Re: [Paddlewise] Waterproof cameras

I too use a Nikonos III.  I keep it at hand in my sea kayak with the 80mm lens
mounted and set at the hyperfocal distance for the general conditions using
the Sunny 16 rule.  I carry the 35mm lens in my deck bag in case I need it.
 These are the only two Nikonos lenses that can be used above the waterline.


For the uninitiated, the Sunny 16 rule means I determine the proper f/stop and
shutter speed by setting the shutter to the closest speed equal to the inverse
of the film speed (i.e. set the shutter for 1/250th when using 200 ISO film,
125th for 100 ISO, etc.) and the f/stop to 16 on a bright sunny day.  Adjust
the f/stop for cloudier conditions by opening it appropriately.  Before the
days of automatic cameras this info was printed inside every box of film, in
some cases it still is, otherwise you'll learn by experience and the exposure
latitude of most print films will keep you from blowing too many shots.  The
hyperfocal distance is set by adjusting the focus so that the far end of the
depth of field range for the f/stop being used is set on infinity.  This gives
you an in-focus range much larger than setting the focus directy at infinity.


A few years ago I bought a Minolta Vectis GX-1 waterproof APS camera, which
I was not overy impressed with (either the APS format or the camera itself),
but is indeed waterproof.

I also have an EWA-Marine soft waterproof housing that I can put a normal SLR
into with a lens out to about 100mm mounted.  It works, but is a bit clumsy
in use.  In spray conditions I have a Gore-Tex sleeve into which a camera can
be put to keep it safe.  Good for misty/rainy conditions, but not for general
kayaing use.

Benno Jones


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