Originally posted by weave2d2 Right, so the strength of the whole depends on its weakest link (paraphrased) so if I've got a weatherproof body but a non-weatherproof lens then I'm asking for trouble. But I've never seen a camera that was water damaged that wasn't simply dropped in the water. I accept that if I drop my camera in the bay I'm out of luck, even if my camera is weatherproof. Can I get any stories from people whose cameras/lenses have suffered damage due to rain, or mist, or other incidental moisture, dust, or other? I'm building a system and have a K-5, and am wondering what the possibilities are if I find myself shooting pictures in the rain w/ a 16-45mm or other non-weatherproof lens (including Ltd lenses.) Again, I'm looking for some first-hand accounts... I'm good at imaging things and theorizing but my imaginings and theories usually aren't correct.
I go kayaking, which has the potential for lots of splashes etc, and I use a recreational kayak, i.e. one with an open cockpit,
My *istD, was in a dry bag, but it was open as I had just put the camera in the bag, when the kayak was caught on a rock in the river, and turned sideways against the current. Water came up over the cockpit in a wave and directly into the drybag (which when open makes an excellent water carrying bag.
I do not know how wet it got, totally, however, it began ranging between infinity and min focus and shooting continuously, along with the top LCD fogging.. I turned it off (didn't help) and ultimately (within a minute or so), pulled the battery
When I finished for the day, I took off the lens, opened all the doors, had the batteries out and left it in the sun. After 4 hours, there was no evidence of water, and all functioned normally. I still own both the camera and the FA28-105F4.5-5.6 power zoom lens. Both still function correctly. The camera was soaked in 2004! so I believe i can say, if you act promptly you can save a camera, especially from fresh water
The point is, if you suspect you got really wet. pull the battery immediately, and dry the thing out as soon as possible. Use silica gell, rice, mild heat, what ever but let the thing dry out , with all covers open. It should recover. This is especially true for weather proof cameras, because although sealed from the elements to some extent, this sealing works against you if youdo get water in, the seals help hold it in, so it is best to open all covers and reemove the lens asap.
For me, and I have repeated this many times, I personally do not rely on weather sealing, If I know i am going out in bad weather, i take appropriate protection for the camera. I consider WR as insurance for accidents, or if my primary protection fails, but not primary protection