Product Care

It’s important for photographers to know how to look after and maintain their gear.

Here are a few basic tips to help you understand how to store, clean, and handle your camera and equipment safely.

STORAGE

When not in use, your camera should be stored properly in a dust free environment. If you are not going to use it for an extended period of time we recommend that you remove the batteries to avoid acid leakage. 

Just like Goldilocks, you camera also likes the temperature to be just right. Avoid storing you camera in direct sunlight for long periods of time and don’t leave it out in the snow.

Generally cameras and lenses don’t like water. Avoid storing your camera in a humid environment as you risk fungal outbreaks, especially in older lenses. Don’t leave your camera in the rain, no matter how tough it looks.

For everyday use a camera bag is recommended. If your camera was provided with a case we recommend using it whenever possible.

CLEANING DO'S

Keeping your camera clean is not just about maintaining its appearance. It will also extend its life. 

Because cameras have lots of tight corners and are full of delicate parts, having the proper tools to do the job is essential. We recommend filling your tool kit with:

  • Isopropyl alcohol 60% or higher for general cleaning
  • Alcohol swabs
  • Cotton tips
  • A soft or medium bristle tooth brush
  • Microfibre clothes, preferably white so you can see what you have cleaned
  • Leather conditioner
  • Len cleaners
  • Blower brush or canned air
  • Regular pencil eraser to clean battery terminals

It’s important to target the areas where dirt will build up. Clean around the dials on the top of the body, the area surrounding the viewfinder and on the grip, as these spots usually attract the most dirt.

CLEANING DONT'S

  • Never clean your camera or lens with water. Also use an isopropyl alcohol solution of 60% or higher (vodka won’t work!) that will evaporate off the body before it penetrates the internals.
  • Never directly touch the mirror or focusing screen while cleaning. Clean these with air only and if they are too dirty, take your camera to a professional for a deep clean.
  • Never try to dry you camera with an external heat source like a heat gun or hair dryer!
  • Do not clean rubber grips using excessive force, as they can break down and become sticky.

SAFE HANDLING

To avoid causing unnecessary damage to you camera we recommend the following:

  • Use a strap. If you camera does not come with one, try adding one to your cart.
  • Grip your camera with two hands when possible: one under the lens and one on the body.
  • Always remember to put the lens cap back on your lens.
  • Use a UV filter to help protect the front lens element.
  • Avoid taking film through airport x-ray machines.
  • Do not use your camera as a hammer.
  • Do not throw your camera up in the air. It’s not a drone.

Do not attempt to repair your camera yourself. Take it to a professional technician for repair and/or deep cleaning. If you are having trouble finding a local technician contact us using the form below:

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