Originally posted by tibbitts Is the k100d "sealed" as well as a typical 35mm slr? Has anyone experienced problems using the camera under "normal" conditions (misty drizzle, etc.)? I've used all my 35mm slrs (Pentax Spotmatics, Canon A-1s, even my old Topcon) under these conditions, without any ill effects. Just wondering if anyone knows of any especially vulnerable areas. I've only had my k100d for a couple of weeks, but may be heading for some wet-ish conditions in a couple of days.
Paul
I think you need to consider the difference between a pentax spotmatic and a K10D.
The spotmatic is really a purely mechanical device and a little moisture will not stop the thing from working instantly (long term it may rust solid but that takes time. I am not even sure the exposure meter needs a battery like my KX does. Any relitively new camera (at least as early as a PZ1) and surely all digital cameras are all electronically tripped shutters.
I will recount an experience with my *istD to illustrate.
I was kayaking and had a big wave wash into the cockpit and splash/soak my *istD. Water entered through the top, I suspect throought he switch /shutter release and the camera went into a mode of perminant shooting, implying that the shutter release (fully electronic, not mechanical like the spotmatic) was shorted. Fortunately, turning the camera upside down and leaving it to dry in the sun for 4 solved this problem, and the camera has functioned well for the past 3 years with no maintenance ever.
I would anticipate the K10D, with seals on all buttons would withstand a splash soaking as I experienced on my *istD, but not immersion it into water.
Regardless, I have no intention of trying this as a means of proving it with my K10D.
To me weather proofing is all about making the camera less susceptible to accidental exposures, and not for example, continuous function in a hurricane.