Re: [Leica] Waterproof Leicas?

[Dennis Painter <dpainter@bigfoot.com>]

Tina,

I kayak, have never taken Leica because invarably things get wet, really
wet, and I kayak in the ocean, salt water. 

1. Water resistant/water proof camera.

Canon A1, good to 16ft underwater, 32mm lens. I have one, an adequate
performer, autofocus, AE, flash control,  Floats.

Pentax 90WR autofocus, AE. probably floats. (may not be in production
anymore) only water resistant, lots of kayakers speak highly of this
model but sometimes they flood due to lighter sealing. Probably floats.

Nikonos.  guesstimate focus, AE. Sturdy, heavy, 35mm lens. IMO best left
for true diving. I have used one and it's heavy overkill for what is
basically surface work. Sinks.

Most p&s type WR cameras are totalled if flooded. All have the problem
of making sure water doesn't get in or on film during loading.

2.  Camera protection.:

EWA "bag" I have not used but have heard reports they are cumbersome. 
Have to open to load film. (note this is obvious for all cameras but the
bag adds an extra step)

"Homemade" bag with 'ziploc' or other material. IMO this is likely to be
more hassle and fail on a hard trip. Personally I wouldn't even try it.

Kayaker 'dry bag' There are several options here. Since you are in a
canoe and should have more room to maneouver than I have in a kayak this
might be a good option. I would certainly give it consideration. One
thing it would provide is a sealable container for film and accessories
as well as the camera when not in use. Throw in some "pack towels" (a
camping product kind of like synthetic chamois) in ziplocks to keep them
from wetting everything when they are damp or wet. 

A recent equipment report by Sea Kayaker magazine gave the nod to the
"Watershed" bags, www.drybags.com. I haven't seen them but they are a
duffle style, quite different than the traditional drybag and looks
easier to work out of. 

If it was me I would take the EWA bag and the Watershed dry bag in
addition to the Pelican case. Work out of the dry bag and use the EWA if
things get really wet. Maybe take along the Canon A1 p&s too. 

Have a great trip and I hope those leicas stay dry!
Dennis