This winter I took my EM5 and 12-50mm out to document a particularly nasty coastal storm. At times the wind and rain were coming in so strong that I couldn't even see. I had to just turn my back into the deluge, hoping for a break. There were several photogs out with big DSLRs, sporting even bigger Canon L lenses, taking their pics from the safety of a nearby parking garage. As best I could see, I was the only fool out taking pics in the wind and torrential downpour.
I used a Nikon clear filter to protect the front lens element from damage, and maybe provide an extra layer to help keep water out. It is my understanding that some weatherproof lenses require a filter to complete the weather-proofing package. The filter did protect the glass from damage and did keep water off the front element, but did a poor job of shedding water from itself. I was constantly having to wipe the filter to keep it clear of water drops.
Despite my modest rain gear, by the time I finished up I was soaked to the skin from head to toe. I headed home to dry off and see how my Oly combo held up. I rinsed the camera/lens off with distilled water to remove any residual salt spray. After dying, I could not detect any ill effects to my gear from this outing.
Lessons learned:
-It is really fun and liberating to have a weather sealed camera/lens combo out in the elements. The wind and rain did not dictate my photography locations.
-I was hoping for some dramatic photos, but the nasty wind and rain made most of my pics look hazy and gray. The pics are great from a documentary perspective, but have little artistic value.
-I need better rain gear.
-Having to constantly wipe the clear filter was a pain and drops on the filter ruined several pics. I have since purchased a new filter with nano coatings to shed water. I have not tested the new filter in a real storm, but using a spray bottle of water confirmed the nano coatings do help keep the filter much cleaner.
I'm someone that usually babies my gear. That said, I am really enjoying the EM5 as a camera I can take with me, anywhere, and not worry too much about its welfare. I have dubbed it my "Field Camera". Sadly Oly hasn't seen the need to weather-proof any of their fine little prime lenses. The 12-50mm is a decent performer, but there are times and places that call for something smaller and faster.
I compared the lens mount of my Oly 17mm to the 12-50mm. They look identical, and the 17mm is actually snugger on the camera. The 17mm mount should be as weather-proof as the 12-50mm. Put a clear lens filter up front, and a few wraps of gaffers tape (or a bit of bicycle inner-tube) around the body and I'll have a poor man's weather-proof Oly 17mm. I plan on giving this a shot when I get the chance. Yes, I'll lose the ability to manually focus (I don't use that too often anyway), but gain the ability to take the camera/lens combo out in less than ideal environmental conditions. I'll report back after I try this out.
I say go ahead and purchase the insurance that covers spills and thrills, then go out and enjoy your camera while the rest are left cowering in parking garages. ;-)
Cheers, TR
