Cleaning a camera
May 20, 2012 17:35:11 #
What is the best way to clean the inside of a camera and also the lenses? Should I take it to a professional or can I safely do it myself?
May 21, 2012 07:21:23 #
May 21, 2012 11:37:44 #
CBW wrote:
What is the best way to clean the inside of a camera and also the lenses? Should I take it to a professional or can I safely do it myself?
If you have to ask go to pro. when picking up ask questions.
May 21, 2012 11:49:55 #
What are you trying to clean, the mirror on a film camera? the sensor on a digital? The inside or outside of your lenses?
May 21, 2012 13:55:52 #
mtnredhed
Loc: The part of NorCal that doesn't move
CBW wrote:
What is the best way to clean the inside of a camera and also the lenses? Should I take it to a professional or can I safely do it myself?
Lets assume you have a removable lens camera. There are a few different cleaning methods depending on how the dust is stuck to where you don't want it.
These folks sell all the supplies for all the methods and also explain in detail whats going on.
http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/index.html
It's not rocket science, BUT, it does require the right tools/supplies used in the correct manner and an attention to detail. Having your shutter drop down while you're brushing or swabbing, will likely result in expensive repairs. Grinding a piece of dirt across the AA filter in front of the sensor...same thing.
Lenses are moderately tolerant of contact, but in general, if it ain't dirty, don't clean it. I might even go so far to say that if you can't see it in your images, stay out. Special pads/cleaner/brushes can be carefully used on the lens faces. Not everyone likes them, but I've got the LensPen brush which I use lightly to remove dust on optics (just don't use the other end). Wiping surfaces like pads should be one-time/one-pass use. Don't try and cheap out.
So, from a "safety" standpoint, I'd say get yourself a rocket puffer* to blow air at the sensor and internal lens faces. Keep the nozzle out of the mirror box. Read your manual on sensor cleaning mode. If it's on the sensor, and you can't puff it off, and you don't feel confident about your skills, then take it or send it somewhere to be cleaned. I do my own, but the first time was scary. Maybe once or so a year, I need to do a wet clean, but it's the last resort and I swap lenses a lot. I suspect pollen chunks are the worst offenders and we have plenty around here.
*Actually looks like a cartoon rocket made of rubber
May 21, 2012 15:04:48 #
Okay I am an extreme coward when cleaning optics...I have an 11 inch celstron SCT...and would never attempt to clean the optics on my own. It stays outside 24/7 ...if it were a small Tasco..i'd clean it my self...so worth of camera vs making a mistake?
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