osloalso

[osloalso]

I think that I have a humidity problem.
I have a Minolta Vectis 300 APS Camera

The camera does everything that I want except that on sailing trips to the Carribbean,
the camera ceases to function. This happens after a few days. I make sure that the camera
does not get wet. Once back the UK the problem goes away and the camera returns to normal.
Although conditions are within the stated operating parameters I am guessing that the problem is due to humidity.

Has anyone else had such a problem with an APS camera?
Is there a solution?

[Clemmie]

Humidity is a fair diagnosis - and I'm hearing more and more reports like this all the time, as the circuitry keeps getting finer and finer. This is not unique to Minolta or to APS cameras, either, as I'm seeing it happen with virtually all makes and types.

One common thread I see in a lot of reports, is that the problem usually occurs after an Airline flight. My theory on this, is that the high-altitude travel exacerbates the condensation of moisture already present in the camera. Once that has it started, the humid climate adds to the problem - and sufficient drying doesn't occur until the camera has a chance to 'breathe drier air', as in after your return to a lower humidity climate.

Even in a pressurized cabin - which is often pressurized equivalent to 8,000 feet altitude - the thinner air encourages condensation. If the camera is riding with regular baggage, in the unheated and unpressurized cargo hold, the problem is far worse - with it being subjected to the full effects of thin air at higher altitudes, as well as cold temperature extremes.

Ever notice how your checked baggage feels cold when you retrieve it? 60 below zero is not uncommon in an airliner cargo hold. The extreme temperature shifts, in going from normal to that cold extreme and back to normal - all within a few hours - are a major trigger for condensation.

My advice:
1. ALWAYS take the photo gear as Carry On baggage, to greatly reduce problems related to the temperature shifting.
2. Keep some Dessiccant packs in the camera case, to help absorb the humidity that does reach it during storage.
3. Consider possibly investing in a sealed hard case - such as those made by Pelican or Zero Halliburton. Quite pricey in their own right, but worth it in extreme cases. Keeping your gear stored in a 'sealed environment' provides the ultimate humidity control.

[osloalso]

Clemmie - Many thanks for your thoughts - I will practice what you preach!
I am from Buckinghamshire in England.
Strangely enough, the first time I had a problem with my camera was in Chesapeake Bay on my way to N.Carolina. We laid up at the Atlantic Yacht Basin on the Itra-coastal waterway.
January I will be sailing from Grenada to the US Virgin Islands - lets hope I get some good photographs!
Many Thanks Once Again
Stuart Ottley

Humidity is a fair diagnosis - and I'm hearing more and more reports like this all the time, as the circuitry keeps getting finer and finer. This is not unique to Minolta or to APS cameras, either, as I'm seeing it happen with virtually all makes and types.

One common thread I see in a lot of reports, is that the problem usually occurs after an Airline flight. My theory on this, is that the high-altitude travel exacerbates the condensation of moisture already present in the camera. Once that has it started, the humid climate adds to the problem - and sufficient drying doesn't occur until the camera has a chance to 'breathe drier air', as in after your return to a lower humidity climate.

Even in a pressurized cabin - which is often pressurized equivalent to 8,000 feet altitude - the thinner air encourages condensation. If the camera is riding with regular baggage, in the unheated and unpressurized cargo hold, the problem is far worse - with it being subjected to the full effects of thin air at higher altitudes, as well as cold temperature extremes.

Ever notice how your checked baggage feels cold when you retrieve it? 60 below zero is not uncommon in an airliner cargo hold. The extreme temperature shifts, in going from normal to that cold extreme and back to normal - all within a few hours - are a major trigger for condensation.

My advice:
1. ALWAYS take the photo gear as Carry On baggage, to greatly reduce problems related to the temperature shifting.
2. Keep some Dessiccant packs in the camera case, to help absorb the humidity that does reach it during storage.
3. Consider possibly investing in a sealed hard case - such as those made by Pelican or Zero Halliburton. Quite pricey in their own right, but worth it in extreme cases. Keeping your gear stored in a 'sealed environment' provides the ultimate humidity control.