Damp Camera

Latest Posts | New Discussions | Hot Threads | Forum Topics
Help | Settings | Followed Threads
reply
1 to 20 of 22 messages
Page:
Hedgehope Aztec
13/06/2001 at 10:26
Any tips on how to dry out a camera? After my debacle (should be 'debARKle') on Arran last week I've got a slightly soggy APS (Olympus i Zoom 75) camera (there's condensation on the inside of the viewfinder and exposure/focus window etc). The camera is supposed to be weather proof, which I reckon is going to make it more difficult to dry. I can't really blame the camera as the case received a hair line fracture when I fell off a pinnacle last year!
Jon Doran
13/06/2001 at 10:52
'when I fell off a pinnacle last year!' - I know I shouldn't laugh Mike, but, er... hmmm...

As for the camera - you could try one of those sachets of silica drying stuff in the back of the camera for a few hours. Might be able to get some from a photographic shop I guess.

I guess compressed air would also dry it, but might not get to the more incaccessible parts of the mechanism.

OutdoorsMagic Editor | jon@outdoorsmagic.com 

Orange Alex Ford
13/06/2001 at 12:07
Mike I have loads of silica gel sachets should you want any for free! Give me an email and I'll post em off to you.

My previous camera also died on Arran, what is it about that place?

I'd be dubious about compressed air though, as it may blow more crap into the delicate parts of the camera, and cause more trouble for you later on.
Hedgehope Aztec
13/06/2001 at 12:29
The problem is, there's no back to open. The film autoloads from a waterproof compartment (small). Do you think if I put the camera in a sealed plastic container along with some silica gel it would draw the moisture out?

Thanks for the offer Alex I might take you up on it, if you think the above will work.

What are trying say Jon? Doesn't everyone fall off one?
Orange Alex Ford
13/06/2001 at 12:32
You could drop the bags of gel into the film compartment and then seal it in a zip lock bag? Just say the word and I'll post the gel bags.
neil rich
13/06/2001 at 12:52
I've mentioned it before on another thread, but to stop it happening again, get a waterproof case from aquapac.com,
they have a clear window which allows you to take pictures while keeping the camera in the case, great for those summit recording photos of soaking groups in the pouring rain at the top of some scottish hill. no loss of quality
Hedgehope Aztec
13/06/2001 at 16:12
I've just emailed you Alex, I've also just read your email of the 4th June (Must check more often, or not have so many accounts!)

Neil, I can't use one, my APS is tiny and the controls are very fiddly and quite a high spec power zoom 28-75mm. It's also (was) weatherproof. I think the hairline crack is to blame and being totally immersed, I'll have to try to seal it. The camera was in a weatherproof bag of sorts, my tent!
Jon Doran
13/06/2001 at 16:29
The other obvious course of action would be to contact Olympus in the UK and see what they advise - www.olympus.co.uk is their web address or e-mail. Yeah, I fall off things too, found another bit of Spanish cactus in my ankle on Saturday morning, nice...

OutdoorsMagic Editor | jon@outdoorsmagic.com 

Tom Tindale
13/06/2001 at 18:26
How do you fall onto a spanish cactus? I heard Maria del Carmen Clegg emailed you, how did you get on.

TomT
Ms. Mjausson
14/06/2001 at 13:35
I've used Aquapak with my camera but wasn't impressed with the results. The pictures ended up blurred and even with massive Photoshop efforts not many of them looked presentable. See http://members.nbci.com/mjausson/2001/italy_riccione.htm for those pictures.
--Mjausson
Dave O aka Jungle Dave ;)
14/06/2001 at 19:09
So whats the verdict then on cameras outdoors as I have been tempted but never sure wheather(pun) it is a good idea to take your nice slr etc on to the hill!
Drew
15/06/2001 at 20:05
If you want to take pictures, and it promises to be a good day for pictures, then go ahead, but don't lug it around all day, if you aren't going to be able to see your hand infront of your face from the fog!
Orange Alex Ford
15/06/2001 at 20:15
A mate of mine looked like david bailly once. He had his point and shoot, a disposable, and the biggest SLR I have seen on a hill, ever.
Hedgehope Aztec
15/06/2001 at 22:49
See your trip report appeared Alex! Funny that. I'll send mine in, you'll see it in nine months time!
Orange Alex Ford
16/06/2001 at 11:38
LOL! Now don't get at Jon, he's busy thinking about which things he can burn!

Has anyone spotted the deliberate mistakes?
Hedgehope Aztec
22/06/2001 at 01:33
Alex,
I hope you received my email, fingers crossed it may well of worked. I've taken it from the fridge to the airing cupboard and back again (I used to test and destroy electronics as a job a few years ago) and there's no sign of condensation. So as long as the insides haven't corroded to hell it's time to try out a film.
Len Richardson
05/07/2001 at 16:57
I know this is a bit late but next time try rice. It is great at absorbing moisture. Just put the item in a air tight container, margarine box, icecream container, with a load or rice. Then gentley warm, sunny window sill should do. Leave for a day or two then as if by magic it should be dry. Might be a good idea not to eat the rice.

Len
Dan G
08/07/2001 at 18:46
Any one else use an Aquapac? I haven't fixed my SLR since Feb when rain got into a CCS case. I'd always thought that a Canon A1 in a CCS case would put up with anything, but obviously I was wrong! Been too busy/broke/far from a good camera shop to get it fixed, shame.

I've got a much smaller, cheaper compact I'd like to use on the hill, but it probably wouldn't like Welsh weather much. So do Aquapacs mess up pictures?
Clive Clasby (Old Git)
09/07/2001 at 18:58
Yes
Orange Alex Ford
10/07/2001 at 20:37
I can personally recommend the zip-lock clear plastic bags wot my misses got from tesco's!

It really rained today whilst bimbling over the Langdale Pikes and my nice new Kodak Digital Camera stayed dry as a bone inside there whilst not in use.
1 to 20 of 22 messages
Page:
Forum Jump  
Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Shopping

Most popular

Competitions

View all competitions
Sign up to our twitter feed

Promotions

View all promotions