rangefinders in the rain
p.1 #1rangefinders in the rain
Anyone got a recommendation for shooting in the rain with an unsealed rangefinder? Assume "don't be in the rain" isn't an option. I live in the northwest and am going to be outside even if it's crappy, like going hiking when it's crappy, ride a bike in the rain, etc. Plastic rain sleeves for SLRs seem cool. Poke a hole for the viewfinder?
Asking as I got my mamiya 6 quite wet last weekend. It spent this week being dried out with a fan and silica gel packets, but I'd like to not worry about that sort of thing.
Asking as I got my mamiya 6 quite wet last weekend. It spent this week being dried out with a fan and silica gel packets, but I'd like to not worry about that sort of thing.
Aug 07, 2026 at 07:23 PM
p.1 #2rangefinders in the rain
A mechanical (non-electronic) rangefinder would probably be less problematic in wet conditions…Leica M2,3,4 for example or even a canon LTM RF like the P would fit the bill, assuming you are shooting film…I worry most about getting the electronics wet leading to a dead camera…
Aug 07, 2026 at 08:44 PM
p.1 #3rangefinders in the rain
@leolab i like the idea of a reason to get yet more gear 
But yes, I’m referring to film rangefinders, typically older/unsealed lenses and bodies. I was hoping for someone recommending something like gallon zip lock bags with a cutout, and pulling the camera in and out of a more water-resistant bag, some other story like that. In the case I was in last weekend, I had my camera in a bag, but even pulling it out to run through 4 frames got it pretty wet.
But yes, I’m referring to film rangefinders, typically older/unsealed lenses and bodies. I was hoping for someone recommending something like gallon zip lock bags with a cutout, and pulling the camera in and out of a more water-resistant bag, some other story like that. In the case I was in last weekend, I had my camera in a bag, but even pulling it out to run through 4 frames got it pretty wet.
Aug 07, 2026 at 09:44 PM
p.1 #4rangefinders in the rain
Same way you'd keep anything dry in the rain.
Dry bag/case for transport and/or downpours. Pelican case or similar are much easier for managing water than soft dry bags, because they're so much faster to get in and out of.
Don't shoot into the wind or out in the open in heavy rain.
Try to shoot from protected locations.
Carry a cloth to wipe off water.
A shower cap provides good protection between shots if you're shooting from a tripod. Also good for carrying a tripod mounted camera over your shoulder.
Umbrella works too for tripod shooting, wind permitting.
Dry bag/case for transport and/or downpours. Pelican case or similar are much easier for managing water than soft dry bags, because they're so much faster to get in and out of.
Don't shoot into the wind or out in the open in heavy rain.
Try to shoot from protected locations.
Carry a cloth to wipe off water.
A shower cap provides good protection between shots if you're shooting from a tripod. Also good for carrying a tripod mounted camera over your shoulder.
Umbrella works too for tripod shooting, wind permitting.
Aug 07, 2026 at 09:59 PM
p.1 #5rangefinders in the rain
For whale watching or other ocean facing activities, I used to just use a ziploc bag (the zipper kind) with the open end facing out and poke two slits at the opposite end for the camera strap to run through. That way even if it's left open when hanging on your neck, the water runs downward and away from the camera. I could just zip up the end when not in use. I wouldn't recommend this for heavy rain, but it would work in a pinch in drizzle.
If you're looking for new gear, I would recommend a Nikonos.
If you're looking for new gear, I would recommend a Nikonos.
Aug 08, 2026 at 01:23 PM
p.1 #6rangefinders in the rain
I used my classic M6 once in wet/rainy condition by simply inserting it in my DSLR-based transparent plastic rain sleeve. I was able to look through the viewfinder with the thin rain sleeve plastic in front of it without issue (no reason to punch a hole IMO). A lens hood is highly recommended to protect the front lens from rain drops or sprayed mist. The hardest was actually to use the lens' aperture dial since you have to fold the sleeve to make it work for smaller rangefinder lenses than DSLR lenses.
Both camera and lens were totally dry inside the bag after several hours in the light rain. Just had to wipe the front lens a few times with a cloth while taking photos. The photos all turned out fine.
Both camera and lens were totally dry inside the bag after several hours in the light rain. Just had to wipe the front lens a few times with a cloth while taking photos. The photos all turned out fine.
Aug 10, 2026 at 05:29 PM
p.1 #7rangefinders in the rain
If you want an excuse to get more gear... get a Fuji Work Record (excellent p&s w superb 28mm lens) or a Nikonos V w the 35mm lens. Both laugh at rain.
I recently took the Fuji kayaking where it got splashed a lot - salt water too! Zero issues.
Or get a camera umbrella:
Hot shoe umbrella
Or a rain cover:
Rain cover $10
I recently took the Fuji kayaking where it got splashed a lot - salt water too! Zero issues.
Or get a camera umbrella:
Hot shoe umbrella
Or a rain cover:
Rain cover $10
Aug 11, 2026 at 11:57 AM
p.1 #8rangefinders in the rain
The Hot Shoe Umbrella needs a little propeller topper to complete the look.
Aug 11, 2026 at 01:10 PM
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p.1 #9rangefinders in the rain
A used Nikonos are $150 or so, and I just looked and saw a IV-A (nice) for $50. These were intended as underwater cameras, so even without good seals, they'll be good in the rain. Just watch if the battery compartment is "locked" shut. (An old battery and a rubber seal makes it difficult to remove the cover.)
Aug 11, 2026 at 07:08 PM
p.1 #10rangefinders in the rain
Nikonos does look cool, but shower caps and plastic rain sleeves sounds like the move. thanks, everyone!
Aug 12, 2026 at 01:00 AM
p.1 #11rangefinders in the rain
These cameras were going to war zones weren't they? Vietnam, Korea, etc. Surely they were seeing all kinds of weather out there. I agree on going pure mechanical to be on the safe side.
Aug 14, 2026 at 12:06 PM
p.1 #12rangefinders in the rain
icarus_ wrote:
These cameras were going to war zones weren't they? Vietnam, Korea, etc. Surely they were seeing all kinds of weather out there. I agree on going pure mechanical to be on the safe side.
The 100% mechanical ones. Don't think the plastic ones with electronics went to war.
These cameras were going to war zones weren't they? Vietnam, Korea, etc. Surely they were seeing all kinds of weather out there. I agree on going pure mechanical to be on the safe side.
The 100% mechanical ones. Don't think the plastic ones with electronics went to war.
Aug 14, 2026 at 12:13 PM
p.1 #13rangefinders in the rain
Desmolicious wrote:
The 100% mechanical ones. Don't think the plastic ones with electronics went to war.
Not really within the scope of this thread but I wonder if any photojournos were taking the Nikon F3 or F4 out to like the Falklands, Soviet-Afghan war, Kosovo? Or were they sticking to the F2 for its bomb proof construction...
icarus_ wrote
These cameras were going to war zones weren't they? Vietnam, Korea, etc. Surely they were seeing all kinds of weather out there. I agree on going pure mechanical to be on the safe side.Not really within the scope of this thread but I wonder if any photojournos were taking the Nikon F3 or F4 out to like the Falklands, Soviet-Afghan war, Kosovo? Or were they sticking to the F2 for its bomb proof construction...
Aug 14, 2026 at 12:28 PM
p.1 #14rangefinders in the rain
I always used a rain cover with film cameras. Even the disposable poly kind are good enough.
EBH
EBH
Aug 14, 2026 at 01:45 PM
p.1 #15rangefinders in the rain
icarus_ wrote:
The 100% mechanical ones. Don't think the plastic ones with electronics went to war.Not really within the scope of this thread but I wonder if any photojournos were taking the Nikon F3 or F4 out to like the Falklands, Soviet-Afghan war, Kosovo? Or were they sticking to the F2 for its bomb proof construction...
My F3P is a built up version of the standard F3, with extra weather seals and Ti construction. It seems Nikon was aware of the delictate little flower that their standard F3 turned out to be.
The F4 is tank. Pretty sure it was sealed up really well. One place with these cameras where water could ingress is via the film door.
Desmolicious wrote
icarus_ wrote
These cameras were going to war zones weren't they? Vietnam, Korea, etc. Surely they were seeing all kinds of weather out there. I agree on going pure mechanical to be on the safe side.My F3P is a built up version of the standard F3, with extra weather seals and Ti construction. It seems Nikon was aware of the delictate little flower that their standard F3 turned out to be.
The F4 is tank. Pretty sure it was sealed up really well. One place with these cameras where water could ingress is via the film door.
Aug 14, 2026 at 02:45 PM