Protect Your Gear

I learned an expensive lesson a couple of weeks ago. Actually I knew that protecting my camera from water was important, but I wasn't prepared on one of my walks when it rained. I took my Canon 6D out one Saturday when it was raining lightly, which wasn't a problem, but halfway through it just poured. I realized that it wasn't a good situation, but I have been walking in rain for the three years that I have owned this camera, so I didn't think it would be problem. But it was. My camera stopped working before I got home.

After talking with a Canon representative, I ended up sending it to the service center in California. At first they thought that it could be repaired, which still would have been pricey ($426), but once they opened it up they discovered that there was too much water damage. I asked them if the water got in through the lens and they said that it could have, but there are many ways water can get into a camera.

During the time I was sorting this out with Canon, I fortunately had a back up camera, my Canon 60D, to use, but I really missed my 6D. To get the full effect of my Lensbaby lenses I need a full frame camera. After considering an upgrade to the newer version of the 6D, I ended up purchasing the same model that I had and saved about $800. That helped ease the pain a bit.

The new camera came and I had the same experience I had when I got my original Canon 6D. I loved the sound of the shutter when I clicked a photo, the rich colors, and of course the images. After taking it out this weekend, I realized that I hadn't set up the menu totally and ended up taking my photos in Jpeg mode. I always shoot raw, so that was a surprise. The images were fine, but I realized when processing them that I had less data to play with. When I got home I took time to go through the entire setup to ensure that things were correct.

So what to do to prevent this from happening again? Deep in my cupboard I found some rain sleeves that I will now carry with me when it is raining outside. Although you can spend a lot for a sleeve, these are very affordable. You can also carry a large plastic bag to provide protection. Whenever possible you can gain some relief by shooting under a tree or awning. Since it rains a lot here in the Pacific Northwest, I need to be creative and prepared.

All and all, it was a good, but painful reminder of the importance of protecting my gear from the elements. Since this has been one of the wettest April months in our history, I am hopeful that May will bring better, drier weather.