Your camera gear is broken, or might be broken, or you're worried something might break it.
5
votes
2answers
89 views
How can I check for damage to my lens from impact with a window?
I was taking a photo at an airport when I accidentally zoomed my Canon SX40HS into a window. The impact wasn't super hard, but there was a thump. I cannot see any visible damage, but how can I check ...
0
votes
2answers
416 views
Why does my Nikon D5000 stop live view after 30 seconds?
I can't create a video longer than 30 seconds because of the live view 30 seconds limit. I know is to protect the sensor, but as soon as I start live view (LV) a 30 seconds timer appears.
The Manual ...
21
votes
4answers
11k views
Why does fungus form in lenses, and how to get rid of it?
Recently I was using an old Pentax 50mm f/2 that had a quite big green spot, and later I was informed that it was a fungus.
A couple of questions raised from this:
Why does fungus form inside the ...
2
votes
1answer
64 views
How do you replace a tripod leveling ball's tension bar?
I've got a Bogen Manfrotto tripod (745B legs paired with a 701RC2 fluid head), with a broken part. I found the page for the tripod on the Manfrotto site, and the parts diagram makes it look like I ...
5
votes
3answers
92 views
What could cause a totally broken focus mechanism?
When looking for lens bargains on eBay, I often come across lenses that have something like this in their description:
Lens will not focus automatically or manually. For parts or repair only.
...
39
votes
6answers
21k views
Can the sun damage the camera sensor? Under what conditions?
I want to experiment taking photos where the sun appears. I'm afraid of what might happen if I take one with a narrower angle (where sun would be bigger). Can the lens act as a magnifying glass and ...
2
votes
4answers
159 views
Zoom ring clicks after dropping my Canon 18-55mm IS II kit lens; what to do?
I recently dropped my Canon EOS 600D attached to the 18-55mm IS II lens inside the Canon camera bag from a height of 3ft, and the zoom ring after that is really tight, and I hear a clicking sound when ...
1
vote
2answers
270 views
Nikon D5100 showing “press shutter release button again” after a fall
After a photo-shoot, I kept my nikon D5100 inside its cover and at the top of closet. Unfortunately it has fallen down. The height was about 7'. I did't hear any breaking sound as it was kept inside ...
3
votes
2answers
266 views
Are these ghost light spots and vertical grain indication that my scratched polarizer is ruined?
Earlier, I unfortunately dropped my polarizer. There doesn't seem to be any damage save for a light scratch which I've uncovered only after a very thorough inspection. Nonetheless, I'm worried that ...
12
votes
5answers
729 views
How safe is CHDK?
I've played with time-lapse photography using my father in law's Canon Rebel, using a USB cable, gphoto2 and an Ubuntu laptop. I want to create similar videos using my own A590 IS, but it cannot be ...
5
votes
2answers
638 views
Can't auto-focus at full zoom
I have a Canon 1000d, and the standard lens EF-S 18-55mm. Recently I was out taking photos and I've noticed that if I zoom in fully, the lens can't auto focus. I can still take shots using manual ...
0
votes
2answers
148 views
550 D water damage giving Err #70
Well my 550D is bricked. I was near a wall and on the other side was the sea. A huge wave came. Wall was 6ft high but a big splash of water jumped over it and fell on me and the camera directly.
...
4
votes
2answers
166 views
Is it safe to use a telephoto lens when the camera is on a tripod?
The camera is mounted on the tripod. The telephoto lens is mounted on the camera, with no additional support. Is this safe or stupid?
It seems like this would put a lot of stress on the tripod mount ...
2
votes
2answers
186 views
Can a drop of a camera+lens cause AF calibration issues on either — or both — the lens and the body? What are the mechanics involved here?
My question is, if you drop a camera, and you think you might have an AF issue, what are the mechanics involved that might cause a mis-calibration? I can imagine that the lens has movable parts -- ...
3
votes
3answers
229 views
How to tell if an impact to the camera caused any damage?
Today I dropped something on my camera's body, on the back of camera on image magnifier buttons. there is no signs of damage on the LCD or body and the buttons are working. I actually dropped the ...
17
votes
7answers
3k views
How can I photograph welding?
My partner is creating a sculptural work using MIG welding and has asked me to document the process. I have a few questions regarding how to photograph it?
Looking at the arc can damage your ...
2
votes
3answers
768 views
How can I easily tell if a sensor or lens is damaged?
I am pretty interested in recognizing any damage to digital camera in very low level (without any advanced tests).
For example, how can I identify the damage of a sensor or lens?
If there are any ...
4
votes
1answer
103 views
What type of camera, camera equipment or techniques should I use for prolonged high humidity shooting?
I work for a greenhouse. We are working on getting a website up and I need to take photos of ALL of our plants in 3 different sizes. We have 244 different types of herbs and scented geraniums. ...
2
votes
1answer
76 views
Is the damage caused by a generic battery to a Lumix DMC-FZ20 likely permanent?
I just used a generic battery from eBay for my Lumix DMC-f20 and, worked for one session. After that, I downloaded to my computer, sans adapter, and, when I came back, the battery was depleted. I ...
3
votes
2answers
123 views
Will vintage camera equipment be damaged by x-ray scanners?
Will my vintage photoelectric lightmeters (the ones using photocells, no batteries) be affected or permanently damaged by x-ray scanners at the airport?
3
votes
1answer
99 views
Is the Canon 40mm safe to store when extended?
I just purchased the Canon 40mm pancake lens for my 40D. I noticed that the barrel of the lens extends when focused close. Do I need to be worried about making sure the barrel is retracted before ...
5
votes
2answers
222 views
Can using an old flash damage a new DSLR if it never fired?
my daughter found my old flash (20+ years old) and tried it on her canon T3i. It didn't recognize it and it never fired, but she tried the shutter button. Could this have damaged her camera even if it ...
3
votes
1answer
313 views
Could taking pictures of a [candle] flame damage my camera?
I'm slightly inspired by the picture in this question involving candle flames.
I'm interested in taking similar pictures of candle flames and fire more generally, but I worry that it might cause ...
3
votes
2answers
347 views
Can video shooting have a negative effect on a DSLR sensor?
When compared to shooting still photographs, does shooting video have any negative effect on DSLR sensors? For example, I wonder if shooting video may produce more heat, which might be harmful for ...
33
votes
5answers
3k views
Will too much time-lapse photography reduce a DSLR's life, or cause any other damage?
I own a Canon 550D, and I'm planning to do some time-lapse experiments this weekend just for fun. Will it cause any damage or reduce my DSLR's lifetime if I do too much of it?
1
vote
2answers
351 views
Pentax DA L 55-300mm lens very soft--is it broken?
There seems to be a problem with my DA L 55-300mm lens, with very soft output at or near the telephoto end:
Wide-open test shot
Pentax K-5 with Pentax DA L 55-300mm @ 300mm. Av, 1/320s f/5.8 ISO ...
4
votes
1answer
123 views
Can lens stacking cause sensor damage?
Can damage be caused to a camera's imaging sensor (any size) simply by reversing, or stacking, lenses? Would stacking lenses cause a concentration of light to strike the sensor and perhaps damage ...
6
votes
3answers
356 views
Is it dangerous to do a lens change with power on?
I have just accidentally changed my lense over with the power on. In the manual it lists this as something you shouldn't do a a 'caution' . Can this cause damage? If so, what and how will I tell?
(I ...
19
votes
8answers
9k views
Are airport x-ray scanners safe for DSLRs / lenses / storage media?
While traveling by air here in India, one is instructed to remove all electronics like cell phones / media players / laptops and pass them thru the X-ray scanners separate from the rest of one's hand ...
5
votes
1answer
181 views
For the same number of shots, does continuous shooting wear out a shutter or other mechanical parts faster than single shots?
Does continuous shooting subject a shutter or other mechanical parts to more wear and tear than single shooting, assuming the same number of shots are taken? In other words, does firing x shots at 4 ...
1
vote
0answers
65 views
Bright dots on all images [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
Why is my camera showing a lot of stuck red and white pixels?
Recently I noticed that on every picture I take, there are some tiny (close to pixel size) bright dots ...
7
votes
3answers
479 views
How to tell if a polarizing filter is too damaged?
I dropped my CPL onto some rocks and it's a bit scratched up. There's no obvious effect in a (very cursory) look at the photos, but are there tests I can do to see if the damage has a visible effect?
10
votes
4answers
1k views
Is it risky or difficult to wet clean an image sensor?
I've discovered spots on the image sensor of my DSLR camera that cannot be cleaned using a blower bulb, so I would like to know the risk of problems, such as further image deterioration or damage to ...
0
votes
0answers
35 views
Can hot days damage your camera? [duplicate]
Possible Duplicate:
What will happen to a camera if it is taken to an environment beyond its operating temperature?
I have a canon t3i and I am curious to know just how much heat they can ...
3
votes
3answers
477 views
Can taking photo of the moon and/or stars at night cause damage to the camera sensor?
We know that taking photo of the sun can cause some degree of damage to the camera and our eyes. So, are there any damage to the camera (point and shoot / DSLR) when taking photo of the moon and/or ...
15
votes
7answers
1k views
How to use a tripod on the beach without damaging it?
The site already has a good example of what to consider in regards to camera and lenses around sand, but I specifically am wondering what considerations to make when using a tripod near sand. Many ...
4
votes
2answers
221 views
What would cause a Pentax SDM lens to stop autofocusing, and what can I do?
I've read many reports that the SDM autofocus motor in some Pentax lenses may stop working after several months or years of use. Why does this happen, and is there anything I can do to prevent ...
8
votes
2answers
983 views
How strong is the tripod mount on the bottom of a DSLR?
I'm looking at getting a sling-style strap for my camera (Canon 60D) but the one thing I keep wondering is if the tripod mount is strong enough to "hang" the camera from. I've seen some discussions ...
0
votes
1answer
271 views
Why do I sometimes get a shaking viewfinder image in my Canon 550D?
Sometimes I put my viewfinder to my eye before I turn on my camera. When I turn it on, the viewfinder image slightly shakes and moves a bit vertically. This also happens when I look through my ...
8
votes
2answers
796 views
Are these images symptomatic of shutter failure?
This is a burst sequence taken with a Canon 1D Mark II N in high-speed mode (8fps). You can see the bright line down the center and the dark area in the upper-right. I have several other sequences ...
2
votes
1answer
142 views
How to Prevent Static Buildup
A question was asked on what would happen to a camera if stored in a low humidity environment. mattdm's answer was:
In a word, static.
Digital cameras are electronic devices, and they also ...
0
votes
2answers
687 views
What will happen to a camera if the relative humidity drops to less than 35%?
What will happen to a camera that is stored in an environment with a very low relative humidity?
Will the camera crack, or what will happen?
Will it be the same for DSLRs, non-weatherproof point ...
3
votes
4answers
267 views
Does a digital camera lose its abilities in taking photos if it is left without use or used too often?
One of my friends mention to me that a digital camera (especially of the Superzoom type) will lose its abilities in taking photos (as compared when it was first brought) if it is left without use for ...
0
votes
1answer
282 views
How to smoke test basic functionality of a D90 during buying
I think, many beginners want to buy his/her first digital camera. Can them follow some check list to understand that the product is working and working well, has not physical damages, dust and so on. ...
2
votes
3answers
242 views
Is it worth getting third-party warranties on lenses?
I've just taken the plunge & ordered a refurbished Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 lens. Refurbished & on sale, it's still expensive -- about as much as my T1i + other lenses put together! I think my ...
12
votes
5answers
296 views
Can I damage an IS lens by moving it too quickly?
The other day, I was using my Canon 500D with the EF-S 55-250 IS lens. A couple of times after focusing I tried to recompose the picture, and noticed the image in the view finder suddenly shifted.
...
12
votes
3answers
699 views
Using carbon-fiber tripods in cold weather: safe temperatures, precautions, and effects of failure
I'm considering buying Manfrotto 055CXPRO3 carbon-fiber tripod legs with a Manfrotto 498RC2 ball head, but I've read that carbon fiber can break at low temperatures. (Note that the 055CXPRO3 uses ...
9
votes
8answers
683 views
Is it safe to carry around a tripod with a DSLR attached to the head?
Let's assume I'm coordinated enough not to hit anyone or anything with the tripod.
I'm concerned about the DSLR/plate/head interface. Assuming everything is properly attached and tightened, can I ...
3
votes
3answers
362 views
Is there any damage that a lens can have that is unrepairable?
Just wondering after I dropped my lens and had it repaired is there any specific kind of damage that would ruin a lens to the point where you'd be better just buying another used one.
I'm ...
8
votes
1answer
913 views
Can using an old flash damage a new DSLR?
I have been using my dad's old Metz mecablitz 18 B1 flash for a while with my Canon 7D and had no trouble with it, but just received some advice from a friend that using old flashes can fry the ...
