Maintaining your camera equipment before, during and after events is crucial to ensure you capture the best moments without any technical hiccups. Here are some practical tips:
Lens Cleaning
Remember to clean your lenses regularly, especially after shooting in dusty or humid environments. Doing this regularly helps to not only prevent dirt buildup, but also keep your lenses in top condition.
How to clean your lenses
- Air Blower: Start by using a small air blower to remove loose dust and debris from the lens surface. This prevents scratching when you wipe the lens.
- Soft Brush: Use a soft-bristled brush, like a camel hair brush, to gently sweep away any remaining particles. This is especially useful for cleaning around the edges and in hard-to-reach areas.
- Microfiber Cloth: Wipe the lens with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. These cloths are designed to be gentle on the lens and effectively remove smudges and fingerprints without scratching.
- Lens Cleaning Solution: Apply a few drops of lens cleaning solution to a microfiber cloth (never directly on the lens). Wipe the lens in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward. This helps to avoid streaks and ensures even cleaning.
- Lens Tissues: For more thorough cleaning, use disposable lens tissues. These are pre-moistened with a cleaning solution and are convenient for on-the-go cleaning.
- Avoid Blowing with Your Mouth: Never blow on the lens with your mouth, as this can introduce moisture and more dust particles.
- Viewfinder and LCD Monitor: Clean these in the same manner as the lenses to ensure clear visibility.
Zeiss Lens Cleaning Kit with Belt Bag at Vistek
Battery Management
- Fully Charged Batteries: Always start with fully charged batteries and carry spares. Swap out batteries during breaks to avoid missing important shots.
- Battery Check: Regularly check battery levels and replace them before they run out.
Environmental Protection
- Humidity Control: In general, It’s important to keep your equipment (especially lenses) in a moderately humid environment (40%-50% RH) as excess humidity can promote fungal growth which in turn, can lead to poor image quality. On the flip side, very low humidity can also do damage by drying out lubricants leading to early wear and tear on moving parts.
Pro Tip: Keep silica gel packs in your camera bag as these can help to absorb excess moisture.
- Vibration Avoidance: Keep your camera and lenses away from vibrating surfaces to prevent damage to delicate parts.
Function/Settings Check
- Pre-Event Check: It’s important to perform a function check of your camera before the event starts. This will ensure that all settings are correct and the camera is functioning properly.
- During Event: Remember to periodically check your camera settings and functionality throughout the event to ensure everything is working smoothly.
Protect Your Gear
- Lens Filters: Use UV filters as these will help to protect your lenses from scratches and dust.
- Camera Bags: Use a padded camera bag or hard case to protect your equipment from physical damage, especially during transport and storage at the event.
Finally, following these helpful tips will help to keep your expensive camera gear in top condition ensuring that it serves you as long as you need it to.
