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This article isn't just advice asking you to simply "clean your camera equipment". Like some professions we check their devices to prevent malfunctions (like airline pilots). You should also perform specific maintenance and checks on your photographic equipment. 



When was the last time you did this maintenance for your photographic equipment and camera?



Photography equipment cleaning tasks

Cleaning the camera sensor

Cleaning the sensor is a task that many photographers do regularly, mainly because they see the need for it while editing their photos. Even particles that are too small to be seen with the naked eye can stain your photos.

So cleaning the sensor is always a balance between over-cleaning a lot and dealing with a tough point to fix later. You may not want to clean much, as this increases the chance of damaging something in the camera. If you are not comfortable cleaning the sensor, do so professionally when post-processing sensor points become difficult to remove.

Previously I tried to dust the sensor of my camera but later realized I had put more dust on the sensor than there was in the beginning. Looking at the blower, I found it had filled itself with dust from the camera bag. If you will be storing the blower in the camera bag, make sure it is placed in a plastic bag or it has a cap over the nozzle.


It should also be noted that you should not clean the DSLR mirror or focus screen as it gets damaged easily. And leave that to a professional service company.


Lens cleaning

The second most common maintenance task that many do is clean lenses. Most photographers clean items with a brush, wipe, or blower. You should also clean the electronic contacts on the lens and the lens contact socket occasionally. The connection or flange of the lens is the closest thing to the aperture of the body; Any atoms there can easily reach the sensor.


Lens cap

Also clean the lens cap. I've often seen people clean the front element on their lenses and then put the dirty lens cap from their pocket and attach it later to the front of the lens.


Memory card entrance

Dust and particles in the memory card slot can sometimes cause card reading errors. This problem is rare with SD cards, but CF cards have small holes that can easily pick up dirt and cause problems with the card being inserted or read. Blowing dust and dirt out of the memory card slot sometimes does not hurt.


Viewfinder

Cleaning the Viewfinder is another straightforward maintenance task that is best done at home when you have cleaning supplies. We often see this in field photography and here we have to use only a lens cloth. Never use your shirt, fingers, or anything cotton, as they can scratch or leave marks on the glass.


Camera bag

It makes no sense to clean the camera, just to put it back in a dirty camera bag. It would be best to clean the camera bag regularly to remove anything that may damage or dirty the camera or lens. While cleaning your bag, this is an excellent time to take stock of what you have in your bag and whether you really need it.

Regardless of whether you have an economical tripod or an expensive "professional" tripod, they always need maintenance. Cleaning the areas that slip or rotate greatly can extend the life of your tripod. Good cleaning can also reduce the possibility of dirt transferring to the camera or lens.


Screening and prevention tasks

You will not be able to repair or clean anything from the photography equipment while you are on the spot or the field. You usually notice dirt and problems the moment you start shooting.

One of the most common causes of cameras crashing into the ground is the belt connections of a camera or case. An improperly attached tape or a worn out extension could be the end of your camera. Inspect the strap, locks, loops, and other items of the camera to make sure they are in proper working condition.

Inspect the doors, lens contacts, and accessories to the camera for loose screws or hinges. Don't forget to check for loose screws on the tripod as well. Now is the time not just to make sure everything is in order, but to take the right tool in your camera bag in case you need it at work.

If the lens is backed by weather and environmental protection, make sure it is not damaged. Recently a friend of mine noticed that the rubber seal to protect the sigma lens from the weather was damaged.

Don't forget to check the weatherproofing in the camera, too. The battery door and memory card locks may be damaged if you are not careful, or they could be corroded. While checking the camera, check for loose or missing screws along with the tripod socket case and tripod boards if you have one installed.


The result

Not only will regular maintenance prevent worse damage to your equipment, but it also helps resell it when you need to. I think almost everyone has seen lens for sale dirty in small areas in it. It might take you just a few seconds to notice a problem that could cost hundreds of dollars to fix later.





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