Rain dramatically changes the appearance and atmosphere of a place. Curbs become wet and reflective. Human presence diminishes, even vanish sometimes. Light becomes soft and attenuated. The mood becomes definitely darker and melancholic. I like to go out with my GR III when it’s raining although it isn’t weather sealed. Read on to learn how I’m protecting it from the elements.
A rainproof pouch to carry the GR III safely
The first thing to take care of, for shooting in the rain, is the protection of the camera while it’s not being used. To this end, I carry my GR III inside a rainproof pouch. Even when it’s pouring down, my lil’ GR is well protected. You can read more in my previous blog post: Don’t Put It in Your Pocket! Why You Should Get a Rainproof Pouch for Your Ricoh GR III. Sure you can put it inside a pocket instead, but make sure it’s impermeable.
An umbrella
One of the main advantages of the GR III is its small body. It can be used with a single hand. I use the other—free—hand to carry an umbrella. It protects my camera from most of the rain except a few drops that still find their way. It works quite well, but keep in mind that you won’t be able to use an umbrella if there’s strong wind. In this case, see the alternative at the end of this blog post.
GA-1/GA-2 adapter + filter for additional protection
Using an umbrella is good but it isn’t enough. I use a GA-1 adapter with a 49mm filter mounted on it for additional protection. It’s the same setup that I use for dust protection: How I’m Protecting My Ricoh GR III Against Dust. For the GR IIIx, you can use the GA-2 adapter. All that will make the GR III less pocketable but it gives me more peace of mind to use it in the rain. Important note: this doesn’t make your GR III/IIIx weather-sealed.
Plastic rain sleeves on the GR III
In addition to the GA-1/GA-2 adapter + filter solution, you may also use one of these plastic rain sleeves made specifically for cameras. (Optech Rainsleeve Small for example.) They’ll offer an added protection against the rain and they’re really cheap. But they’ll cover the screen and the GR III doesn’t have a viewfinder. I haven’t tried one yet, so not sure if it’s usable with our little camera.
An alternative: go out after the rain
There’s an alternative that will help you avoid getting a cold shower and exposing your camera to the elements. Go out after the rain! The streets will still be wet and will offer you beautiful after the rain kind of views. Human activity should still be diminished. And the atmosphere should be a touch less dark.
Beware: you can damage your camera
I want you to keep in mind that you can damage your GR III/GR IIIx if it takes a shower! So if you plan on going out to capture your place in the rain, protect your camera as much as you can. Take a microfiber cloth with you to wipe any drops that may find their way to the camera. Once you’ll return home, put it in a dry place, in case the ambient moisture may have found its way inside. Better be safe than sorry.
