How to clean and take care of your camera and lens

Specks / dust on the pictures taken with the camera

The most common problem faced by users of digital cameras, is the presence of dust on the camera's sensor. It can have a negative effect on the images, as in the areas of light-colored pictures can be seen blurry, dark spots. In most cases, they are visible to the camera toward a cloudless sky, as in the following example.

Sometimes erroneously concluded that appearing in photographs spots are caused by dust on translucent mirror, the electronic viewfinder or the lens . Dust on the semi-transparent mirror or in the electronic viewfinder has no impact on the final appearance of the photograph. Ordinary dust particles contained in the lens are very small and are located far away from the focal point , so they are not visible in the pictures.What precautions can be taken in order to prevent stagnation of dust on the sensor , or translucent mirror?You can not completely prevent the ingress of dust into the camera . However, you can use a number of practical tips , allowing significantly reduce the risk.

    Before replacing the lens off the camera . This can reduce the static electric charge on the matrix and reduce the risk of attracting dust particles .
    Before mounting the lens on the camera , make sure that the outer surface of the rear of the lens is clean and free of dust. To remove dust and other particles that can scratch the glass surfaces , use a blower to clean the device types Rocket . Then, if necessary, use a dry cloth made ​​of microfiber.
    Do not leave the camera with the lens mount open for a long time . When replacing the lens to attach the cover to the camera body or immediately install another lens .
    If possible, replace the lens in a dry place with a small amount of dust or sand.
    When changing lenses, the lens mount face down to prevent the ingress of dust particles into the camera.
    Rear lens cover camera body and must be kept clean and free of dust . After mounting the lens on the camera rear lens cap can be connected to the camera body. This will prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt on the elements , especially in the case of storage lids photographer's camera bag .

Bag should be kept clean . After some time using the camera bag inside it to assemble a surprisingly large amount of dust and debris. Completely empty the bag and remove all the dust and dirt with a vacuum cleaner. Before using the vacuum cleaner bags , remove all small items such as memory cards , secure the cover on a sled , etc.What to do in case of dust particles in the pictures ?SLT cameras are equipped with a two-point function to prevent the settling of dust.

    Anti-static coating optical low-pass filter
    The vibration sensor is aimed at the removal of light particles of dust , which loosely adhere to the low-pass filter . SLT cameras launched in the summer of 2011 ( SLT- A77 and higher) are equipped with more efficient - compared with the previous models - the ultrasonic vibration system for removing dust particles .The matrix is automatically set into oscillation at every turn the camera off . This function can also be included in the menu , if necessary . Due to the automatic triggering of the anti -dust each time the camera off the dust that was visible in the pictures taken so far are likely to be removed . In addition, most of the dust particles are very small in size and can not be seen by looking at the matrix to the naked eye .Manual cleaning camera sensor ( placed in front of her and an optical low-pass filter )Sony has approved only one cleaning method that can carry users : manual cleaning with a rubber blower to clean the camera ( a Rocket blower ) * . Using other methods can lead to damage to the matrix , and placed it in front of the optical low-pass filter and void the warranty on the camera .To clean the optical low-pass filter placed in front of the matrix , perform the following steps:

    Turn the camera off to start the automatic vibration sensor to remove loose dust obscures the lamp .
    Remove the lens . Once this is done can be seen translucent mirror placed in front of the matrix . Using a rubber blower to clean the camera gently blow away the dust that had settled on a semi-transparent mirror. Be careful not to touch the mirror.
    To access the template , you should raise the mirror . To raise the mirror , gently press the lever to lock the mirror with your fingertips .

Do not touch the surface of the translucent mirror! Mirror of this camera model is made ​​of translucent film. Touching the mirror may cause deformation or deposition of dust on it, which may affect the quality of the images and the camera.

Position the camera so that the lens mount is facing down, and insert the shallow end of the syringe into the camera and repeatedly enter the air stream. This usually results in a matrix of conventional cleaning dust particles and remove them from the camera.
Once this is done, gently adjust the mirror to its original position with the fingertip, until you hear a click. This time, also touch the mirror housing rather than its surface.

    
* Manual cleaning rubber bellows camera / bellows type Rocket: Many manufacturers offers a hand blower to clean the camera in a very different rates and different quality. Rubber blower good quality are equipped with replaceable air filters to prevent blow-dust particles inside the camera. Rubber bellows camera cleaning is an essential part of any photographer's equipment and its use can get visible results immediately.

Note: Do not clean the sensor using a can of compressed air! Air pressure may be too high and cause damage to the camera. Moreover, there is the risk of deposition of small droplets of aggressive liquids on the filter or semi-transparent mirror, which can lead to serious damage.
Dust on the semi-transparent mirror

Translucent mirror is a very sensitive part of the camera.

Mirror of this camera model is made ​​of translucent film. Touching the mirror may cause deformation or deposition of dust on it, which may affect the quality of the images and the camera. The semi-transparent film is also very susceptible to scratching.

Under no circumstances should you wipe dirt, dust or greasy dirt from the mirror SLT . Also, do not use any cleaning fluids . This may damage the translucent mirror. Damage caused as a result of direct contact with a translucent film are not covered by the warranty.In order to keep the mirror SLT clean and the camera itself in the best possible condition periodically use a rubber blower to clean the camera * to prevent the accumulation of dust. Before attaching the lens should also clean the outer surface of the rear lens. This is especially important if you use this camera in places subject to high humidity or wherever there is a risk of condensation . In conditions where there is moisture or there is a condensation residual dust on the mirror SLT can permanently adhere to the mirror.* Manual cleaning rubber bellows camera / bellows type Rocket : Many manufacturers offers a hand blower to clean the camera in a very different rates and different quality . Rubber blower good quality are equipped with replaceable air filters to prevent blow- dust particles inside the camera. Rubber bellows camera cleaning is an essential part of any photographer's equipment and its use can get visible results immediately .Note : Do not use a can of compressed air ! Air pressure may be too high and cause damage to the camera. Moreover, there is the risk of deposition of small droplets of liquid aggressive translucent mirror , which can lead to serious damage .Dust inside the lens

If you reside in an area with high humidity, or moving from a cold to a warm location, you may receive steam. Condensation can lead to oxidation of certain metal parts inside the camera , causing a malfunction. It can also lead to the development of mold and mildew , which will cause damage to the equipment . To reduce the risk , it is recommended to store in a case sachets of silica gel. Silica gel allows absorption of moisture.When you use the equipment may lead to deposition of dust and other solid particles on the camera body and lens , there may be also fingerprints. The following is a way to remove them without damage to the equipment.

    camera Body

    For example, after a day at the beach in the recesses of the camera body may appear grains of sand . If they are not removed quickly , can get into the control discs , causing premature wear , which makes the camera will not be fit for use . Grains of sand can also cause serious damage to the lens ring .

    The easiest way to remove debris , clean the exterior of the camera with a soft bristle brush . Do not press too hard , as this can scratch the body or the LCD screen.

    If sticky dust can not be removed with a brush , you can do this, use a cotton ball . The blowing wand is best to use a rubber bulb .

    However, if the camera body is clean hard-to- remove substances ( mud , etc.) , you can successfully use a micro fiber cloth (available in optics ) lightly moistened with water. Microfibers are recommended because they do not scratch the LCD screen.

    Do not use any chemical products such as thinner, benzine , alcohol , disposable wipes , etc.

    Lenses

    The lenses should be handled with caution . Glass , which are made of lenses , it is very delicate and can easily be scratched. Lenses should be cleaned only in exceptional circumstances. Each cleaning affect the optical surface . Always leaves traces , even if they are not immediately visible to the naked eye . Slightly dusty lens is better than a scratched lens .

    According to the manufacturer's cleaning is necessary if you notice signs of the fingers are naturally oily and are acidic and can damage the anti-reflective lens coating . Remove dried rain drops and droplets of sea water , because they contain salt crystals , which can also damage the glass .Remove dust and microscopic particlesFirst, use a rubber blower to clean the camera to blow out most of the dust. Do not blow into the mouth. This can lead to deposit on the lens difficult to remove particles of saliva.Then, using a soft bristle brush , remove dust from the lens. Do not touch the hair brush with your fingers , as this will cause the smears and smudges will result . Do not press too hard. After a day at the beach on the glass of the lens can embed the microscopic particles of quartz or silica , and inadequate cleaning method could lead to scratch the optical surface .Removing oily smudges and fingerprintsThe general rule is : do not touch the glass with your fingers. If the glass there are fingerprints , should never be disposed of by clothing or hygiene wipes . The fibers from which they are made, are too rough and can scratch the glass .Use a microfiber cloth , which must be kept in a bag or carrying case to protect it in this way against dust.If you need to use liquid to remove oil smudges , do not use this to tap water because it contains salts can scratch the glass .Instead of tap water to moisten the cloth with microfibers in deionized water and gently , without pushing , wipe the surface of the glass.