Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/12/10
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Tim Atherton wrote: >I have never quite hit -50c, but I once tried to use my M6 at -48c during my >sojourn in Tuktoyaktuk. I think the body might have kept going, but the >lenses froze up solid. Literally, the grease thickened up so much you would >have needed a pipe wrench to focus. In fact, it would happen at -40c (which >I guess is also -40f), but not quite as quickly. Hi Tim, Whenever I work in the arctic my cameras are not out from under my oversize parka long enough to freeze-up. At least that's always the plan. :) The secret of keeping them running, lenses also, is how you carry them and you dress. I have an extra large parka, bought specifically for carrying cameras inside, it has heavy duty velcro tape down the front, as well as the usual zipper and toggle buttons. I hang the cameras from my neck & wear a soft down vest between me and cameras. The vest helps keep the cold at bay each time I quickly tear the velcro apart, out pops the camera, I shoot as many and as quickly as I can and then camera back inside. I've seen photographers shooting in the arctic with their cameras (non Leica) hanging from their shoulders just as though they were in California and in short time they're bitching about the "crappy batteries" and equipment. And at 40 below it's "real short time!" :) Me? Mine are in and out constantly and always functioning, besides I don't have to worry about autofocus lenses and motors powering down. >Mind you, it wasn't long after the lens froze up that I didn't have anything >functioning either! >>>>>>> Yep and that happens no matter how well dressed you are, the cold eventually works it's way through to the bones and bladder! Then you have to get inside real quick as you don't want to stand there and "p" only to find yourself frozen to the ground until spring or it breaks off, whichever comes first! :) ted Ted Grant This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler. http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant