Cold weather Hack?

[Trent Watts]

When it is well below freezing the common advice seems to be to put your camera in a plastic bag prior to bringing it into a warm house.
I have been doing this (well..most of the time I remember) for years. Yesterday I purchased something with those moisture absorbent gel crystals.
I put them in the bag along with the camera and then brought inside.
I'm wondering if others have heard of this or if it will be of any use.
Thoughts??

 

[AlanLichty]

Let us know how well it works!

 

[Jeffrey]

I'm not sure what it is that you're trying to prevent.

 

[Trent Watts]

I'm not sure what it is that you're trying to prevent.

Hi Jeffery.. As I understand it, when the camera comes in from the cold the moisture in the atmosphere condenses and causes water droplets inside the camera that apparently can cause damage. Much like when you come in from outside in the cold your glasses will fog up. Putting your camera in a plastic bag will prevent the moisture from condensing inside the camera. I live in an area where this can be an issue for 4 or more months a year. Thanks for your interest.

 

[Jeffrey]

I kinda thought that was it, Trent. I would agree to a point. If you don't remove the lens or open any ports or doors, I think you'll be fine even if a tiny bit of moisture condenses on the exterior. I don't believe any atmospheric moisture can enter the inner chamber.

 

[JimFox]

Hey Trent,

That is something I had actually looked into a year or two ago. My problem was finding the Silica packs. I tried on Amazon, and at least at the time, there was only a couple available and they were really expensive.

Are you still putting the camera in a plastic bag and then putting the silica in the bag too?

 

[Beth]

i've used them for years, but not for cold weather. we have a lot of humidity here, and occasionally i end up shooting in light rain. i bought the tins full of reuseable gel beads. they turn green when they need to be reset in the oven.

https://www.amazon.com/Indicating-D...931175&sprefix=silican+des,aps,88&sr=8-9&th=1

 

[JimFox]

i've used them for years, but not for cold weather. we have a lot of humidity here, and occasionally i end up shooting in light rain. i bought the tins full of reuseable gel beads. they turn green when they need to be reset in the oven.

https://www.amazon.com/Indicating-Dehumidifier-Desiccant-Reusable-Canisters/dp/B08NCZRHV2/ref=sr_1_9?crid=16NV1I486EDQU&keywords=silica+desiccant&qid=1673931175&sprefix=silican+des,aps,88&sr=8-9&th=1

Thanks for the link! I had looked before but could never find them. I am going to order some now.

 

[BlackRockArt]

i've used them for years, but not for cold weather. we have a lot of humidity here, and occasionally i end up shooting in light rain. i bought the tins full of reuseable gel beads. they turn green when they need to be reset in the oven.

https://www.amazon.com/Indicating-Dehumidifier-Desiccant-Reusable-Canisters/dp/B08NCZRHV2/ref=sr_1_9?crid=16NV1I486EDQU&keywords=silica+desiccant&qid=1673931175&sprefix=silican+des,aps,88&sr=8-9&th=1

Pepper, thanks

Oliver