Sealing flash(es)?

[Pekka]

As I had some experience at shooting with Mark II in very wet conditions ( see http://www.lieksabrass.com/gallery/photo.php?photo=3200&u=944|64 ) I got into problems with 550EX which obviously can't stand water (buttons refused to work, erratic flash power etc.). I actually got about 10 good ETTL shots and after that it was of pure luck what kind of power it gave out (mostly full, even in manual 1/128 mode :) ). next day it worked ok after it dried out, though.

I was hoping 580 would be sealed but apparently it is not. So,
Are there any special pouches or such for covering and waterproofing a flash?
Are the sealed flashes available?

[PJ]

I'm no pro, but I recently had the same concern. I'm not too terribly worried about a little water on my Rebel but I'm currently working on a raincoat for my newly aquired 550EX.

It's basically a clear shower cap with some modifications. I'll post some pics here when i finish it.

[defordphoto]

I saw something on this a week or two ago. I'll do some back-research and track it back down. It's a shame we have one of the most weather-proof cameras on the planet, but the flash is so vulnerable.

[timmyquest]

I saw something on this a week or two ago. I'll do some back-research and track it back down. It's a shame we have one of the most weather-proof cameras on the planet, but the flash is so vulnerable.

No kidding, you'd think that they would realize that usually when it's raining it's not bright and sunny out :roll:.

It's funny pekka brings this up, i was just thinking about this last night myself.

[Ballen Photo]

I was hoping 580 would be sealed but apparently it is not. So,
Are there any special pouches or such for covering and waterproofing a flash?
Are the sealed flashes available?

This IS interesting now that you mention this. Come to think of it, the ONLY well sealed flashes I remember seeing were specialty flashes for underwater use made by Sea & Sea, or Nikonos, etc.
Hmm, Canons top of the line cameras are sealed, but their top of the line flashes that are meant to go with them are not? :shock: :shock: :shock:
.......Bruce

[Pekka]

Hmm, Canons top of the line cameras are sealed, but their top of the line flashes that are meant to go with them are not? :shock: :shock: :shock:
.......Bruce

Yes odd isn't it!

Hasn't anyone shooting sports outdoors ever questioned this from Canon? I mean there must have been lots of flash malfunctions due water during EOS years.

To me it looks like new features in 580EX are only there to bring it up to date with Nikon's flagship flash SB-800 and not really invent anything new or usable.
:evil:

[defordphoto]

Got it! Aquatech out of Australia makes them. You can get a full camera plus flash rain cover, or for the flash only. I saw one today when I was at Pro Photo Supply in Portland.

Scroll down on this page and you'll see the flash cover.

http://www.aquatech.com.au/products/sportshields/sportshields.htm

[Andy_T]

If you want to take it a step further ... EWA-Marine (Germany) make an underwater housing that can hold the 1DII with the Flash mounted...

take a look at http://www.ewa-marine.de/english/index.htm

Product code is U-AXP and it's rated for depths up (or better: down :wink: )to 50 m.

http://www.ewa-marine.de/pictures/products/u-axp_k_131x200.jpg

Best regards,
Andy

[dn7elson]

Got it! Aquatech out of Australia makes them. You can get a full camera plus flash rain cover, or for the flash only. I saw one today when I was at Pro Photo Supply in Portland.

Looks much like a quart sized ziplock bag...bet it costs a bit more :D

[defordphoto]

Got it! Aquatech out of Australia makes them. You can get a full camera plus flash rain cover, or for the flash only. I saw one today when I was at Pro Photo Supply in Portland.

Looks much like a quart sized ziplock bag...bet it costs a bit more :D

Gobs more. I think it was $50-some...