Camera for Mountain Climbing

[FrankB]

Many thanks for all the input, I'll be looking into quite a few of them!

Please keep them coming!

All the best,

Frank

[bobfowler]

I'd take one of the Nikon FM series cameras or an Olympus OM-2 and a 24mm, but then again, you wouldn't catch me hanging from ropes on the side of a mountain...

[Mark Schumann]

Here is a 2nd vote for the Rollei 35. Where light weight, mechanical reliability, and battery independency are important, the Rollei 35 can't be beat. When I used to do backcountry skiing (solo) where weight is definitely an issue just to keep your balance. I would choose my Rollei 35. I have used mine in temperatures as low as -40 degrees C. This also equals -40 degrees F. Do the math conversion if you don't believe me. Jet fuel must not freeze before -40 that's how I know.

[Jeffrey A. Steinberg]

-40 is the only place were degrees C = degress F

[Helen B]

'I have used mine in temperatures as low as -40 degrees C.'

As far as I know I've only ever used mine down to about -34°C -ish, but I've been thinking about the number of pictures I've taken that couldn't have been taken with a bulky camera, or a camera that needed more than one hand for removal from its pouch, exposure setting, picture taking and returning to its pouch. And, in many situations, every ounce does count.

Best,
Helen

Here and here are two more Rollei 35 snaps.

[titrisol]

Just remember to put some electrician tape around the viewfinder... you don;t want that freezing metal to stick to your eye

[Stan. L-B]

I too would go for a Snap type camera. But, no batteries, semi-waterproof, that can be operated with one hand, from the chest position, without focussing or need to use the viewfinder or even to alter the aperture or speed. With the usual - very good
constant light, UV filter attached and wide latitude film - success is almost assured!

[argus]

As I am a (mountain) climber myself, I can reply with some knowledge:

I take my Minolta Dynax 505si (Maxxum in the USA) along in my backpack. It is very light and also the 100-300 weights nothing.
Be sure to have a fresh battery loaded.
A polarizing filter is good to have up there.

As for film, I always shoot Fuji color slides @ 100asa, but also carry some 50asa (forgot about the brand) in case the weather is perfect: blue sky, sun reflecting on the snow...

[modafoto]

Just remember anything totally dependent on batteries may well turn belly up in the cold temperatures. If the point and shoot only needs the batteries for flash you would be guaranteed results.

Totally agree.

Consider the following (I use these):

• Rollei 35 (as Helen says)
• Olympus Trip
• Kodak Retinette IB (sturdy and works in low temp)

Morten

[John L]

So, what is he taking / did he take on his climb?