Starting out in photography can seem expensive with all the gear you need, but once you've got your equipment sorted, it becomes one of the most cost-effective hobbies. Nonetheless, it's important to keep that gear safe. Here's how.
Coming to you from Ian Worth, this insightful video highlights common mistakes that can damage your camera equipment and how to avoid them. Worth shares a personal story about trading in a rarely used, expensive lens only to discover it was damaged. The lens had been stored in his office and hadn't been used for ages, yet it had moisture inside. He had to pay for repairs, costing him £300. This situation was puzzling until he realized the cause, which he reveals later in the video.
Worth begins with tips on protecting your gear while out in the field. Camera bags are a great start. He suggests using dedicated camera bags with protective camera cubes inside. These can be expensive, so an alternative is a hiking pack with a separate camera cube. This offers flexibility and protection. Ensure your gear is well-separated and not rubbing against each other, as movement can cause damage.
Camera straps can save your camera from drops, but Worth shares his mixed experiences. He mentions how a camera strap once snagged and caused his camera to fall, leading to damage. For this reason, he prefers straps that can be quickly unclipped. As for changing lenses, he advises pointing the camera downwards to prevent dust from entering the sensor and holding the rear lens cap downwards to avoid transferring dirt.
Being outdoors exposes your gear to the elements. Worth suggests only taking your camera out when you’re ready to shoot. He uses a large microfiber cloth to protect his camera from rain or wipe it dry. A rocket blower is useful for removing water droplets from the lens, preventing smears and scratches. Dust is another enemy, and Worth recommends keeping your camera in the bag until you need it, then protecting it again as soon as possible.
Saltwater is particularly damaging. After a seascape shoot, Worth wipes down his gear with a damp cloth and then dries it with a towel. This prevents salt buildup, which can cause dials and buttons to stick. Avoid using a rocket blower or pressurized air on the camera body as it can push moisture deeper into the camera.
Tripods are another potential hazard. Ensure the camera is securely fastened to avoid falls. Worth advises against walking with the camera on the tripod, as falls can be catastrophic. He also discusses sensor cleaning, recommending doing it yourself with the correct equipment. Blowing out the sensor before swabbing prevents scratches from dust particles.
Check out the video above for the full rundown from Worth.
"Check out the video above for the full rundown from Worth"
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Oops, thank you!
I always thought this was what we were supposed to do, even in the film days.
He didn't mention to check your tripod feet...especially when hiking.
Hi Alex: Good advice. I have a "rule" that I follow as often as possible to prevent damaging my gear while in the field. It is: Avoid changing lenses in the field and, if you are forced to, NEVER change a lens while moving. Anyone who routinely changes lenses while out and about has probably experienced dropping a lens. I avoid that by having extra camera bodies that I buy used. I try to plan the day's shoot so that I've got the lenses I expect to need mounted to a body when I leave home. This eliminates the risk of dropping a body and getting dust and/or water in the body while swapping glass. This may sound extravagant, but when buying used bodies it really doesn't cost that much. Also, when shooting wildlife you have to expect the unexpected. An animal does something and you may quickly need your long lens, or your wide angle. It's a lot faster to grab a body with the lens already mounted and shoot than to change lenses. I've been practicing this for years and have never had equipment damage. I also find that it's rare to have to clean the sensor.