Using A100 in sub zero temperature

[invigo]

Hi guys,

I am kinda new here (I normally just browse the forum and never posted before ). I am an A100 owner and I am planning to travel to Hokkaido next week. The temperature in the place is ranging from -30 to -10 degrees Celsius. I will be bringing along my sigma 17-70mm and minolta 50mm lens along (sigma for general scenery pics and the 50mm for night shots)

I need some advice on whether it is advisable to bring my camera along for the trip. I am worried my camera will freeze up there and simply become unusable.

Any advice or input on what preparation I will need to be able to use my camera in such extreme condition will be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much

[Rashkae]

I've used it in -25C on top of a mountain... What you have to worry about is battery energy. When it's that cold, batteries lose their effectiveness, so I suggest you bring 2 spare batteries and keep them close to your body in ineer pockets so they stay warm.

The camera should be fine though.

[TME]

Originally Posted by Rashkae I've used it in -25C on top of a mountain... What you have to worry about is battery energy. When it's that cold, batteries lose their effectiveness, so I suggest you bring 2 spare batteries and keep them close to your body in ineer pockets so they stay warm. The camera should be fine though.

Will metal contacts seize? I am worried for the lens mount contacts... especially if u bring the camera indoors then and moisture condenses on or between the metal mount flanges and then bring it outdoors again where the moisture freezes over... and also about condensation when you change lenses outdoors... and indoors... plus moisture between the front element and the filter...

[Rashkae]

Originally Posted by TME Will metal contacts seize? I am worried for the lens mount contacts... especially if u bring the camera indoors then and moisture condenses on or between the metal mount flanges and then bring it outdoors again where the moisture freezes over... and also about condensation when you change lenses outdoors... and indoors... plus moisture between the front element and the filter...

Well, for all that it's winter, the air is actually very dry! (all the moisture is in the snow...)

I've not had any problems with condensation, etc in real winter weather.

[SpeakUp]

my a100 has weathered through under sub zero temperature for a week. now still working perfectly ok. and yea battery wise, bring more

[TME]

Originally Posted by Rashkae Well, for all that it's winter, the air is actually very dry! (all the moisture is in the snow...) I've not had any problems with condensation, etc in real winter weather.

It's dry only if the humidity is low... but winter can be slushy sometimes... depends on when you go... now I think it's deep winter so it might ok... but thought condensation might still be an issue indoors where it's warmer and with human beings around, a lot more humid... not sure... just thinking aloud...

[invigo]

Originally Posted by TME It's dry only if the humidity is low... but winter can be slushy sometimes... depends on when you go... now I think it's deep winter so it might ok... but thought condensation might still be an issue indoors where it's warmer and with human beings around, a lot more humid... not sure... just thinking aloud...

I only have 1 spare battery, so most probably I will end up charging them on a daily basis.

I must admit that my main worry is the fact I will be going in and out of buillding/bus thus exposing the camera to sudden change in temperature (cold to warm and vice versa).

Just wondering, will silica gel help in this kind of situation?

Thanks alot for the input guys. really appreciate it

[Rashkae]

Originally Posted by invigo I only have 1 spare battery, so most probably I will end up charging them on a daily basis. I must admit that my main worry is the fact I will be going in and out of buillding/bus thus exposing the camera to sudden change in temperature (cold to warm and vice versa). Just wondering, will silica gel help in this kind of situation? Thanks alot for the input guys. really appreciate it

No, it's not the temperature change you need to worry about, it's humidity. In general, you'll be fine in winter. Silica gel will really have no effect unless you want to carry a sealed box with you wherever you go.

You'll notice many many people have DSLR cameras in cold countries and don't have a problem. Sonys were designed in a cold country.

[cairocks]

Originally Posted by Rashkae You'll notice many many people have DSLR cameras in cold countries and don't have a problem. Sonys were designed in a cold country.

Sorry, it's OT but I got to get this out of my system, I have a feeling that lenses are also designed in dry, cool countries that they never think of researching a fungus resistance coating even after so many years. We in the tropics, as a result, end up have to constantly fight a fungus problems. Haiz....

[TME]

Originally Posted by invigo I only have 1 spare battery, so most probably I will end up charging them on a daily basis. I must admit that my main worry is the fact I will be going in and out of buillding/bus thus exposing the camera to sudden change in temperature (cold to warm and vice versa). Just wondering, will silica gel help in this kind of situation? Thanks alot for the input guys. really appreciate it

It's always good to have at least one extra set... I use the vertical grip which takes 2 NP-400... so I have 6 batteries for my 7D... 3 sets... one spare, one emergency... if u go to places like Cambodia countryside for a week... then 6 batteries may not be enough if u shoot a lot... and chimp a lot like me...

[Rashkae]

Originally Posted by cairocks Sorry, it's OT but I got to get this out of my system, I have a feeling that lenses are also designed in dry, cool countries that they never think of researching a fungus resistance coating even after so many years. We in the tropics, as a result, end up have to constantly fight a fungus problems. Haiz....

Well, according to an optics engineer that I asked the same question, he said that using the antifungal coating would lead to large CA and refractions as you can't have the special lens coatings and an antifungal coating at the same time. Also, the antifungal coating only lasts for about 5 years. Much easier to just take the lens out into the sun more often or get a drybox.

[invigo]

Thanks alot for all the input guys. I will be able to use my camera with peace of mind now

Cheers!