Cleaning DLSR digial camera equipment

Now we all have our list of things that we need to keep clean in life but without descending into a "Carry On Camera" sketch about you chaps keeping your equipment clean, we are talking camera equipment! You know that old faithful DLSR that we always expect to just get out of the bag and to work perfectly every time.

Unlike pets, people, cars and houses (let's keep away from the innuendo here) your camera gear, which is generally stashed away in a camera bag, needs very little maintenance. However, regular cleaning will keep your images free of speckles, fluff and smears and ready for your next shoot. Generally and dependant on use, there is no need for a major overhaul every week though. Think car maintenance here; minor and major services.

Essential routine camera and lens maintenance.

Routine camera maintenance is generally limited to external components such as lenses, filters, viewfinders and LCD screens (for DLSR cameras). These are all things that affect the image or our perception of it. All filters and external lens glass should be wiped and cleaned of any materials or oily marks. There is nothing more annoying than going all that distance, on the right day, with the right conditions, snapping your perfect image and then finding out that finger print or a piece of fluff from your embarrassing Christmas cardigan has entered the frame. A professional camera cleaning kit, including lens cloth, moist cloths and cleaning fluid, is the best solution and each comes with a detailed set of instructions (these vary from kit to kit so be sure to read them carefully before setting to work on your expensive camera gear!). Amazon do a kit, called the 'AF Carl Zeiss Camera Cleaning Kit', which conatins everything you'll ever need.

More involved camera cleaning: the CMOS sensor

No matter how careful you are dust particles are going to be attracted to your camera's sensor in the same way that a shower curtain instantly loves you when you turn the water on! You just can't avoid it. Short of never taking the lens off and therefore never exposing your camera's vulnerable innards, there is a need to occasionally clean the sensor.

My camera has a cleaning setting?

Really, that's nice! Well done for you. However, cleaning settings come in a couple of guises. Simple mirror locks and whizz-bang actual cleaners. Neither is comprehensive. The first do not actually clean but lock components in place for cleaning and the second, well where do you think the dust goes once they've finished cleaning? There is no exhaust system so the particle(s) that were so attracted to your camera's internals are still there, inside the body. However, a camera with a self cleaner is better than nothing and makes obvious sense as part of a more detailed clean. Neither however can remove stains or marks caused by water (condensation) or oily marks.

According to photographic equipment suppliers Warehouse Express, a more detailed clean should incorporate:

A visual check

Is there any obvious need? Inspect the CMOS sensor for signs of dust, dark and marks.

A dry Clean

"90% of the time it's loose dust causing the spots on your photos so dry cleaning is often all you need in the field. It's also vital to remove loose dust before wet cleaning.".

A Wet Clean

"For the remaining 10% of sensor spots, special formulas have been developed by to be used in conjunction with advanced swabs to remove oil blemishes and stains effectively and safely."

If you are inexperienced or not sure about cleaning your camera equipment then seek professional or experienced assistance. IF IN DOUBT DON'T!

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