Can I safely take a Ricoh GR1 mountaineering in cold, wet conditions?

Asked 11/21/2012

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I’m planning a high-altitude mountaineering trip and would like to bring a compact film camera. I have a Ricoh GR1, which is light and easy to carry, but I’m concerned because it is not weather-sealed. My main worries are cold, moisture, and lens condensation from temperature changes, especially if I keep it inside my jacket and then take it out to shoot. I’d also like to know whether snow and glacier scenes typically need exposure compensation.

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

2 Answers

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The Ricoh is not weather-sealed. Might run into two problems: "Drowning" the camera and having condensation in the lens that might cloud your photos. Condensation will not be as heavy as to ruin the camera itself.

The issue with condensation happens normally when the air is very humid and if the outside temperature changes much faster than the camera itself. If you go on a high mountain, the air is normally not humid. The humidity will much rather build up inside of your clothes when you sweat, specially if you wear waterproof outerwear.

You also might have an issue with actual water from rain or snow getting into the camera. You have to know yourself if there is a risk of rain where you go. I would assume that you should be able to protect the camera from snow.

I would therefore recommend you to get either put the camera in a pocket that is still protected from snow but that is not as close to your body that each time you take it out it will suffer from severe temperature changes. Putting it inside your backpack might be the best solution. Even if you ascend from a humid climate, you will not do so too quickly for the air in the camera being able to adapt to the changes.

Originally by user9441. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user9441

13y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

The Ricoh GR1 is not weather-sealed, so the main risks are moisture getting into the camera from rain, snow, or damp clothing, and lens condensation that can temporarily fog images. Condensation is more likely when warm, humid air meets a colder camera; on a mountain, outside air may be dry, but humidity can build up inside your clothing if you sweat under waterproof layers.

Keeping the camera inside your jacket may protect it from snow, but it can also increase the chance of condensation when you take it out. The camera is more at risk from actual water intrusion than from condensation severe enough to damage it.

If conditions may be wet, be cautious: protect the camera from rain and melting snow, and avoid exposing it suddenly from warm, humid storage to cold air whenever possible. A weather-resistant compact would be a safer choice if you expect harsh conditions.

For people photographed against snow or ice, some positive exposure compensation is often needed because bright backgrounds can fool the meter into underexposing the subject.

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13y ago

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