Camera Dust Proofing (SLR and otherwise)

[theCryptofishist]

camp-photon wrote:

"We will have the supplies in our camp for all to use."

Having camera protection supplies on hand for all to use is a great, very helpful way to gift that never dawned on me.

Thanks!

It would be even more helpful if he told us the name, address and a few pertinent details about said camp, so we'd know how to find it. But I can get directions when I'm at the orgy by the trash fence.

[duffdog]

There is a really easy answer to this question.

Buy an Olympus SLR camera. They are dust proof, water proof and they have the only self cleaning sensor system that actually works.

I have a canon 50D also, but there is no way I would ever take it to BM and hope it works afterwards. Nor would I take a Nikon-- unless I didn't mind huge dust spots all over the CCD.

FWIW, someone left my Olympus e-300 + 14-54 out in a dust storm last year and the entire thing was covered in a pile of playa dust when I found it. It still worked even though it was now a nice white playa color.

[eyeruh]

For SLR:

I'm a pro photographer and the best way I have found to protect gear and still have it be functional is plastic wrap and stretchy tape.

Do you mean plain old 'saran wrap'? I was experimenting a few nights ago with the "big ziploc bag" approach and I can't imagine actually shooting with it on--it was too hard to move the control dial on the back of my Canon. Plastic wrap sounds like it might be a little less awkward.

I also like the idea of taping up the seams but I'm wondering if even gaffers tape won't leave some residue behind in that heat?

[vinceslas]

Guys, I've been reading this post intensively while looking for ways to protect my video camera from dust (I've got a Canon HV40) and I found this: http://www.aquapac.net/usstore/waterpro ... 411-0.html

This might look like the perfect thing for you guys.

[bm_cricket]

For SLR I see two choices: Fancy weatherproof camera with fancy weatherproof lens, or cheap camera body with cheap lens. I went the cheap way. My camp mates went the fancy way. Both work. In both cases follow these tips and you'll be fine.

1) Don't use it in a dust storm

2) Don't replace lenses if there is dust around

3) Use a small, dust free brush to clean away dust, <b>not compressed air!</b> Compressed air just blows it into the lens/camera body and makes it worse. Use a small brush to clean the area near the lens mount each time you change the lens. Be 300% sure your lens mount cap is clean before you put it on. Dust on the outside of your camera is just annoying. Dust inside, especially on the CCD/CMOS someplace between bad and very bad.

4) Don't bring anything you can't afford to part with. For a while there I was a film student so I got insurance through State Farm Insurance. I think they have Personal Article insurance for people who aren't students but I think it costs a little more. All my camera gear is worth less than $1,000 but if you are considering bringing a $3,000 body with multiple $800 lenses it's well worth the cost for insurance. They cover theft and accidents. Pretty much anything short of manufacturer defects or user error. It's a good deal for a $100 deductible.

5) Oh, did I mention not to bring anything you can't afford to part with? My setup was a Canon Digital Rebel XT with a fixed 50mm lens. The lens looks thrashed after 2 burns but still works fine. Over a million shots on the body and it's still kicking. I wish I had a lens that went in the 17mm-50mm range with all the zoom gearing inside a solid lens housing. That would be wonderful. Oh, and a full size sensor. I'm starting to drool.