At 00:04 2/1/02, Tom Trottier wrote:
Some solutions:
[excellent suggestions snipped out]
In addition:
Allow more time for working slowly: I use a tripod for making
night photographs and using the shift lens, and have not let very cold
Winter weather deter me. Metal tripods *will* suck the warmth out of hands
quickly, even when heavily gloved and I've had to allow time for them to
warm up again. I've suffered mild frostbite on several occasions in the
past (in the military). As a result my hands in particular have been
"sensitized" requiring care to warm them periodically.
Prepare as much beforehand before stepping out into the cold: Put
QR plates and chosen lens onto the camera body (if you know what lens will
be used). Working small hardware, changing lenses and loading film is a
real PITA in sub-freezing weather.
Consider using "mechanical" cameras for working long time
periods: Electronic shutters have a bad habit of quitting after the cells
that power them get too cold (been there; done that). They recover when
warmed back to "room temperature" and there are alternatives using cells
kept in an inner pocket with wires running to the camera body. I've found
the "remote cell" solution cumbersome as the camera body is "tied" to mine
with the risk of ripping the wires out, especially when the camera is on
the tripod and I'm moving around adjusting things. A mechanical camera
(OM-1n or OM-3[ti]) avoids this.
Buy a "soft touch" shutter button which screws into the release
and is
bigger and easier to find.
Be careful when using one of these. Same applies to anything that screws
into the shutter release: cable releases and mechanical self-timers
included. John H. will verify that misuse or abuse can damage an OM's
shutter release.
In addition to some other suggestions I also have some thin nomex/leather
aviation gloves occasionally used as "liners" inside heavier ones. They
keep my hands warmer longer when the heavy gloves are removed
temporarily. I can feel camera controls through them. The U.S. version of
these are a gray or gray/green color and can likely be found in military
surplus stores.
Dress Warmly. It is possible to be comfortable in even the most severe
conditions. If you aren't physically comfortable your photographic talents
are likely to suffer.
How true this is. Moisture is the enemy. The first principle in staying
warm is keeping dry. If clothing is damp, even slightly, no quantity of it
will keep a person warm.
-- John
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