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Weather Sealing Your Camera?

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Anyone have tips for protecting your camera in harsh weather conditions? I'm heading back to the beautiful Black Rock Desert in a few weeks, and though I've managed with a disposable the past few burns, I'd really like to bring my DSLR this time. They've got everything out there: gnarly dust storms, lots of wind, the occasional thunderstorm... I'd rather DIY something budget-friendly (Ziploc bags? electrical tape?) than spend on new waterproof housing. FWIW, I'm bringing an old Canon, so I won't be devastated if things don't go as planned.
Thanks for your help!
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(Taken last year with a disposable)
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Drizzt321
138
Apr 15, 2019
I went with my 5d2 & then 5d3 in my first 2 years, 2011 and 2012. Used some gaffers tape around the lens mount, UV filter, and kept it in a jumbo ziplock bag (like https://www.amazon.com/Ziploc-Big-Bags-Double-Zipper/dp/B00J5IM64Q) until I went to use it. Afterwords, sent it off to Canon CPS for a full cleaning. You say you've been, so you know what the dust is like. Something like @SteveMandHK mentioned will work well, although you'll need to be careful where and when you change your battery/memory card. For a DIY, try one of those jumbo bags, carefully cut a circular hole in part of it away from the zip area, one that will just barely fit over your lens filter threads. Put on a UV filter over it and snug it down, maybe put some thin tape on, and then put your lens hood on over that. Keep it sealed until you need to change battery/memory card. Probably pretty good, but no guarantees. And it'll be a bit slick, since it's slippery plastic. You might be able to find some clear rubbery plastic that might be similar you could try with. EDIT: Oh yes, that's the other thing I found in myself, I was much more aware of this expensive thing with me, positioning, not hitting it on stuff and also then also, at least for me, "hiding" a bit behind the lens. 2013 I brought it but left it in the car and it changed my Burn. I'm still trying to find my happy medium of using my (new to me) Olympus weather sealed camera where I take pictures, but I still am out there being myself.
(Edited)
tmfNeurodancer
9
Jan 31, 2019
Go with a weather sealed camera. There are plenty of solid go-anywhere point and shoots that will produce high quality images nowadays that are designed for extreme environments. If you want to go ILC, choose a setup that is weather sealed. I am not familiar with all brands, but there are torture tests out there for any camera that claims weather resistance. I have had no fear taking my Olympus OM-D cameras out in dust storms, freezing environments and downpouring rainforests, and never had a problem.
SteveMandHK
71
Jun 22, 2018
The question is how much is your DSLR body and lenses worth? If it is in the thousands of $$ then I wouldn't risk using a DIY ziplock bag and filter cap. The EWA Marine bags are not cheap but you can just hose the whole thing off when you return from La Playa. https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/869026-REG/Ewa_Marine_em_u_bfz_U_BFZ_Underwater_Housing_for.html
Spork13
106
May 30, 2018
Olympus tg-4 or tg-5 are nearly bulletproof, and take outrageously good pictures for such a little camera, thanks to some very clever firmwear and a nice bright f/2 lens. Next step up is Nikon-1 AW1 , a waterproof, dustproof, idiotproof mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses. If you must use a DSLR consider a prime lens, or a lens that doesn't act as a big bellow when zooming in and out. Or grab a cheap and cheerful 2nd hand body and take a cheaper lens so you won't cry if it's damaged.
yanjay
9
May 24, 2018
Why don't invest in something like this? https://www.peakdesign.com/product/shell Sure the cost of your camera + lens would outweigh the small investment for a proper rain cover. There are plenty of alternative on amazon.
fishymishy
12
Mar 30, 2018
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I spent 27 bucks on the silicon jacket, and had the carbon fiber vinyl left over from some project ages ago. Looked up the weak points on my camera body and made a cover for the underside.
ChromeBus
2
Mar 27, 2018
Use Cheap Dig Cameras - Never take your Exp ones. They will be ruined!
bostwickenator
15
Jun 19, 2017
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DougDodd
12
Aug 5, 2016
Drizzt321
138
Apr 15, 2019
DougDoddThat's a good write-up, more or less, of the challenges. For me personally, my first 2 years, "I had to remind myself that photography was just a side line, my main purpose was to experience the Burn with my family and friends" was something I didn't realize I was doing with my photography. My 3rd year when I didn't take my camera out with me, it suddenly changed (for the better!) my experience. I'm still trying to find a happy medium of a weather sealed P&S, of remembering I have it and taking it out and shooting with it, and not taking any photos like I mostly have the last 6 years.
DougDodd
12
Apr 16, 2019
Drizzt321Yes, the Immediacy of doing/being in the here & now is not only a Burning Man principle but an axiom resonating through out our entire society right now. I too have struggled with "life behind the lens" and have gone to several dozen regional burns without taking a single photograph (with my big camera). My happy medium of playa photography is as follows:
  1. I am always "scouting" for shots as I cruise thru the city or socialize with friends. And since I always have a notebook on hand, there are copious notes about ideas.
  2. I assign myself certain blocks of time (where I remain sober !) to explore the city, the people, the camps and the art with my camera. A morning block, an afternoon block, several evening blocks and I always flexible for those dust storms which create amazing photo opportunities. This practice creates a project like attitude for me and I look forward to the challenges.
  3. Finally, I always carry my point-n-shoot for those "I gotta catch that" moments. yes, iPhones are fine for this but I don't want to be part of the "phone culture" when on the playa.
Verone
6
Aug 5, 2016
I would use gaff tape all around the seals of where the lens meets the body and around the sections your rotate to zoom in and out. make sure all of the door openings for the sd card and cables are completely sealed and gaffed also. Shouldn't be a problem. Bring a polarizer and UV filter to help out with those dust storms also. might want to invest in a turkey baster air blaster to help blow all the dirt off at the end of the day or you can buy canned air.
DougDodd
12
Aug 5, 2016
VeroneCanned Air - YES!!! I will add that to my diatribe above :-) Thanks for the reminder! And yes, I have seen many folks with taped up bodies. Another great idea!!!
kristinaten
510
Aug 5, 2016
VeroneThanks! Sounds totally doable. Canned air is a great idea!
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