How do you treat your camera?

VaughnA · 06-26-2010, 03:27 PM

Today I was shooting in an abandoned house and didn't have a tripod. I wanted to get some low angle shots so I just sat the camera in the dirt or on a brick to get the shots. I'm the type of person that thinks that as long as I keep the lens from getting scratched or damaged I'm good. I consider it a tool, not a piece of jewelry. I may have to wipe dirt off of the hood where it layed in the dirt but I get the shot. Are you ok with setting your gear on a dirty floor to get a shot or do you baby it and keep it wrapped up and perfectly safe?

magkelly · 06-26-2010, 04:54 PM

I usually will put something under it if I am sitting it on the ground or on a dirty floor. I also tend to keep it away from really dusty or wet humid environments as much as possible, though I have taken my camera to the beach I've never put it too near the water or on the sand. I will cover my camera with a plastic bag out in the rain, and I will stop entirely if it gets really bad.

I'm way too conscious of how much I love my gear and I can't really afford to just go out and replace it so yeah, I'm very careful. I also clean my camera and wipe my lenses. I've never cleaned a digital sensor, too scared, but otherwise I do my best to keep my cameras digital and film safe and clean.

It only takes10 seconds to slide a piece of paper or plastic bag under/over a camera to keep it safe from dirt or wet so why not do it? Why risk it if you can avoid the damage?

hcc · 06-26-2010, 05:16 PM

That is why I chose a WR camera body (K-7). To be able to deal with many rugged conditions without having to worry. Like you, I want to make the best shots and I am prepared to take some 'calculated risks'. This is how I have been getting my most interesting shots, and I do not regret it. (Let me add that I did not damage any camera in last 10 years.)

Off course, I always clean my camera and lenses afterwards. TLC is essential. (TLC = Tender, Love and Care.)

Another thing to remember is to never, ever swap lenses under dirty conditions (dusty, wet, damp, ...).

I love the K-7 for its rugged, solid body and WR.... That is why I chose Pentax ahead of Canon.

reeftool · 06-26-2010, 06:23 PM

I've done similar stuff, using railings, tree stumps, rocks and the ground for lack of a tripod. Once with one of my film cameras, I used damp sand on the beach to support the camera for a moonrise/ocean shot. The camera still works.

kalison · 06-26-2010, 06:59 PM

I treat mine like a goddess when I can. Otherwise I know she's like Xena. She gets dirty and kicks ass when needed.

I don't think that answers the question, but might raise some about me. lol

icywarm · 06-26-2010, 07:08 PM

I was knee/waist deep in water last weekend to get a shot of a dock being built and today a toddler managed to nab it and 'run' 2 feet with it. I don't think I'd take my camera underwater... but rain.. sure...

life is short... get the shot...

arbib · 06-26-2010, 07:22 PM

I've shot in lite rain with many camera's, Just hide them under a jacket and take it out for the picture. On the beach, when I lived near one, is ok... But, remember to wipe down the whole camera for salt water residue...Don't ever change a lens on the breach.. unless it's in a large baggie. The sea air is full of salt@! Just check your car windows after a few hours, you'll see.
But, all in all, if I can somewhat protect it, I will go for it. I don't own a WR lens though.

Wheatfield · 06-26-2010, 07:26 PM

I tend to just expect my cameras to take whatever I dish out, within reason.
Putting a piece of equipment on the ground doesn't concern me. If that's what's available, then that's what I use.

pickles · 06-26-2010, 08:03 PM

Originally posted by VaughnA

Today I was shooting in an abandoned house and didn't have a tripod. I wanted to get some low angle shots so I just sat the camera in the dirt or on a brick to get the shots. I'm the type of person that thinks that as long as I keep the lens from getting scratched or damaged I'm good. I consider it a tool, not a piece of jewelry. I may have to wipe dirt off of the hood where it layed in the dirt but I get the shot. Are you ok with setting your gear on a dirty floor to get a shot or do you baby it and keep it wrapped up and perfectly safe?

Your's is obviously the correct attitude.......but it's not mine!
I've only got a black Pentax SP11, but it's in mint condition, as are my lenses.
Part of the pleasure of photography for me is owning beautiful equipment, as well as using it!
Cheers, Pickles.

VaughnA · 06-26-2010, 08:23 PM

Originally posted by icywarm

I was knee/waist deep in water last weekend to get a shot of a dock being built and today a toddler managed to nab it and 'run' 2 feet with it. I don't think I'd take my camera underwater... but rain.. sure...

life is short... get the shot...

I like your attitude. I'm the same way. I take care of my equipment and make sure it will be usable next time but I'm not going to miss a shot because I'm worried that the scratch I'll be putting on the body will affect the resale value. I'm out there to shoot and improve my skills.

**Digitalis** · 06-27-2010, 12:50 AM

I treat my K-7 the same way I treat any other 35mm camera, they are small and well built(at least the ones I own) and the K-7 has taken more of a beating as my Leica M7 has over the years, that is for sure.

wildman · 06-27-2010, 01:13 AM

It's a tool not a fetish.

Or, at least, it should to be.

khardur · 06-27-2010, 05:55 AM

While I don't keep my stuff encased in bubble wrap, if I was putting it on a dirty floor I'd be tempted to put something between it - a cloth or a divider from my camera bag, for example.

Reason is this: while I know my cameras are both weather sealed and dust resistant, most of my lenses are not. And I know that if you don't clean that dirt off before changing a lens/removing memory cards/battery/etc., then there exists the possibility of getting crap inside the camera.

So basically, I'm careful, but not beyond reason. (I don't think anyway)

Marc Sabatella · 06-27-2010, 10:41 AM

I try to keep my camera and lenses well protected against anything that will affect their performance.

I don't sweat cosmetics.

VaughnA · 06-27-2010, 10:49 AM

Originally posted by Marc Sabatella

I try to keep my camera and lenses well protected against anything that will affect their performance.

I don't sweat cosmetics.

Exactly, I didn't get anything except for the bottom of the body and the lens hood in the dirt and wiped it off as soon as I was done. I'm careful not to do anything to hurt the operation of the cam or lens. But I'm not going to avoid using it because I might put a scratch on it or get it a bit dirty.

I also mountain bike. There are riders that worry about getting the first scratch on a bike to be treated rough in the dirt. I just don't get it.

06-26-2010, 03:27 PM	#1
VaughnA Banned Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,363	How do you treat your camera? Today I was shooting in an abandoned house and didn't have a tripod. I wanted to get some low angle shots so I just sat the camera in the dirt or on a brick to get the shots. I'm the type of person that thinks that as long as I keep the lens from getting scratched or damaged I'm good. I consider it a tool, not a piece of jewelry. I may have to wipe dirt off of the hood where it layed in the dirt but I get the shot. Are you ok with setting your gear on a dirty floor to get a shot or do you baby it and keep it wrapped up and perfectly safe?

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06-26-2010, 04:54 PM	#2
magkelly Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,901	I usually will put something under it if I am sitting it on the ground or on a dirty floor. I also tend to keep it away from really dusty or wet humid environments as much as possible, though I have taken my camera to the beach I've never put it too near the water or on the sand. I will cover my camera with a plastic bag out in the rain, and I will stop entirely if it gets really bad. I'm way too conscious of how much I love my gear and I can't really afford to just go out and replace it so yeah, I'm very careful. I also clean my camera and wipe my lenses. I've never cleaned a digital sensor, too scared, but otherwise I do my best to keep my cameras digital and film safe and clean. It only takes10 seconds to slide a piece of paper or plastic bag under/over a camera to keep it safe from dirt or wet so why not do it? Why risk it if you can avoid the damage?

06-26-2010, 05:16 PM	#3
hcc Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,002	That is why I chose a WR camera body (K-7). To be able to deal with many rugged conditions without having to worry. Like you, I want to make the best shots and I am prepared to take some 'calculated risks'. This is how I have been getting my most interesting shots, and I do not regret it. (Let me add that I did not damage any camera in last 10 years.) Off course, I always clean my camera and lenses afterwards. TLC is essential. (TLC = Tender, Love and Care.) Another thing to remember is to never, ever swap lenses under dirty conditions (dusty, wet, damp, ...). I love the K-7 for its rugged, solid body and WR.... That is why I chose Pentax ahead of Canon.

06-26-2010, 06:23 PM	#4
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,554	I've done similar stuff, using railings, tree stumps, rocks and the ground for lack of a tripod. Once with one of my film cameras, I used damp sand on the beach to support the camera for a moonrise/ocean shot. The camera still works.

06-26-2010, 06:59 PM	#5
kalison Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Utah Posts: 376	I treat mine like a goddess when I can. Otherwise I know she's like Xena. She gets dirty and kicks ass when needed. I don't think that answers the question, but might raise some about me. lol

06-26-2010, 07:08 PM	#6
icywarm Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Saskatchewan Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,278	I was knee/waist deep in water last weekend to get a shot of a dock being built and today a toddler managed to nab it and 'run' 2 feet with it. I don't think I'd take my camera underwater... but rain.. sure... life is short... get the shot...

06-26-2010, 07:22 PM	#7
arbib Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Camby, Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 379	I've shot in lite rain with many camera's, Just hide them under a jacket and take it out for the picture. On the beach, when I lived near one, is ok... But, remember to wipe down the whole camera for salt water residue...Don't ever change a lens on the breach.. unless it's in a large baggie. The sea air is full of salt@! Just check your car windows after a few hours, you'll see. But, all in all, if I can somewhat protect it, I will go for it. I don't own a WR lens though.

06-26-2010, 07:26 PM	#8
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,981	I tend to just expect my cameras to take whatever I dish out, within reason. Putting a piece of equipment on the ground doesn't concern me. If that's what's available, then that's what I use.

06-26-2010, 08:03 PM	#9
pickles Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: melbourne Posts: 937	Originally posted by VaughnA Today I was shooting in an abandoned house and didn't have a tripod. I wanted to get some low angle shots so I just sat the camera in the dirt or on a brick to get the shots. I'm the type of person that thinks that as long as I keep the lens from getting scratched or damaged I'm good. I consider it a tool, not a piece of jewelry. I may have to wipe dirt off of the hood where it layed in the dirt but I get the shot. Are you ok with setting your gear on a dirty floor to get a shot or do you baby it and keep it wrapped up and perfectly safe? Your's is obviously the correct attitude.......but it's not mine! I've only got a black Pentax SP11, but it's in mint condition, as are my lenses. Part of the pleasure of photography for me is owning beautiful equipment, as well as using it! Cheers, Pickles.

06-26-2010, 08:23 PM	#10
VaughnA Banned Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,363 Original Poster	Originally posted by icywarm I was knee/waist deep in water last weekend to get a shot of a dock being built and today a toddler managed to nab it and 'run' 2 feet with it. I don't think I'd take my camera underwater... but rain.. sure... life is short... get the shot... I like your attitude. I'm the same way. I take care of my equipment and make sure it will be usable next time but I'm not going to miss a shot because I'm worried that the scratch I'll be putting on the body will affect the resale value. I'm out there to shoot and improve my skills.

06-27-2010, 12:50 AM	#11
Digitalis Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Melbourne, Victoria Photos: Gallery Posts: 11,694	I treat my K-7 the same way I treat any other 35mm camera, they are small and well built(at least the ones I own) and the K-7 has taken more of a beating as my Leica M7 has over the years, that is for sure.

06-27-2010, 01:13 AM	#12
wildman Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Flyover America Posts: 4,469	It's a tool not a fetish. Or, at least, it should to be.

06-27-2010, 05:55 AM	#13
khardur Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Massachusetts Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,560	While I don't keep my stuff encased in bubble wrap, if I was putting it on a dirty floor I'd be tempted to put something between it - a cloth or a divider from my camera bag, for example. Reason is this: while I know my cameras are both weather sealed and dust resistant, most of my lenses are not. And I know that if you don't clean that dirt off before changing a lens/removing memory cards/battery/etc., then there exists the possibility of getting crap inside the camera. So basically, I'm careful, but not beyond reason. (I don't think anyway)

06-27-2010, 10:41 AM	#14
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,685	I try to keep my camera and lenses well protected against anything that will affect their performance. I don't sweat cosmetics.

06-27-2010, 10:49 AM	#15
VaughnA Banned Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,363 Original Poster	Originally posted by Marc Sabatella I try to keep my camera and lenses well protected against anything that will affect their performance. I don't sweat cosmetics. Exactly, I didn't get anything except for the bottom of the body and the lens hood in the dirt and wiped it off as soon as I was done. I'm careful not to do anything to hurt the operation of the cam or lens. But I'm not going to avoid using it because I might put a scratch on it or get it a bit dirty. I also mountain bike. There are riders that worry about getting the first scratch on a bike to be treated rough in the dirt. I just don't get it.