40D got wet

So I was taking pics in the rain today with my 40D, nothing too heavy but I guess the camera got water inside. Now, oops, when I turn it on, the LCD display flashes on and off, the camera won't focus/take pictures, and the red light by the on off switch also flashes. I'm hoping leaving it for a day to dry out will solve the problem! Anyone with similar experiences? PS the rain wasn't that heavy, no heavier than I've taken it out in before, except it clearly took exception to this downpour, no excuses!

At least it managed to take some pics before dieing...

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You generally let electronics like this sit for 2 weeks, not 2 days. In a large full of rice of other absorbent.

sorry to hear that. i took out my 40d in a heavy rainstorm yesterday but had a zip lock bag over it. i was going to take it out w/ no protection then i read online how it's pretty much not weather sealed at all. hopefully you get it working again.

It sucks that you are having issues. I have used a large assortment of SLR's and P&S cameras in heavy rain and snow and have never had issues! This might make me think twice

Give it plenty of time to dry out. Also, remove both batteries.

Remove the battery and put it in a sealed ziplock bag of uncooked rice for a few days minimum.

They also make stuff called silica or silica gel that you can buy from craft stores to dry flowers. Its the same stuff that is in the little pouches that say "do not eat" that always come in bags and such. I would think about putting some of that in the bag, but someone with more experience can chime in about that.

stop trying to turn it on - remove batteries and just let it dry in rice or silica

as long as its not salt water, it should be fine.

i have brought back numerous cell phones from swimming pool and washing machine accidents plus an old point and shoot from a water bottle mishap.

the bag of rice works great as suggested.

Actually the point about removing the battery is valid. These things never turn off with the switch. It's probably too late now but next time.

I've had & have the 10D, 30D, 50D, 7D & 5D MKii and all have been out in the rain and not a single problem. I've had the 10D out in the cold rain for 3hrs w/out any covering what so ever and the only thing that happened was condensation. I dryed the camera body and lens out for about a day and the camera worked fine for years after this. I dont baby my cameras...ok maybe the 5D MKii alittle...LOL!

Wondering keeping the camera in sun light for couple of hours should work faster to vapourise water. Or blowing hot air from a hair dryer from lens opening should also work faster to make it dry. I don't think any risk from either. Anyone tried either way? Any thoughts?

just let the rice (or silica packs) do its trick, i dont think forcing hot air into compartments will expedite the process. you;d be amazed how quickly water will evaporate into "dry air" without any help.

Sounds like I need a plastic bag and some rice! Easy enough. Thanks for all your suggestions, I think I'll give the hairdryer a miss for now...

Wissigle wrote in post #12939332
Sounds like I need a plastic bag and some rice! Easy enough. Thanks for all your suggestions, I think I'll give the hairdryer a miss for now...

to add another reason i wouldn't use a hair dryer is you dont want to force the water deeper into the camera. it would be one thing if it was an open circuit board you were drying off...

there needs to be a sticky about this in here..I see this all the time, camera gets wet, and then the owners do the absolute worst possible thing you could think by trying to immediately turn it on and 'see if it is damaged',etc..
If you use your cam in the rain, when it stops working, STOP USING IT for several days/a week/etc, and let it dry out(properly, like mentioned with rice or Silica AND with BOTH batteries removed!)!!!!!

Sorry about your camera!! hope its not toast...