Mario’s note: Given the good reception of lens cleaning: the basics you need to know, our collaborator Iaio brings us today a very complete guide for cleaning SLR cameras. The typical article you need to print or save as PDF?
One of the photographer’s worst enemies is undoubtedly the dreaded dust. Whether inside the camera, outside, in cables and buttons, or between lens gears, dust and moisture are a threat to photos and equipment.
- This ubiquitous enemy lurks everywhere and can give us a headache when we least expect it.
- Today I bring you a little guide that can extend the life of your equipment or even get it out of trouble.
Mario’s note: Lie, this is not a short guide, it is a long and excellent article in which Iaio has worked with more than 2500 words. . Make yourself a coffee and enjoy reading.
Imagine that after weeks of planning a photo safari and thousands of photos later, you realize that half of the photos have been spoiled by a particle that had stuck to the sensor, ruining half of the photos or, worse yet, scratching the sensor for life.
Prevention alone is not enough. Paying attention to the camera is very important, but it does not guarantee that at any given moment, a particle, humidity or an oversight can damage our equipment, this is where knowing how to face the problem and provide a solution will bring you added. value.
One of the main risks of cleaning is cleaning itself. This does not mean that you have to spend a fortune in a specialized center to leave your camera in optimal condition if, for example, the sensor gets dirty, but taking the appropriate precautions, and after reading this article, you can do it. yourself. You just need to overcome the fear of doing it and do it very carefully.
SLR cameras seem to have the ability to make dust stick with incredible ease. The grease on our hands, the dirt in the environment and the number of indentations, buttons and cables make the camera the ideal home to accumulate it.
As we will also mention later to clean the inside of the chamber, and contrary to popular belief, using compressed air to clean the chambers is usually not the best decision. The power with which it comes out can damage the equipment, scratch it, or even insert that unwanted dust further into the chamber.
Cleaning the camera housing
Before using any type of wet cloth or towel, it is important that with a very soft air pear or a natural bristle brush, remove particles that could scratch our equipment if we drag them with a cleaning cloth.
To prevent dust from entering the camera, keep a lens attached or use the cap that the manufacturer includes in the kits for this purpose.
Pay special attention to the most inaccessible areas, such as memory card slots, buttons or knobs, as this is where dirt tends to accumulate.
If you plan to use a cleaning product, make sure it’s not abrasive and try to use it sparingly as it can build up excessively in the chamber housing slits, possibly causing more damage. Isopropyl alcohol, thanks to its high volatility, is usually the first choice of many photographers to perform this task.
Clean the viewfinder
Anything between photography and photographer should receive special attention. Cleaning is quick and easy, so it won’t be a problem.
To work more comfortably, remove the rubber protector and, with the same brush you used to clean the body, gently remove the dust around it. To clean the glass, you can use a damp cloth or cloth, but make sure there are no large particles left on it to avoid scratches.
Screen cleaning
Whether they have a protector or not, the LCD screens of cameras get dirty very easily. Cleaning it is similar to cleaning the visor, so you will have no problem doing it.
To ensure that all the work done does not go to waste, try to keep your backpack, purse, or the place where you plan to store the camera away from dust.
No matter how carefully you handle the camera, sooner or later the dreaded sensor points will appear in your photos, no user of DSLR cameras, be careful or professional, is immune to this problem, the important thing, as I said before, is to lose fear , take the necessary precautions and learn how to clean it.
How does a dirty sensor affect the image?
Click the photo to enlarge it. You can clearly see some places in the upper left corner of the frame.
How do I know if the sensor needs cleaning?
Options that exist to clean the sensor
Not all materials or options on the market are suitable for cleaning the sensor or lenses. The cleaning material is extremely important in the result we obtain. The use of poor quality options can affect the integrity of the equipment. I recommend using these products known for their quality, such as the Eclipse2 solution.
The different methods are not unique but complementary: if after blowing air through the bulb there are still traces of dust or particles attached to the sensor, you can use a non-abrasive liquid and try to remove them. Remove. If the particles are still there you can use an adhesive pad but if the problem persists it’s time to take it seriously and take the equipment to the nearest reliable service.
Sensor cleaning: step by step
To minimize risks when cleaning the camera sensor, be sure to do so in a stable, dust-free place that allows you to work with peace of mind.
It should be noted that when cleaning the sensor, it will not be in direct contact with it. In front of the sensor is a thin glass that protects it. This is not to say that you should be less careful in this process, because finding someone who changes such glass is not an easy or economical task.
Before starting to clean the sensor, make sure the battery is 100% charged because if it is turned off in the middle of the process, the sheets protecting the sensor will automatically close, causing serious damage.
If there are still traces of dust or particles left behind, you have to start the process again but using one of the other options I mentioned above, to do a more thorough cleaning, never forget to be very careful. Negligence can damage your equipment.
What not to do when cleaning a sensor
As you have read in previous articles, keeping your lenses clean and dust-free will help you extend their life. Cameras become obsolete, but they can accompany you for many years, improving the return on your investment, if you pay attention to them. But just like the sensor, clean your lenses only when necessary.
The process of cleaning a lens’s body is similar to cleaning the camera body and does not pose a significant risk to the integrity of the lens if the precautions I mentioned above are taken. Over.
In the case of glasses, things change a bit. Again, use the air bulb to remove any particles that might scratch the surface of the lens. When finished, gently wipe the surface of the lens with a microfiber cloth, similar to the one used to clean glasses.
If after that there were traces or marks on it, you can use isopropyl alcohol and give them the final touch. Lenses have a protective layer that prevents them from being damaged more easily, so use liquids only if it’s really needed. to remove all dust from the lens protective cap with a brush to prevent it from dirtying again when you protect it.
What not to do when cleaning a lens
Having good habits when handling your equipment will minimize the risk that dust, moisture, or scratches can damage it.
As they say, prevention is better than cure. If you enjoyed reading this article, be sure to share it on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+. Thank you.