[Leica] Re: Weatherproof camera

[bruent at shaw.ca (Bruce)]

> From: lrzeitlin@optonline.net
> Unless the weatherproof camera is the only one you need, I would 
> reconsider the Nikonos, particularly the older model II and III 
> versions. These metal cased cameras are extremely rugged and 
> absolutely waterproof. The 35mm f2.8 stock Nikon lens is excellent and 
> the 80mm lens is also quite good.
>
> Twenty years ago I did a travel story about kayaking down the Grand 
> Canyon section of the Colorado. Rather than risk my Leicas, I used a 
> Nikonos II. The camera and I spent half the trip submerged in silty 
> river water, but, since God protects fools and idiots, both of us 
> emerged unscathed. True, the lens is scale focusing and there is no 
> camera automation but depth of field and film latitude compensates 
> adequately. Since then I have always kept the Nikonos in the bottom of 
> my camera bag for use
>  in really bad weather. You can pick up a good used Nikonos in any 
> dive shop for less than $200.

Careful about any used Nikonos. They have been around a while and some 
have been poorly kept- for example used repeatedly in salt water and 
not properly rinsed (leading to salt build up at the joints and 
sometimes corrosion), or NI/II/NIII which forced when opening for film 
change (which can result in cracks in the top casing which is plastic, 
not metal).

The NII/NIII have no electronics and overall simpler than the V, so 
other than the forcing issue are more rugged. The III has slightly 
larger controls, a better VF, and more consistent frame spacing than 
the II. The V has more conventional handling, a much better VF, a wider 
shutter range, auto/manual metering, and is easier to get serviced. I 
have used all 3, and favor the III because it is the easiest for me to 
handle in cold water.

Above water I find them all clumsy (bulky because of the pressure 
resistant body, and scale focus which must be set by looking at the 
front of the lens and adjusting over a precise but very long scale), 
and prefer a WP P&S even though I'd sometimes miss the focus and 
exposure control. I have obtained good results (better than you might 
expect) from a Canon Sureshot WP, and Olympus Infinity Zoom series 
cameras. Unfortunately all broke down after about 10 years, except for 
the first Olympus which I bought for a trip on which I did not want t 
risk a Leica and is still working for my mother.