| Cameras are another story, and climatic conditions -- indoors and out -- can affect our photographic equipment in insidious ways. The temperature range in which a camera functions properly is 50 degrees C to -10 C (14 F to 122 F). Moisture, heat and sand are a camera’s worst enemies. A few simple precautions can help you reduce the wear and tear of climate on camera bodies, lenses and binoculars.
Too Hot ; Too Humid
The most common source of heat damage of course, comes from leaving a camera in a car in hot weather, or even on a cool but sunny day. The temperature in an overheated car can reach as much as 65 degrees C.The heat build-up will not only shift the color balance of your film; the minute amounts of oil in the body and lenses of the camera can thin out and separate, or even vaporize, any of which can cause damage to the camera. And that’s not even when the camera’s in the glove compartment. For the same reasons, avoid leaving your camera in a bag on a hot, sunny beach. Sand compounds the problem.
At home, storing a camera in a too-warm location can over time, harm your camera and film stored with it. If a camera is stored in a closet or drawer near a heating duct, or near a radiator or furnace, the temperature of the enclosed space may be enough to dry out the mechanism, or any leather parts such as the folding bellows on a Speed Graphic. Even the case will suffer in the dryness. Heat will also stimulate the growth of any mold or fungus that may be in the camera, and it will also hasten the leakage and corrosion of batteries.
Dampness breeds trouble. Mold and fungus can take root in a camera that’s been used in humid, tropical conditions, or stored too long in a too-damp basement. Growth is accelerated when conditions are toasty warm, so keep your camera dry and at a temperature of no higher than 20 C. Humidity should be no more than 40% in the room where it’s stored. At the same time, avoid storing photographic equipment in a drawer with mothballs or in a lab where there are chemicals; either can corrrode the parts.
Water, Water Everywhere
While the effects of humidity are cumulative, the effects of a dunking in water or a day shooting in drizzle are more immediate. If your camera lands in the drink, as it were, you need to dry it as quickly and carefully possible to minimize the chance of the water spreading further. No promises, but to minimize the chances of damage, at least in the short term, try the following steps.
On the spot:
. remove the lens
. rewind and remove the film
. remove the batteries
. shake the camera gently, taking advantage of gravity to get water out
. blot any visible water (except on the mirror and the shutter blades) with a soft, clean cloth or paper towel. Repeat: Do not touch the mirror or blades.
When you get home:
. leave the back and battery compartment open and the lens off
. let the camera air dry at room temperature, or place under a low-wattage/low-heat desk lamp (not halogen) for a few hours.
There’s no guarantee these measures will be adequate, but they are essential to give you a modicum of confidence that your camera will continue to function. Beware, however, that invisible moisture may eventually cause rust and corrosion to your camera.
Wet-Weather Shooting
While dunking is bad, shooting subjects like fall colors on grey, drizzly days can be a pleasure. However, it’s wise to try to keep unnecessary moisture out of your equipment whenever you can. If you’re shooting in damp weather, make a hood for your camera using a plastic bag and elastics. Fit the bag over the camera from the front; secure it to the lens with elastic(s); split the end of the bag just enough for the lens to peek through. The open end of the bag, which will rest against your forehead, will shield the viewer and controls from drizzle or light rain. In a downpour, head for shelter or shoot from under an umbrella.
When It’s Cold Outside
A plastic bag outdoors can also provide defense against moisture in cold weather. Coming indoors with cold equipment will cause condensation inside your camera, exactly the way your glasses fog up. It’s easy to wipe off your glasses, but not recommended for your camera. Instead, use a plastic bag to seal off your camera and minimize the termperature extremes. Before you bring your camera and lenses to a warm interior, seal them in a plastic bag. Leave them in the bag to warm up to at room temperature for several hours or overnight. This will reduce the risk of moisture damage to your fine equipment.
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