A1 Rain Cover
 

Greetings! I'm seeking a rain cover for my A1 -- for use when it comes back from Canon service after they address the crap-level dropouts and glitches in a new camera, that is.

I'm familiar on paper with the various Porta Brace, Kata and other rain covers, but don't have local dealers where I can check any of them out hands-on in real life. Ideally, I'd like one that has enough space up top for a 416 in a K-Tek shock mount, but that may be dreaming on my part and might call for custom work.

Do any of you have any firsthand experience you can pass along, recommendations pro or con? It's still deep in the rainy season here in Eugene and I must needs venture out soon.

Thank you for the advice.
Jeff Johnston

PortaBrace mini rainslicker
 

I have the PortaBrace and like it a lot for both rain and dust. There is not enough room on top for a shock mount, but you can use just about any mic in the built in mic holder along with some kind of a big fuzzy.

It is made of fabric rather than plastic, so it is a little heavier, but also then gives more protection.

The two downsides are 1) the bottom row of buttons and switches on the left are a little hard to get to, but workable; 2) the flip out viewer is hard to see and use with the cover- probably true for all these covers.

On the plus side the cover is very cleverly designed to fit around everything and still give you access to the controls without having one of those big baggy plastic sacks.

Rick

If you do a search you'll find a number of threads on this subject.

I made my own rain jacket, by the way. Works great:

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=102058

I bought a Kata CRC-14 for My A1, fits the camera well even with the shotgun mike in place. I haven't really had a chance to work with it on the camera for an extended period so I can not endorse it 100% but I didn't see any great issues with it during my short test outing, the top access is nice to have too.

I've just got the PortaBrace RS-XHAG1, same as yours I guess Rick. Haven't used it yet, but looking at it, it's made of a 3-ply Nylon Fabuthane fabric.

Is it completely water repellant, how quickly does it dry out? I mean it's not going to get totally soaked, I hope.

Wonder if ScotchGarding would be good. The tin doesn't say yea or no for Nylon.

Cheers.

So far as I can see, Kata haven't made a "glove" for the A1 yet. But has anyone got any experience of these items? I'd like to know whether or not I should hold out for them to bring one out. I'm look for something that will give a bit of protection against knocks - waterproofing could be a separate issue if necessary. For the long lenses on my stills camera, I'm using neoprene sleeves which seem to be effective.

I ordered the Porta-Brace CBA-XHAG1 earlier this month. I wanted something that included a raincover but that provided the camera with some armored protection as well. I'll post how it is when it comes in.

Porta-Brace camera cover
 

I bought one for my A1. Reason? I have one for my XL H1. I took the camera on a wilderness camping/fishing/raft trip on the Aniak River in Alaska. It rained all week. Aside from having to wipe the rain from the lens, my camera was protected and dry. The best part is that I was in and out of the raft, up and down river banks and I actually took a few spills into the mud. Nice to have the protection. So nice. It is one of my favorite pieces of gear. This year I am taking the A1 on the trip with the new cover and with no doubt it will be safe from the elements.

Another vote for Port A Brace
 

I got mine shortly after I got my A1. I've used it mostly in snow since it really hasn't rained recently. It's well constructed and does an excellent job of keeping the snow out. I especially like the gasket around the lens and the opening on the top with a small shock cord around the opening so you can carry it by the top handle and still keep the bad stuff out.

Getting to the buttons on the left side of the cam are not a problem, but picking the right ring to twist is tough with gloves on. Not so bad with bare fingers.

For my money, it's one of the best things in my kit.

I couldn't find the PortaBrace CBA-XHAG1 on any supplier's website here in the UK, so I made a few enquiries to companies who supply other Portabrace products for broadcast work. It seems the CBA-XHAG1 is only just on the market here, and stock is scarce. At around £220, prices are almost double that in the US - considering there are still almost $2 to the £.

Annie
The Kata CRC-14 that I mentioned is the recommended Rain cover for the A1, though Not specifically designed for it.
AS I said in my post it fits the A1 very well and sells for 1/2 to 1/3rd the price of the portabrace. Amazon. com has the CRC-14 on at $54 U.S. & I paid
$86 Cdn for mine. It will definately keep the camera nice & dry. I suppose it depends how much you figure you will need to use it, my climate really doesn't warant a $200 dollar + cover yours Might.

Hi Robin
So far as I can see (and correct me if I'm wrong) the Kata raincover doesn't have any padding. I really want something that will give some protection against mild knocks. As my subject matter is always wildlife, I spend a lot of time crawling over rough ground. Generally I avoid being out in the rain because I wear glasses and can't see anything when it rains! And believe me, we have plenty of rain here, though very little snow.

No You are right Annie there is no padding protection with the Kata cover,
I missed the Some shock protection requirement in your other post.

I use Glad kitchen size trash bags. Very cheap and work great. I spent 10 days in Costa Rica. It rained every day. Worked like a champ

Clay

RS-A1U to get your hands on
 

Jeff,

I actually work here at Portabrace in Bennington, VT. I am confident you will appreciate the hand-made quality of our Rain Slickers. Since there are no dealers near you I would like to send you an RS-A1U that you can touch and feel. If you decide it's not what you're looking for we'll refund your shipping and pay to have it shipped back to us. Of course you'll be on your own when Colleen wants to know why someone sent her case back (you'll see her sewer signature inside your case).

If you're interested, please email me at chris@portabrace.com

Thank you,

Chris

Chris, he has a Canon XH-A1, not a Sony A1U.

Cba- Xhag1
 

I got my Porta Brace "Camera Body Armour" CBA-XHAG1 today. What an awesome piece! It fits like a glove, totally pads my camera and still allows me to be able to get to all of the switches and dials including the focus, zoom and iris. To top it off, it includes a rain cover that stores in the pouch on the side of the unit where the grip belt is. Totally recommended for anyone looking at protecting the camera. Given I have not used it yet in the field (this weekend will be the test of truth), but I will let you know and post pics when I get some.

Hugh?
 

Am I missing something here guys? I looked at the images of it and it doesn't cover the microphone/handle eye piece? Won't that get wet if it rains, blows, etc, run along the edges and get into the camera eventually? Is there body armor and then also a rain jacket that does cover everything?

Tony

Video of armor?
 

Chris,

I would love to see some video demo-ing this on an xh a1 with water, wind, etc?

I see the body armor but I also see that the handle, microphone, and viewfinder are exposed? Is there a second piece that goes with this to cover those areas?

Tony

The Porta Brace rain cover does cover all the important bits including the mic, handle and eyepiece. The mic can be completely covered or exposed by reconfiguring the velcro. The cover will not cover the end of the eyepiece but if it did you wouldn't know what you're shooting. The handle is, by default, covered. There is a velcro opening in the top into which fastens a nylon "sleeve" that you can stick your hand through.

When I close the top opening there's virtually no way water can get in.

I think this cover works well. I have used it in snow and in light rain. Not sure how well it would work in a big Nor' Easter or a hurricane. In those situations, I'd augment with a heavy trash bag.

How does the Porta Brace do when the Canon Wide Angle WD-H72 lens is mounted? I assume it doesn't cover the monster Lens hood but is there a way to keep the slicker on to protect the camera at least cover the glass?

Thank you
 

Thanks for the information.

Ernest, No. The glass, both with and without the wide angle adapter, will always be exposed unless you cover it with something else.

I bought the Porta Brace Rain Slicker for my Canon A1 before the Body Armor was introduced (CBA-XHAG1). The Rain Slicker fits great, so I am sure the Body Armor will fit equally well.

The only question I have is: why the angular right side on the CBA-XHAG1? I understand a rain cover fits there. If you removed the rain cover, would this conform more closely to the A1 body?

UPDATE 3/01/08: I sold my Rain Slicker, and ordered the Body Armor. I would prefer the Body Armor were more closely contoured to the A1 camera shape, but for my use, I believe the Body Armor will provide good protection - time will tell!

I ordered the body armour a while ago, and when it arrived, I couldn't figure out how to fit it - too many openings and bits of velcro etc. Took it to the store yesterday, they put it on, and then I discovered by accident that what I had been sent was actually the rain slicker! So now I'm still waiting for the body armour - seems there is a delay of some weeks before the next import (to the UK) is due.

I'm all for saving on packaging, but if it had arrived in a labelled bag, I'd have known sooner it was the wrong thing.

That is actually pretty funny! (Sorry to laugh at your expense). I've bought a number of PB items and look for a small label sewn inside each one with initials (ie., RS-L1 for Rain Slicker, and the last initials describe which camera it is designed to fit). I ordered Body Armor from Adorama; it is in stock, and is the best price I could find. I wonder if Adorama would sell and ship one to you in Wales?

Yeah, I found that label after a while, and that confirmed to me that it was for my camera, but I hadn't really picked up on the RS being rain slicker. It didn't help that I was between trips to Norfolk (350 miles away) and Scotland (550 miles away), trying to make sure I was up to date with work emails, and failing to complete my film for the UWOL challenge all in the space of a few days. Although I'd got the Portabrace by mail order, I called at the store on the way back from Scotland, and sorted things out there. The camera may not be completely protected, but for the moment it is snuggled up with a dead cat!!

Hands on with the Portabrace RS-A1U
 

After using the Portabrace RS-A1U for a day of run and gun, I was ready to eBay it. Having no alternative on another rainy day on the same trip, I gave it another shot and warmed up to it a bit with a couple exceptions. I narrowed down my beefs and thought I'd leave them here as well as some of the features I enjoyed as feedback.

First, I'm a sucker for something that's well designed and built. The PB RS-A1U is a marvel of extremely skillful engineering and supreme sewing prowess. My head spins when I consider the complexity of it's seams, velcro, flaps, clear ports etc. It's a quality piece just like you'd expect from PB. I think pretty much anyone can make a "tailored bag" and some will add a see through window and these may suffice shooting on some sticks. However, as far as I'm concerned, none of the alternatives I've seen give you what you need for handheld shooting.

Flip-out Screen Cover:
THE GOOD STUFF
I find the A1 vewfinder hard to use so I use the flip-out screen. Shooting eye level, the PB slicker creates a "Hoodman" like cavity about 3 inches deep. So, if you are shooting in sunlight with the slicker (yes there are times you do this so save the wise cracks), it works well at shading the screen. For waist level shooting, there's actually a velcro flap on the top of the cavity that rolls up and stays rolled up because of strategically placed velcro. Very nice.

Another fine point of this cavity is if you hold the A1 over head, the bottom of the cavity also has a clear port with a velcro cover to roll back.

There's more ways to use this cavity but suffice it to say, it's well thought out.

THE NOT SO GOOD STUFF
The very thing that lets you shoot waist level with the flip out screen also has a down side. The glare from the plastic combined with the viewing angle issues makes it impossible to see sometimes. If a material that had less glare were available, it would improve it. Alternatively, a way to peel the clear cover back half way will improve it.
Another aspect of the flip-out cavity is that changing the screen angle it tough. You basically have to squeeze the whole cavity with it's stiff parts and you can't really finesse the positioning. It's crude and I worry about scratching the screen.

Petrol has a design for the Panny AG-DV30 that is a clear flipper totally encasing the screen. That solves all these problems but means the screen is always behand glaring plastic and lacks the sun shield and open cavity aspects of the PB. I prefer the PB cavity over the clear flipper cover. Your mileage may vary.

Audio:
The cover has velcro flaps that let you encase the built-in mic or leave it open. I had a wireless receiver and a Rode NTG-1 and all the flaps covered well. The NTG-1 foam shield stuck out about 3 inches.

Handle:
At first I felt the elastic hand cover on the top handle was a pain and I wanted to remove it. You can't. But after looking at it, I found it can be pretty well un-velcro'd away and draped down the side. This worked fine in a drizzle but when it rained harder, I was very glad the elastic hand cover was still with me. It really protects the camera.

The One Major Flaw:
There's a piece of nylon webbing that goes across the opening on the left side of the camera where you can access the controls. After today, I realized it's what made me want to get rid of it in the first place. It makes it very hard to shoot. This webbing seems to always be covering the Iris or zoom ring when shooting. And when you turn the camera to it's side to adjust the ND Filer, Preset Zoom/Focus or AF switches, the webbing seems to always move to cover them too.

All in all, the PB slicker covered the camera very well during 4 hours of heavy drizzle at 5 degrees C. You can't expect to operate the camera as easily as uncovered but you can expect it to protect your camera well in all kinds of situations yet still support creative camera handling.

Oh yes. That is a major pain. In order to get to the iris ring you have to reach your finger beyond it toward the lens then pull the strap back. Not intuitive, nor easy to do. With gloves on it's impossible.

In fairness to PB, there may not be another way to build the cover. But if there is it would definitely be worth a re-design. PB... are you listening?

I came halfway around the world and it's ruined a fair share number of shots when I couldn't get at the ring or find the ND control.. What's that piece do anyway? It seems marginal as a support for the camera controls window. If I have to shoot in the rain again (forecast for tomorrow looks bad), it's getting snipped.

Cba-xhag1
 

The angular right side is the space for the camera's hand grip. It looks really weird on the picture but it allows for you to slip you hand in. It bulges a little bit because that is also where the exterior pocket for the rain cover is. I promise to post some pictures of it in action soon.

While the body armour itself does not cover the handle, viewfinder or mic, the rain cover, when deployed does fit over all items including a shotgun if you have one.

I just bought the Kata CRC-14 for just over £70 incl. VAT (once again more than double the US price - I assume it's retailers and not videographers who are keeping our economy ticking along).

Anyway, after quite a bit of shopping around online, the best UK price I could find was with ProAv.co.uk. They're not always the cheapest, but on a few occasions they have been, and they're efficient and a pleasure to deal with.

If you've just bought your camera, I'd have a little think about what you're going to be doing before spending money on a rain cover. I haven't needed one for a year now but have stumped up the cash as I'm shooting the Olympic torch as it passes through London and we're expecting light rain and snow. And I'm doing this job on a voluntary basis too :-(.