Leaving Camera Gear in Hot Car - problem ?

[ExPat2B]

I going to on a training course this week and hopefully will get the opportunity to do some shooting.

I plan to leave my gear in the car whilst training ( the carpark is secure )

How much of a problem could this be ? I have seen reports that I could end up with a sticky aperture due to lubrication melting and fouling the aperture blade.

Is this actualy a problem in the UK ?

Weather reports suggest 27 degrees tommorrow.

[markmullen]

I've used cameras in 42 degrees and high humidity out in Cyprus, without issues. Given that most kit bags are insulated to a degree by their padding, and the boot usually stays cooler than the cabin because of the lack of windows I'm sure you'll be fine.

[jon-]

What gear?

Cheap, Chinese stuff, maybe. Pro Canon or Nikon stuff should be fine.

[AndWhyNot]

I had the exact experience described by the OP, my fave Nikon 35mm AF-D in my car whilst I was on a job a few years ago. Heat reduced the viscosity of the blade lube and when the lens cooled down again the blades wouldn't open & shut reliably. Fixation fixed it with a service but it can happen in extreme circumstances. Lens was in the car's cabin, rather than boot, mind you.

There's times where the potential benefits of having the gear with you outweigh the risks so I'd follow Mark's advice of finding something insulated (even a coolbox?) and leave it all in the boot. If you can park in the shade, too, that should help.

[ExPat2B]

jon- said:

What gear?

Cheap, Chinese stuff, maybe. Pro Canon or Nikon stuff should be fine.

Nikon gear ranging from consumer to pro gear.

[Mr Will]

Considering this guy has been filming house fires from the inside: http://www.reddit.com/r/photography/comments/28u5v... I think that a hot car shouldn't be too much of a problem!

As others have said, stick the bag in to boot and park in the shade if possible but I wouldn't worry unduly. Cameras are tougher than a lot of us think.

[cornet]

Generally should be fine, the main thing to watch is extreme changes of temperature which can cause condensation.

I've also had filters crack when brought into a warm house after using them outside in the cold.

[ian in lancs]

Never had a scrap of bother with Nikon gear from -15c to 45c. Don't worry about it