Southern Snowpocalypse with the Fuji X-E2
As you have no doubt seen by now, North Carolina is muddling through a winter storm that is dropping snow, sleet, and freezing rain on us, and bringing everything to a complete standstill. Whether you think it’s the apocalypse or laughable, it is rare weather here and presents the opportunity to (finally) photograph in some snow.
The weathersealed Fuji X-T1 is not yet available, and even when it is, it is probably NOT a camera I’ll be picking up right away, if at all. It is a great looking camera, to be sure, but part of the move to a Fuji system for me was to stop chasing the technology rabbit down the rabbit hole. In the Fuji X-E1 and X-E2, I have two very capable cameras in a form factor that I really like.
Because the X-E2 doesn’t have any weather-sealing, and because it has openings on the top of the camera that look like possible channels for water ingress, folks are understandably nervous about taking their relatively expensive Fujis out in rain and snow. I have always been very much of the opinion that cameras are tools meant to be used, and that they are more robust than we give them credit for. As long as you don’t foolishly expose your camera to the elements, it should do just fine.
I have had both the X-E1 and X-E2 out in fairly steady rain, and now have had the X-E2 out in wet snow and drizzle. Aside from buttons getting a bit sticky and the dials/aperture ring getting a bit stiff, I experienced no issues. I did, of course, try to keep the camera as dry as possible, and made sure to put it into a closed camera bag when moving from the cold outside to the warmth of my house. Because of the drizzle and the snow, I used the hood on the Fujinon 35 f/1.4, which also handled the elements with aplomb.
Now, I’m not saying that the Fujis can handle anything, and I’m not encouraging you to go out with your expensive electronics and brazenly blast away. What I am saying, though, is that these cameras won’t fry at the first hint of moisture, and that you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to photograph just because you’re afraid to take your camera out. If you’re really nervous, you can always use one of the various rain covers that are on the market, or even just a plastic bag, but I believe those “solutions” can lead to water pooling on the camera and I worry that they can cause a false sense of security.
I’d rather take reasonable precautions and carry a towel!
Wherever you are, in whatever weather, happy shooting! If you are here, stuck in the midst of the Southern Snowpocalypse, hope you are warm and snug in your home, or out having fun in the snow, rather than stuck somewhere.
