Weather proofing a 50D

jim_j

jim_j

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I was awake at 4:30 this morning but TP was down. Seems like my obsessive personality has latched onto a problem and won't let it go. Now this post might not make much sense in the cold light of day.
Seen a couple of threads lately on this and other forums about the 50D's lack of weather sealing which seems to be centred around the joystick. Couple of solutions:
1. We use a lot of bubble wrap in our business, and one solution would be to use one of the large bubbles (about 2cm diam) with the base removed which could then be placed over the joystick and glued to the back of the camera. Not sure on the glue to use, maybe silicone or that sticky stuff they use for attaching free CDs to the inside of magazines.

2. We also use a lot of 'document enclosed' envelopes, now one of those trimmed to leave the sticky back around the edges only could cover the whole of the rear of the camera, and with careful trimming and folding any open ends could be sealed.

I know the camera is not completely weather sealed anyway, but some people have had problems with even the slightest bit of moisture.

Will try to get images later. After I've had a couple of hours kip hopefully.
 
Interesting idea, but probably not very durable.

After temporarily losing full use of my 5D2 to a similar fate I was thinking about rubbing a little vaseline around the joystick - just enough to repel and seal against moisture penetration but not so much that it would start dribbling into the camera or leave me with slippery fingers and a greasy camera. So far I have not yet had the balls to try it. Maybe a little silicone grease would be better. Thoughts?

There's also the Optech Rainsleeve, which I do own and have used, but I was foolish enough to believe Canon's hye about 5D2 weatherproffing so I did not think I'd need it when out in a little drizzle. I was wrong.
 
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tdodd said:
Interesting idea, but probably not very durable.

After temporarily losing full use of my 5D2 to a similar fate I was thinking about rubbing a little vaseline around the joystick - just enough to repel and seal against moisture penetration but not so much that it would start dribbling into the camera or leave me with slippery fingers and a greasy camera. So far I have not yet had the balls to try it. Maybe a little silicone grease would be better. Thoughts?
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You could try some 'white grease'. Used in the food processing industry, I used to use it years ago on my MX bikes. Check on RS Components for supply and usage details.
 
You'd put white grease on a camera body? :eek: :nono:

Silly - just wrap it in a clear plastic bag sealed with rubber bands like we used to do in 'ye olden days of filme'...

Or buy a Pro camera body and experience the 'joys' of working unprotected in monsoons and thunderstorms...:lol:
 
Arkady said:
You'd put white grease on a camera body? :eek: :nono:
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That suggestion probably makes more sense for big "L" glass. Bodies need black grease, unless you shoot Pentax, in which case you'd probably want vermillion grease or some such.
 
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tdodd said:
That suggestion probably makes more sense for big "L" glass. Bodies need black grease, unless you shoot Pentax, in which case you'd probably want vermillion grease or some such.
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:lol:

...very droll...
 
Dog poo bags were very handy when being caught in the rain with my 40d. Thought those days were behind me with my shiny new weather sealed 7d but it seems I am wrong :shake:
The thought of gunking my camera up with grease or silicone gives me the heebie jeebies.
I've always got elastic bands and bags in my pocket and that works fine, at least my 24-105 doesn't mind the rain :)
 
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I wonder if you could use Clear Silicone Sealant carefully and precisely? It's waterproof and can usually be peeled off without leaving any damage behind. It's usually not very messy.
 
Didn't realise the 50D wasn't weather proof. I know it wasn't fully sealed but thought it had weather proofing as I've been using it for a couple of years in all weather.

In light rain I just put a bar towel over the top of the camera/lens to keep the worse off. In heavy rain it's in a plastic bag to keep the worse off, then gets wiped/dried with a towel or micropore cloth.
 
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