Richard Cherry:How to keep your camera dry

As all days are not like this:

By Richard Cherry

Photographers living in the Northwest have one common problem: Rain. Last year I was conducting a photography workshop. Naturally, that day it was raining.

It was wet and cold as I headed out to the meeting area,  I assumed no one would show up. But when I got there I found out that northwest photographers are tough. Just about everybody was there waiting for me. 

For photography equipment rain can be more than just an inconvenience. Today, most cameras are electronic and more vulnerable than ever to the environment. But there are things a person can do to help prevent rainal abuse.

Under the heading of common sense. Keep your camera protected except when you are about to take a picture. This would include keeping it in a case, under your coat, or inside a car or house. When the photo op arrives, take the camera out – shoot the picture – and then put the camera right back. 

Carry an umbrella. I have an old Golf umbrella that I use. It’s large and I can hold it over myself and a camera; even if the camera is on a tripod. While walking or changing positions the umbrella keeps me and the camera hanging around my neck dry.

There are a number of cameras on the market that are made to be used in the rain, or even underwater. They range in price from a disposable underwater camera costing around $15 to more serious camera housings costing thousands of dollars. 

For not much more than the disposable camera you can find a digital camera equipped  with an underwater housing. I found one for less than $50. It doesn’t do anything fancy, except keep the camera dry. 

I don’t like to endorse products. (Mostly because no one is paying me to.) But I’ve come across two products that I find interesting. The first is Rainsleeve by OP/Tech. One of my students brought a Rainsleeve into class to show others his find. It’s just what the name implies. It’s a clear tube that’s designed for both a hand held or tripod mounted camera. It will handle lenses up to 7 inches in diameter and 18 inches long. It does require a removable eyepiece on the camera, but it works and is the right price. Two come to a package for a little over $6. I found mine at Kits Camera in Olympia. 

There is a product called Probrella and it’s big brother called Popabrella. They are umbrellas equipped with a camera attachment. Basically you attach your camera to this pint sized umbrella and it sits atop of your camera protecting it, NOT YOU, from the elements. They range in price from $18 for the smaller unit to $35 for the larger one. I got the prices from Amazon.com. 

One last thought. Keep a dry, soft towel handy. When you are done shooting wipe off your camera. This will keep the rain drops that managed to land on your camera from finding their way into the innards where the harm is done.

Feel free to email me at cherry@rcphoto.org with any questions you may have. 

Local photographer and teacher Richard Cherry’s work can be seen at rcphoto.org  and osgov.com.