Camera Cleaning

Links for the show survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6K1QNhvmzHvQqp5AUjf5a1HgeZgKdXUBdyqLKKtQEs7mg4Q/viewform?usp=sf_link

Camera Cleaning PDF: https://brentberghermphoto1.s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/CameraCleaningmpp.pdf

Camera Cleaning Products

There’s a host of items I like to use for camera cleaning and I’d like to start with those and then we’ll get into technique.

Also, I’m going to make a PDF available that has all these items in there. It’ll just be free and open for you to download. No need to sign up on an email list or anything like that. The link will be in the show notes.

We’ll look at external cleaning first. 

* Basic ClothsThese are the type of cloths that you can get anywhere. I like to go to the Walmart automotive area and find the cheap microfiber cloths they have there. It’s usually something like a pack of three for $2 or something like that. These are for cleaning exterior surfaces only.https://amzn.to/2PgtBqa* Camel Hair or other soft bristle brush. This is great for cleaning particulate debris from lens and filter surfaces. It’s also great for getting dirt from around the lens mount, it can reach where a cloth can’t.Usually these are available at camera shops or other art supply shops.https://amzn.to/2W7XV7Q* Regular Microfiber ClothsThese are the items specific to lens surfaces and for the screen on your camera. I wouldn’t use the basic cloths I started out with on lens surfaces.https://amzn.to/2N6a21b* Zeiss pre-moistened wipeshttps://amzn.to/2Nbazib* LensPenThis device is great for removing smudges on lenses and the camera screen. It’s a brilliant device for sure.https://amzn.to/2ohPSsI* Cleaning SolutionI’ll use any cleaning solution you can find at a shop for glasses. This is good for lens surfaces and the body too. I also will buy my microfiber cloths at the eyeglasses area at Walmart, or any place really. They’re available everywhere.https://amzn.to/33VR7Nf

Interior cleaning tools.

Now it’s time to look at the interior of the camera. Anything that is below the lens mount is considered the inside of the camera for me.

* Bulb or Rocket blower. These come in many shapes and sizes. Some also have an “anti-static” feature. I’m not convinced that’s hugely valuable.Generally, these are available at camera shops and maybe at the electronics counter in Walmart or Target.https://amzn.to/2MGYlyN* Focus Screen SwabsAll to frequently, I’ll just use my finger with a microfiber cloth wrapped around it, at least for a full frame DSLR, I can usually get it done. If not then I’ll wrap it around something else that’s smaller. Not necessary for a mirrorless camera.These are available at camera shops.* Sensor ScopeThis device is invaluable at helping you see where the dust is on your sensor. Get one that’s set for your camera, either a DSLR or mirrorless. They are designed to sit on the lens mount and with the decreased flange distance with mirrorless cameras the DSLR scopes won’t work so well.https://amzn.to/2JibMn4* Sensor Klear by LensPenThis is a brilliant device that I only use sparingly, or when I have to.Pretty much only available in a camera shop.<a href="https://amzn.