P3D Re: Realists taking a beating...

["David W. Kesner" <drdave@xxxxxxxxxx>]

In p3d 3607 John Toeppen asks:

> But I wonder how many owners of more expensive
> cameras will jump from wet rock to wet rock or use small fallen trees as
> bridges.

I guess I qualify - I take my RBT X3 caving. I don't think that you can 
get in a more abusive situation than this. I am talking about 
rappelling part way down a 150 foot pit and stopping to photograph 
another caver. I am talking about dragging your gear hundreds of 
feet through 12 inch tall crawlways. I am talking about sloshing 
through streams and swimming lakes. I am talking about slithering 
through mud. You get the picture. And I am not the only one doing 
this. I have seen the results from many other stereo cave 
photographers that go through the same thing.

It is all a matter of proper protection for your gear. Just as you 
wouldn't go out in the rain without a raincoat, or go skiing without a 
warm parka you just need to do the same for your gear. There are 
several manufacturers of waterproof and shockproof boxes that will 
protect your gear.

You just need to be aware of your surroundings and stable before 
you drag the equipment out and make the shot. As you said:

> If I take a cold swim my camera does too, it's attached.

My body and life are much more important than the equipment, so I 
am going to be sure and not fall down that 150 foot pit or fall in that 
32.5 degree raging river *{;-)

That's all for now,

David W. Kesner
Boise, Idaho, USA
drdave@xxxxxxxxxx