Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/11/30

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Cold camera cold film
From: csocolow <csocolow@microserve.net>
Date: Tue, 30 Nov 1999 23:45:45 -0500

Dave Stratton wrote:
> 
> Alan
> 
> I shoot velvia in as cold as minus 30 deg Farh.
> 
> I have found the following the best.
> 1.   From the begin of shooting until end....LEAVE THE CAMERA IN THE COLD.
> Test camera to the shooting temp to be sure the camera will not fail.
> 
> 2.  If the camera requires a battery...KEEP THE BATTERY WARM BETWEEN SHOTS.
> Even if this means taking the battery from the camera after each shot.
> Don't let the battery become to cold.  Best to have two...then rotate when
> convenient.  I shoot a 6x7 Pentax and have a cold weather battery device
> that allows me to carry the battery being used next to my body for warmth.
> 
> I know photographers that shot the Northern Lights.  They will use
> mechanical cameras...set the camera up and leave out all night (in 60 below
> zero (F) and shoot all night, coming out of a tent or protective warmth from
> time to time as the light dictates...and shoot with the camera and film
> stabilized at 60 below.   They have little trouble with the camera or film.
> Mostly their trouble is how the temperature really drops human
> efficiency....but the camera and film work fine.
> 
> I think the above will make the fogging of the film just go away
> 
> Dave
> Fairbanks, AK
> P.S.   Its 25 below outside right now.   I have had practice.   And I think
> the above is good advice.  It was given to me a long time ago and it solved
> a lot of cold weather photo problems.

Dave,

Have you had your cameras winterized? Any change in lubrication or other
set-ups by winter-knowledgeable service people? Damn, that's cold.


- -- 
Carl Socolow

http://members.tripod.com/SocPhoto/