? for MKII owners

[canon_user808]

I had originally been planning on getting a 20D upon it release. But recently I've come across some extra cash, via quarterly bonus and have placed an order for a MKII. My question is... Canon says the MKII is water resistant when using L lenses. I know you can't dunk it but how cautious should I be in regards to rain? Continuing to shoot if it started to rain would probably would have never crossed my mind if I had ordered the 20D but since I ordered the MKII, what the heck. Right?

[CyberDyneSystems]

MOST L lenses have a water tight seal.. and the body itslef of th MkII is sealed against the elements.

No you definately do not want to "dunk" it. Nor do you wnt to ignore a rain squall... but now if sand, a plash from a passing motorist, or a rain shower hit you your camera will probably be just fine.

If yu need to shoot in the rain though.. you will still want a covering of some sort. The difference is simply that now you don't automatically risk losing your camera should fate get it a little wet.

[Pekka]

In my experience it can stand even strong rain, but I got some water intake (to firewire slot covered by rubber cover - 100 Euro part was replaced) in rought sea. It seems the pressure of the water matters more than amount. Also, condensation must be taken seriously, so watch out for big temperature changes - like should be done with every electronic device.

All L lenses which are sealed are not certified as sealed until you have a filter on them.

Generally speaking I don't worry about water when shooting with Mark II. It stands a lot. It's very refreshing :)

[canon_user808]

Thanks, Can't wait for it to arrive.

[Pekka]

What I really wonder about this sealed EOS system is that why on earth the flashes are NOT sealed. Not even the new 580EX?

[Jon]

They'd have to seal the hot-shoe contacts as well - and that would be quite difficult, with extremely serious consequences if the seal leaked. Far better to encourage you to keep your strobe dry than to chance someone shorting out one of those big capacitors and frying the strobe or themselves.

[Rob Larsen]

Over on the Rob Galraith forum there was a discussion (http://www.robgalbraith.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=146939&page=&view=&sb=5&o =&fpart=1&vc=1) on how water tight a 1Ds is. Chuck Westfall, Director of Canon USA Technical Info Dept, stated the following on 6/30/03:

"The EOS-1D and 1Ds are weather-resistant in conditions equivalent to rainfall at a rate of 10 inches per hour, which would be very heavy rain. Several L-series lenses including the EF 16-35mm L lens have the same degree of weather resistance, but be sure to mount a protective clear filter and the supplied lens hood for best results. We also suggest cleaning the equipment as soon as possible after exposure to rain, and of course the lens mount, the CF card slot cover and the interface ports should be closed at all times during exposure to rain or other precipitation."

While comforting to hear that testimonial from someone "in the know," I think I'll still strap on my rain gear if I find myself in 10 inches of rain!

Follow the link above to see the full text and further comments he had on the weather sealing of specific lenses.

Cheers,

[DS]

Althougt all the EOS1s can handle under heavy rain. But I have a doubt anyone will taking pictures under that heavy rain?

[ron chappel]

What I really wonder about this sealed EOS system is that why on earth the flashes are NOT sealed. Not even the new 580EX?

I have kinda similar thoughts about underwater flashes.What happens if they ever leak?? :shock:

[PaulB]

DS wrote, "Althougt all the EOS1s can handle under heavy rain. But I have a doubt anyone will taking pictures under that heavy rain?"

It all depends on 'weather' (sorry) the client is paying - if they are then you do!

[Jon]

What I really wonder about this sealed EOS system is that why on earth the flashes are NOT sealed. Not even the new 580EX?

I have kinda similar thoughts about underwater flashes.What happens if they ever leak?? :shock:

I'd expect the pressure housings would help contain the resultant disaster. I know my Nikonos' flash fitting has O-ring gaskets on a threaded connector rather than any "normal" arrangement.

[GenEOS]

A Mark II can be made totally submersible with a 550EX attached...follow link!
http://www.sportsshooter.com/funpix_view.html?id=1910
-dt

[CyberDyneSystems]

Submersible 550EX flash housing;

http://www.oceanbrite.com/moreinfo.php?id=515

Underwater photography with a 1Ds;

http://seacamusa.com/eos1dsjournal.shtml

Underwater Photography;

http://www.uwpmag.com/