Weather Sealing on body but not lens

Andy Into The Wild

Andy Into The Wild

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Probably a stupid question...my bodies (Olympus E-M1 and E-M5ii) have weather sealed bodies, but my zooms do not (Panasonic 14-42 and 35-100). If I use this kit in less than ideal weather, obviously the lens is at risk, but is the body as well? I presume because there won't be a proper weather seal around the lens mount.

I was planning on running the 2 panasonic zooms into the ground then replacing them with the pro versions, but don't want to risk the bodies.

Thanks
 
From a Canon perspective, the lens weather seals include an O-ring that seals the camera mount so your theory would be correct.....it's both or none.
 
Always best to be safe rather than sorry. If you're out shooting in the rain, try keep the lens at least covered until actually taking a shot, face the camera downward, keep it under your jacket or whatever. After taking your shots, have a dry cloth ready to wipe down the lens, especially around the mounts. A lot of weather sealed lenses merely have a rubber gasket around the mount which forms a seal to prevent moisture or dust getting in. In light showers you should be ok doing this, but in heavy downpour .. well, you'll probably be more concerned getting yourself covered
 
LojikDub said:
Probably a stupid question...my bodies (Olympus E-M1 and E-M5ii) have weather sealed bodies, but my zooms do not (Panasonic 14-42 and 35-100). If I use this kit in less than ideal weather, obviously the lens is at risk, but is the body as well? I presume because there won't be a proper weather seal around the lens mount.

I was planning on running the 2 panasonic zooms into the ground then replacing them with the pro versions, but don't want to risk the bodies.

Thanks
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Yes body and lens would be at risk because weather sealing is implemented by a rubber ring on the m4/3 lens mount surface (on the side of the lens). If that rubber ring isn't there (lens not weathersealed), water could get in the gap between lens and mount and could then get into both the camera and the lens.

Having said that I have used non-weathersealed m4/3 lenses in light rain and have had no ill effects on camera or body. Probably best not to do this in a proper downpour though.
 
gramps said:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Op-Tech-Rainsleeve-Twin-Pack/dp/B000PTFDYO
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Looks very interesting, will check this out in more detail!

maarten.dhaese said:
Yes body and lens would be at risk because weather sealing is implemented by a rubber ring on the m4/3 lens mount surface (on the side of the lens). If that rubber ring isn't there (lens not weathersealed), water could get in the gap between lens and mount and could then get into both the camera and the lens.

Having said that I have used non-weathersealed m4/3 lenses in light rain and have had no ill effects on camera or body. Probably best not to do this in a proper downpour though.
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Yea I've used mine a few times in speckles of rain and it's been fine, but eventually my luck will run out :)
 
Unless it was a waterproof camera I wouldn't trust any weather sealing, it only takes one of the seals not to fit quite right and water can get in, and if it does then your warranty won't cover any damage. I always work on the assumption 'weather sealing' is a bit like one of those 'showerproof' coats or fleeces, by the time you realise the 'shower' has been too heavy for it it's too late and you're wearing wet clothes! So I keep my cameras and lenses dry and well protected, and if I wanted to use my camera kit outdoors in all weathers then I'd get a high quality rain jacket for it, but even then I'd still be running the risk of damp and condensation, so I wouldn't push my luck and use it in heavy rain. Pro use and kit is a different matter, they're getting paid to know how to cope with the conditions and should have factored in the cost of getting their kit repaired or replaced if it does fail, and be signed up to a pro express repair service too.
 
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