UZI in the cold?

[Dave Zz]

After looking at Bob's very nice picture of the steamy creek, a question came to mind. I am going back home to Western Pa for Christmas and New Years, and wondered what effects cold weather would have on the UZI? I know quite a few people in the forum live up North, so I wondered if there was a point at which they don't take the camera's outside? I think Bob said it was minus 5 degrees when he shot that picture, but I'm thinking the manual for the UZI listed 32 degrees as the cold end for use. I'm at work, so I don't have the manual. I also live in Florida now, so I haven't had to think about using the camera in the cold!!

Does anybody "up there" have any experience or tips to share????

Thanks,
Dave Z

 

[Juli Valley]

From what I've heard, the big problem is your batteries don't last long.

 

[robertve]

normal operating temperature is 32*f to 104*f

but i did have a small problem about lens fog up

i was in a camo blind for birds and the inner lens foged up , no big deal it only happend once but it did scare me

inside the tent blind was say 45* deg. outside was 40* deg

with the uzi lens sticking out most of the time and maybe the heat off the camera didnt help much

http://www.pbase.com/ke4joo

 

[James C. Whiteside III]

I have shot numerous times in VERY COLD weather. I have found the camera seems to work better if you let it get use to the temperture a little and then start shooting. Were if you try to keep it warm and then shoot, the lens and camera body often gets fogged or wet.

The best thing I can say is to keep extra batterys and keep them in your pocket or in a warm place. That way when you replace them, they will have better results.

Again the worst thing to do it to keep taking it from cold to hot. The fast temperture changes cause things to get wet, which may lead to corrosion to electrical parts.

Last week I shot over a hundred shots in temps from 10°-30°F and never had a problem. I have actually found that a set of batterys may show dead, but if you put them in your pocket and let them warm up, them will actually have many shots left.

Olympus C-2100
Canon TL-55(1.4X), A-200, C-180, C-210,
& Adorama 2X Teleconverter (Junk)

Dreaming about a TCON-300

 

[Dave Zz]

Thanks everyone - that's what I was hoping for - some hands-on experience using it in cold conditions. Letting the camera adjust to the cold sounds like good advice - much the same as the heat and humidity here in Florida! I have an extra set of batteries, which I'll keep in my pocket - good tip, thanks!

Dave Z

 

[olyboy]

I will agree nice tip as long you have pockets !! lol

Thanks everyone - that's what I was hoping for - some hands-on
experience using it in cold conditions. Letting the camera adjust
to the cold sounds like good advice - much the same as the heat and
humidity here in Florida! I have an extra set of batteries, which
I'll keep in my pocket - good tip, thanks!

Dave Z

--



Olympus..C2100UZ since 28/1/02 A-200 tele, Oly P-400 ..
HP970Cxi=ZIO_USB..Sanyo1600_Manfrotto 190DB+141RC
My mini gallery http://www.sigma-sa.com/kt/pelion/index.htm

 

[Dave Zz]

Oly - when I put on all the layers of cloths needed to keep me somewhat warm, I will have more pockets then anything else!!!!

I must admit, I'm looking forward to playing in, and taking pictures of, the snow - I know, I know, I'm nuts!

Dave Z

Thanks everyone - that's what I was hoping for - some hands-on
experience using it in cold conditions. Letting the camera adjust
to the cold sounds like good advice - much the same as the heat and
humidity here in Florida! I have an extra set of batteries, which
I'll keep in my pocket - good tip, thanks!

Dave Z

--



Olympus..C2100UZ since 28/1/02 A-200 tele, Oly P-400 ..
HP970Cxi=ZIO_USB..Sanyo1600_Manfrotto 190DB+141RC
My mini gallery http://www.sigma-sa.com/kt/pelion/index.htm

 

[Barry78908]

Take a large zip-lock bag out with you when you use the camera in the cold. Then before going in where it is warm, put the camera in the bag and seal it. That should keep the warm indoor air from condensing moisture on the camera. Leave the camera in the bag until it has a chance to reach room temperature.

 

[olyboy]

I guess that you had get all ready one UV filter for lens protection .. Right !! The games in the snow is a fine task , but the UZI baby needs always some one to look after it .. take care .

I must admit, I'm looking forward to playing in, and taking
pictures of, the snow - I know, I know, I'm nuts!

Dave Z

Thanks everyone - that's what I was hoping for - some hands-on
experience using it in cold conditions. Letting the camera adjust
to the cold sounds like good advice - much the same as the heat and
humidity here in Florida! I have an extra set of batteries, which
I'll keep in my pocket - good tip, thanks!

Dave Z

--



Olympus..C2100UZ since 28/1/02 A-200 tele, Oly P-400 ..
HP970Cxi=ZIO_USB..Sanyo1600_Manfrotto 190DB+141RC
My mini gallery http://www.sigma-sa.com/kt/pelion/index.htm

--



Olympus..C2100UZ since 28/1/02 A-200 tele, Oly P-400 ..
HP970Cxi ZIO_USB Sanyo1600 Manfrotto 190DB+141RC
My mini gallery http://www.sigma-sa.com/kt/pelion/index.htm

 

[Les Switzer]

I live here in NW Pa and have no problem Look at it this way if you have hot pixels on long exposures after your camera has been used a while,no problem here! it was 7 when I went to work at 6:00 am this morning! Bring Lots of clothes. I Usually go to Tahoe to meet my brother's and sister's so I don't get out of it!
Les

After looking at Bob's very nice picture of the steamy creek, a
question came to mind. I am going back home to Western Pa for
Christmas and New Years, and wondered what effects cold weather
would have on the UZI? I know quite a few people in the forum live
up North, so I wondered if there was a point at which they don't
take the camera's outside? I think Bob said it was minus 5 degrees
when he shot that picture, but I'm thinking the manual for the UZI
listed 32 degrees as the cold end for use. I'm at work, so I don't
have the manual. I also live in Florida now, so I haven't had to
think about using the camera in the cold!!

Does anybody "up there" have any experience or tips to share????

Thanks,
Dave Z

--
C,-3ooo, C-,21oo,B3oo

 

[Mofongo]

Dave,
I'm glad you enjoyed my photo yesterday...

Although this photo was taken with my C3000 I've had no problems with my Uzi in extreme cold either...I just keep the camera under my jacket when not shooting and try to keep spare batteries in my pocket warmed by body heat...some people even use those portable hand warmers hunters use to keep their spare batteries warm...

One important thing is to put the camera in a plastic zip lock bag before you bring it in from the cold so condensation forms on the outside of the bag instead of inside the camera...keep it in the bag untill the camera adjusts to room temperature...

Good luck and have fun in the snow!

Bob

 

[Dave Zz]

Thanks to all for the great tips and advice! Sorry for the delay - I just got back on from work.

Lee - I'm not familier with Knox, Pa - I'm from, and heading to, Edinboro, Pa. I thought I knew all the small towns up there!!! Actually, that will be the second stop, the first being a week with my wife's family in Johnstown, Pa - where I can't wait to take several shots form the Incline Plane - PANO!!!!!

Again, thanks all for sharing your first-hand experiences and tips! Hmmmm, now where did I put that handwarmer I used to use??????

Dave Z

 

[James C. Whiteside III]

One important thing is to put the camera in a plastic zip lock bag
before you bring it in from the cold so condensation forms on the
outside of the bag instead of inside the camera...keep it in the
bag untill the camera adjusts to room temperature...

I have actually found this to be opposite for me. I do not really get any condinstation on my camera or equipment if its warm and goes to cold. When I use a bag is when I have been outside were the camera gets cold. I bag the camera when its cold and then put it in my camera bag and take it inside or in my explorer. I have found if I dont, my camera acts like a cup of ice water and gets soaking wet.

I also do alot of photography on the river from my kayak. But I have tried in the past to put my camera in Ziplock bags and then put them in the boat. Everything works great, but as it always does the temp in the kayak is warmer than the air. Which makes a big mess, because it will make condinsation INSIDE THE BAG which is really bad news. I have not done this to my 2100 or 700, but I had a old digi cam that I though was lost, due to the large amount of moisture in the bag. So just be careful. You may want to experiment with a cold can first instead of you pride an joy.
--
Olympus C-2100
Canon TL-55(1.4X), A-200, C-180, C-210,
& Adorama 2X Teleconverter (Junk)

Dreaming about a TCON-300

 

[2b]

One important thing is to put the camera in a plastic zip lock bag
before you bring it in from the cold so condensation forms on the
outside of the bag instead of inside the camera...keep it in the
bag untill the camera adjusts to room temperature...

I have actually found this to be opposite for me. I do not really
get any condinstation on my camera or equipment if its warm and
goes to cold. When I use a bag is when I have been outside were the
camera gets cold. I bag the camera when its cold and then put it in
my camera bag and take it inside or in my explorer. I have found if
I dont, my camera acts like a cup of ice water and gets soaking wet.

I think you're talking about the same thing here; the opposite of opposite.

2b

 

[Dave Zz]

James - thanks for the insights! Yes, I was planning on using the "bag trick" when going from cold to inside warm. One thing I'm curious about, though, is why there is a significant amount of condensation - if memory serves me right, houses in the winter time are usually quite dry, especially if there is a wood stove around! I used to have fun shuffling my feet on the carpet, and zapping someone with a static shock!! I guess it must be the temperature difference???

The point about the kayak is well taken - typically our journey home is in the summer, and I always take a day with the guys for kayaking on the river. It's not out of the question, if the weather cooperates, we will do that this trip! I'll bet you get some very nice/unigue shots from the kayak!!

Thanks again,

Dave Z

 

[James C. Whiteside III]

Your right, most houses are the dryer in the winter time. But your camera is acting like a cup of ice water setting on your dinning room table. Ice water is at about 33°-35° and your house is problay around 70°. When you to meet condinsation is going to form due to the drastice temperture change. The only differance in the camera is that the camera can be destroyed by the condinsation and the cup will not.

I truly fill that a little condinsation will never hurt as long as it is able to dry out. Though I try to avoid it at all means and would never recommend just letting it go will out being wipped down.

I have also found that if I stick some old newspaper shreadings in the back it allows me to open the bag before its ready and just let everything stay in to bag while its open for a few mins. This will increase the waiting time greatly.
--
Olympus C-2100
Canon TL-55(1.4X), A-200, C-180, C-210,
& Adorama 2X Teleconverter (Junk)

Dreaming about a TCON-300

 

[davidadner]

So if I understand correctly... before I bring it in from the cold, I should put it in a closed zip-lock bag. Once it's inside, I should wait till the camera re-adjusts to the inside temp.

I have my apt humidified because I have really dry eyes. I'm guessing my apt is much more humidified than the average home in the winter (where I am). I'm worried about damaging my camera.

Your right, most houses are the dryer in the winter time. But your
camera is acting like a cup of ice water setting on your dinning
room table. Ice water is at about 33°-35° and your house is problay
around 70°. When you to meet condinsation is going to form due to
the drastice temperture change. The only differance in the camera
is that the camera can be destroyed by the condinsation and the cup
will not.

I truly fill that a little condinsation will never hurt as long as
it is able to dry out. Though I try to avoid it at all means and
would never recommend just letting it go will out being wipped down.

I have also found that if I stick some old newspaper shreadings in
the back it allows me to open the bag before its ready and just let
everything stay in to bag while its open for a few mins. This will
increase the waiting time greatly.
--
Olympus C-2100
Canon TL-55(1.4X), A-200, C-180, C-210,
& Adorama 2X Teleconverter (Junk)

Dreaming about a TCON-300

--

http://www.pbase.com/nimbus (supporter)
Olympus C700UZ, B-Macro, TCON14, C-180

 

[James C. Whiteside III]

You should be OK. If its close in temperature you will not see any condisation. Its when the camera is 30° and the house is 70°, is when you have problems.

--
Olympus C-2100
Canon TL-55(1.4X), A-200, C-180, C-210,
& Adorama 2X Teleconverter (Junk)

Dreaming about a TCON-300

--

http://www.pbase.com/nimbus (supporter)
Olympus C700UZ, B-Macro, TCON14, C-180

--
Olympus C-2100
Canon TL-55(1.4X), A-200, C-180, C-210,
& Adorama 2X Teleconverter (Junk)

Dreaming about a TCON-300

 

[Jim T]

Sounds like the issues I deal with my clients. Yes the air in a heated home feels dry in the winter, the relative humidity is lower than we're used to in the summer, 30 to 40% Relative Humidity in the winter under sub-zero C outside temperatures. On the other hand the relative humidity is very high outside during the winter, 70 to 100% RH. RH confuses people because is actually not just a measure of humidity it's a measure of the moisture in the air at a given temperature. What's really important as far as condensation goes is the dew point temperature. To put it simply that's the temperature where moisture in the air will start to condense on a surface uder a given air Temp and RH.

So when you bring a camera inside from the cold like your glasses, condensation can ocurr on the outside of the camera body if it's not protected from the higher moisture content air. The condensation on the outside of the body is a pain but not really that bad if you just let it dry or expose the camera to moving air to both warm the body and evaporate the moisture, just like your defrost setting on your car windshield. The reverse situation can be even worse, bring a camera from a warm high humidity environment to a cooler space and the moist air within the camera body and lense can condense inside. There electronics is exposed to a really bad thing. This can happen in the winter cold, but just as likely in a tropical climate where you shoot outside all day the air in the camera body equalizes with the air around you and you walk into an air conditioned building. The outside glass and metal of the camera can cool quickly below the dew point of the air inside the camera and there's water inside the camera. There's also not a lot of circulation in a camera so the moisture can stick around and cause damage.

I tend to keep my camera in a padded and weather protected camera bag for a period of time before bringing it out. I also keep those "do not eat" gel packs from packaging in the camera bag to help dry out the air.

--
C3O3Oz, C21OOuz, B28, A200, EagleEye 5x, D34OL, HP 97Oc, Extend-a-view ......
http://www.jamesthompsonconsultingengineer.com