A7IV hot shoe

[wonilsuh]

Does it need a cover? And if so does it have to be a water proof cover? My unit came without a cover, so i’m guessing it’s okay but wanted to make sure.

 

[aSevenArr]

Does it need a cover? And if so does it have to be a water proof cover? My unit came without a cover, so i’m guessing it’s okay but wanted to make sure.

A return? They all have covers brand new.

Yes... it is best to keep it covered.

 

[Wordsmith9091]

It's definitely unusual that it came without a cover. They always come with one (including my two A7IVs). It could just be a slip up at the factory, but you might want to consider exchanging it just to feel more secure you didn't get someone else's returned camera.

And it is best to have that covered, especially in the rain or other harsh elements. I don't know if water would otherwise seep into the camera and do more permanent damage, but I wouldn't want to get the electrical contacts on the shoe itself wet. At minimum, it could interfere with properly using a flash or other device on the shoe until it dries.

 

[aSevenArr]

Does it need a cover? And if so does it have to be a water proof cover? My unit came without a cover, so i’m guessing it’s okay but wanted to make sure.

You can easily get a replacement:

https://www.amazon.com/Protector-A7RIII-RX1RII-Digital-FA-SHC1M/dp/B07CSNLZJQ

The real question is why it was missing.

Oh ... and yes get it covered soon.

 

[AlephNull]

Does it need a cover? And if so does it have to be a water proof cover? My unit came without a cover, so i’m guessing it’s okay but wanted to make sure.

There are a bunch of contacts at the front of the shoe that are used by various things that go in the hot shoe - microphones, smart flash triggers, that kind of thing. The cover protects those.

As others have said, maybe you got a returned camera, rather than a new one. Did you notice what the number of the first shot was?

 

[Despiser]

Does it need a cover? And if so does it have to be a water proof cover? My unit came without a cover, so i’m guessing it’s okay but wanted to make sure.

Yes it does. If you are out in rain or snow it will get on the contacts and cause your camera to shut down. I don't believe it will cause permanent damage but I wouldn't want to put it to test.

 

[MikeInOr]

I would not carry my A7RIV without a hotshoe cover. Too easy for debris to get in the contacts causing flash issues at a later date. I lost my cover and ordered a 5 pack of covers so I will have spares. I think I paid like $15 for the 5 pack.