Maintenance refers to the upkeep of equipment.
35
votes
9answers
2k views
What is the best way to clean lenses and filters?
After removing dust with an air pomp and a brush, what are you using to remove stains from the lens and filters?
So far I'm using the liquid from a Giotto's CL 1002 cleaning kit for the lens, but I'm ...
12
votes
2answers
332 views
How to properly clean a camera
I have a Canon Digital Rebel XT. When I look through my camera's viewfinder, I see a tiny speck near the bottom middle. It seems to cause my camera to not focus well (I have autofocus (AF) turned ...
10
votes
1answer
361 views
Is dust in a zoom lens a problem which should be addressed?
I have accumulated some amount of dust inside one of my zoom lenses, visible through the front glass.
It does not appear to affect picture quality as far as I can tell, but I wonder if this is ...
8
votes
4answers
1k views
What are the best methods for cleaning really dirty lens elements?
I bought old M42 Pentacon 50mm f1.8 lens from a car boot sale. It works but is pretty dirty and it has also dirt inside (no mould/fungus though).
Opening the lens is not a problem but I would like to ...
4
votes
1answer
357 views
What is an auto-focus motor?
I recently bought a Canon 550D, and I read it has an auto-focus motor, which not all cameras possess. I'd like to know what it is, and what I can do to keep it running smoothly; AFAIK the manual ...
18
votes
6answers
812 views
How long should a lens last?
There are loads of ratings and tests for how long DSLR bodies last, but I have never really seen much that describes the expected lifespan of lenses.
Recently, one of my cheap-o lenses (Nikon ...
5
votes
4answers
221 views
How do I clean the external forward-facing glass on my lens?
How do I clean the external forward-facing glass on my lens?
Over the last year or so of use it has accumulated a little dust and a translucent smear mark. Nothing serious, but I'd like to remove ...
4
votes
3answers
226 views
Lens Cleaner Recommendations
What is, in your opinion, the best lens cleaner? Which do you think is the most effective/best value for your money/most easy to use, etc.
Please include advantages/disadvantages as well as price and ...
3
votes
4answers
2k views
How should I take care of my new DSLR?
I am getting a new Nikon D5100 (with 18-55mm VR Lens Kit). This is going to be my first DSLR. I wanted to get some tips from you guys on how to maintain it in the long term. I am getting a 52mm UV ...
8
votes
1answer
171 views
Can you service a tripod?
I have 'inherited' a Bilora tripod that's about 30-40 years old, at a guess. It's in decent nick but some of the head motion feels a bit 'sticky'.
Is it possible to 'service' tripods, or should I ...
5
votes
1answer
286 views
Colored powder in a lens: will it need a cleaning?
I was taking photos of people playing Holi. Some of the powdered colour landed on the lens of my Canon Powershot S95, and in the groove of the flash housing. By lens, I mean the cylindrical part that ...
