may readily see daylight through the gaps at the rear. Steve Yeah, yah gotta wonder about that too.

03-10-2020, 01:50 PM	#20
pacerr Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Paris, TN Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,350	Originally posted by stevebrot Steve* Ironically, the hot shoe is never hot unless a hot foot is inserted. Thanks, Steve. Let me clarify that to "power to OR THROUGH the shoe". In all cases the contacts should be isolated until the shutter is active. An' just to add a side-bar item for those new to the topic : https://www.botzilla.com/photo/strobeVolts.html

03-10-2020, 01:53 PM	#21
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Other than helping to keep the contacts clear of dust, dirt and other contaminants to function of the cover is probably more cosmetic than any thing else. The proliferation of "designer" covers with logos or artwork on them would seem to reinforce this idea. Also the asymmetric layout of contacts and locking pin openings may not seem all that aesthetic to some people.

03-10-2020, 04:19 PM - 1 Like	#22
crazy4oldcars Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Beaumont, Texas Posts: 218	Originally posted by pepperberry farm I keep a spirit level in my hot shoe, rather than the actual cover... That is what I have on my K3, although it doesn't need it. It was on my K10D, and got transferred when I upgraded. Kirk B.

03-10-2020, 04:41 PM - 2 Likes	#23
Not a Number Moderator Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Venice, CA Posts: 10,526	Originally posted by blackcloudbrew Read somewhere a ways back that Pentax considers the hot shoe cover (on their DSLRs) an important part of their weather resistant sealing. I also vaguely recall that somebody here was rejected a warranty repair due to water damage - they said - was caused by the lack of a covered hot shoe. So...before that and since then, I have always made sure to 1) keep my hot shoes covered, and 2) buy them in bulk keeping a extra one around. Furthermore, also having lost my fair share of them, I get quite insane about where I put them when I take them off. Looking at the K-7 parts list and service manual it can be seen that there is weather sealing around the hot shoe as well as the screws and electrical connections going into the hot shoe. There are no gaskets, grommets or o-rings externally that would seal the cover. Put the notion that the cover plays a part in weather sealing as misinformation or false assumptions. In the parts diagram below for the K-7 SX-W in indicates where the sealing is applied:

03-10-2020, 05:24 PM - 1 Like	#24
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,472	Get some rubber bubble level ones on eBay and and put one in each of your bags...

03-10-2020, 06:17 PM	#25
blackcloudbrew Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Cotati, California USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,461	Originally posted by Not a Number Looking at the K-7 parts list and service manual it can be seen that there is weather sealing around the hot shoe as well as the screws and electrical connections going into the hot shoe. There are no gaskets, grommets or o-rings externally that would seal the cover. Put the notion that the cover plays a part in weather sealing as misinformation or false assumptions. In the parts diagram below for the K-7 SX-W in indicates where the sealing is applied: Not sure if I see that, but I will bow to your wisdom here. Interesting.

03-10-2020, 07:03 PM	#26
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	@aslyfox There’s an MZ-S era Pentax camera strap that has small snap pockets about 12” above the two ends. They are perfectly sized to hold the Flash shoe cover, an extra SD Card or a remote. I grab one whenever they show up on eBay.

03-10-2020, 08:55 PM	#27
Aaron28 Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Huntsville, Al Posts: 7,131	Originally posted by monochrome Pentax camera strap that has small snap pockets yep...these are pretty nice....have a couple from ZX-50s which were for the shoe cover and the VF cover which I have in use on K-r & K-50.....sadly I only have 1 eye piece cover

03-11-2020, 01:43 AM - 2 Likes	#29
ffking Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Old South Wales Posts: 6,039	Originally posted by Digitalis I swear there is a elfin sprite living under my house that lives in a subterranean abode made of them. Well, coming from somebody whose scientific rationalism I'vealways respected,Ihave to take that hypothesis seriously ...

03-11-2020, 02:29 AM	#30
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,666	When I get a new camera I take the hot shoe cover off immediately and stick it in the box for safe keeping. They aren't sealed and just are a tiny part to get lost. If you get dirt or water on the hot shoe cover, just wipe it off as soon as you notice it (and obviously before using an external flash).