Cameras need constant care and attention to keep in optimum operational condition. They generally require daily attention if you are traveling and even more in adverse conditions. Here is a guide to help care for your camera when conditions become extreme.
Extreme Cold
Carry your camera equipment in a hermetically sealed metal case; a complete seal is important. Gaffer tape can be used as a sealant against fine snow and is effective down to -10 degrees C. Take great care when touching metal parts especially with the face. Skin sticks to frozen metal and can be torn off to remove; this is extremely painful.
Try to keep your equipment at a constant temperature as much as possible. Relocating into a warm room straight from the cold causes condensation to form. When taken outside again the moisture freezes on contact with sub zero temperatures. Both the moisture and ice in your camera will almost certainly cause problems. A way to avert this is to put your equipment in separate sealed plastic bags with packets of silica gel. Examine your camera design thoroughly by means of a photography course online and learn how to deal with the issues of extreme conditions and the impact on your camera equipment.
Extreme Heat
Ground temperatures in many deserts can exceed 50 degrees C. Cameras and associated equipment left in these temperatures can become untouchable. In addition direct sunlight on a camera may melt the cement and glue holding components in place. Today, many metal parts have been replaced by plastic; these can also melt under these temperatures. Keep equipment in silver colored cases to reflect the sun away from your equipment. Clean and maintain your equipment at night when its cool. A camera wrapped in chamois leather at night will stay cool well into the day.
High Humidity
The tropics give high humidity and this is also a major problem for camera equipment. Moving between air-conditioned buildings and the outside humid, damp air fogs glass and takes a long time to clear. Keep all equipment constantly outside rather than inside is best if possible. In the damp heat fungus grows on many materials used in your camera. Small insects may decide to make your camera home.
After returning from a trip to India my Nikon SLR metering system failed. I subsequently sent it off for repair. The camera was returned with a note saying a family of spiders took up residence. They were alive all this time and feeding off fungus. Sealing your camera in a plastic bag is the best way to prevent this from occurring. Learn about the impact of humidity on camera equipment through a respectable photography course online and take the appropriate precautionary action.
Excessive Dust
This is a huge problem for SLR cameras particularly if you use prime lenses and changing them frequently. Dust gets inside and makes its way to the sensor and stays put. It can be extremely difficult to remove if not impossible. You may have to send the camera away for professional cleaning and this is expensive. Gone are the days when a blower brush would get you out of trouble. Keep your camera in a well sealed bag when exposed to dust. Consult a reputable photography course online to find out the specifics of your cameras controls and design.
Sea Water
Salt water and even sea air can cause permanent damage to your camera equipment. If you are working in a sea side location you need to take precautions. The best protection again sea water damage is good insurance and a water proof housing. If your camera falls unprotected into sea water, the best thing to do is to throw it away and buy a new one. It will be utterly ruined. If you wish to try and salvage the camera, rinse it thoroughly in clean water and take it immediately to a professional repairer. I have been able to salvage mechanical cameras this way, but with electronic it's much more difficult.
By taking the precautions mentioned here you will be able to avert the many problems that adverse conditions present. This is important to you as high quality cameras are expensive and are vulnerable to the elements. Examine your camera design thoroughly by means of a photography course online and learn how to deal with the issues of extreme conditions and the impact on your camera equipment. Reduce these risks and enjoy years of use from your cameras and lenses.
Roo du Jardin is a photographer who runs an informational website about photography courses online. Read some more photography tips, techniques and resources at Online Photography Courses blog.
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