How good is weather sealing?

Squit · 2014-01-05T08:50:55+0000

Hi, After being a happy owner of a k-x, I decided to upgrade to a k-50 with the 18-135 WR kit. I'm very impressed with both so far. I'm shortly going on holiday to Thailand and would like to know how good weather sealing is (it'll probably be very humid and I'm expecting quite a few thunder storms!). I've seen plenty of pictures, including on Ricoh's website, with cameras that look soaked, but the manual says to avoid contact with water, dust etc. Has anybody had any experience of weather sealing problems? Will it be fine in heavy rain? Thanks in advance.

Pentax Digital SLRsPentax Digital SLRs

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1stEverPentax 1stEverPentax

1536 posts
15 years
Northwich,
Cheshire

Posted 05/01/2014 - 13:50 Link

Thanks for the info John. It does seem to confirm my suspicions. I think Pentax should revert to the K30 WR lens with the K50. If I was about to buy a K50 i'd opt for the body only and then look to pick up a 18-55DA WR seperately which makes the overall package more expensive than it should be.

Steep Steep

289 posts
15 years
Scotland

Posted 05/01/2014 - 21:02 Link

There are youtube videos of Pentax dslrs being soaked. A K5 and a K3 covered in dust and sand then rinsed off under the shower I seem to remember in one video. Not something I'd do to my equipment by choice mind you...

Stuey Stuey

4772 posts
16 years
Wales

Posted 05/01/2014 - 21:10 Link

Personally I prefer to think of the weather sealing as a backup rather than let my cameras get wet etc but maybe I am too careful

K10D, K5 plus plenty of clueless enthusiasm.

My Flickr site link

Gwyn Gwyn

10344 posts
19 years
The Netherlands

Posted 06/01/2014 - 10:27 Link

I would never stick my camera under the shower, or bury it in sand, but it is a tool, to be used. If I am somewhere I may never return to, and there is a photograph screaming out to be taken, then I won't let a bit of weather stop me getting that photo.

cedricd cedricd

1076 posts
17 years
East Suffolk

Posted 06/01/2014 - 19:47 Link

My K5 and DA*300 have had many a soaking with rain with no adverse effects. However like John I always wipe off the excess from time to time. I try to guard against salt water `cos that will corrode and damage bright shiny bits. Always dry well afterwards and I always leave unpacked in a warm room.

Enjoy life

Blythman Blythman

4248 posts
15 years
Blyth,
Northumberland

Posted 06/01/2014 - 19:59 Link

Always rinse mine under the tap if its been splashed by the sea, when I've been using the 18-135 or the 300

Alan

PPG
Flickr

Edited by Blythman: 06/01/2014 - 19:59

PeteL PeteL

439 posts
17 years
Wales

Posted 06/01/2014 - 23:27 Link

Here`s a shot of me taken today by the local newspaper! I`m using the K3 with 50-135 and a K5 II around my neck with 16-50, This was one of about a dozen soakings that i had in the time i was there.

http://i1.dailypost.co.uk/incoming/article6473787.ece/ALTERNATES/s2197/zyrb06011...

Steep Steep

289 posts
15 years
Scotland

Posted 07/01/2014 - 00:09 Link

Hah! Suffering for your art, nice

PeteL PeteL

439 posts
17 years
Wales

Posted 08/01/2014 - 12:45 Link

Steep wrote:
Hah! Suffering for your art, nice

This is a fairly regular occurrence for me! Ever since the K10D.

My gear just get`s a gentle rinse down with clean water using a spray bottle, Then dry straight away.

johnboy-22 johnboy-22

80 posts
14 years
Turnberry,
Ayrshire

Posted 10/01/2014 - 16:46 Link

I was in the same position as "Petel" with my K5 + 18-135. Taking hi speed pictures and you could see the wall of water coming towards me. When I got home I rinsed it all under the tap then dried it with a towel and left it out. No problem.

Pentax K5, Kx, DA15 ltd,18-135, 18-55, 50-200, M100 f4 macro, M135 f3.5 A28 F2.5