BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Photography Question 

Sobia Chishti
 

Sand in the Camera?


Hi all,
I was recently at a beach and accidently some sand got on the camera. Mostly it was stuck around the lens base where it is attached to the camera body. I have brushed out the sand as much as I could. Thought I don't see any of it now but I am scared to change the lens. Are there any precautions I should take before removing the lens? It's a Canon 7D and an L lens so you can imagine my concern.
Thanks for your help,
Sobia

P.S. The camera has been working fine. I have taken the images after the incident and downloaded on my computer.


To love this question, log in above
September 23, 2011

 

Bob Cammarata
  A camera and lens are a light-tight fit so it's doubtful that any sand made it to the inside.
There are other concerns that should be considered though. There may have been invisible particles of salt residue within the sand that may cause corrosion. To be sure, I'd take the camera and lens to a local repair shop for a thorough cleaning.


To love this comment, log in above
September 24, 2011

 
- Carlton Ward

BetterPhoto Member
Contact Carlton Ward
Carlton Ward's Gallery
  Hi Sobia,
Yes - What Bob said :)
I had a 20D w/100-400mm L lens get completely soaked 1 time. It could not been more wet if you held it under water but I let it air dry for 3 days, then used a Giotto hand blower and soft cloth to clean as best as I could, then I removed the CF card & battery and then the lens - cleaning everything as I went. Everything was fine and all of it is still working today.
I would be most cautious when separating the lens from the camera body and looking closely for specs of sand that may fall. Hold the camera pointing down to keep the sand from falling inside the camera body - but you could get some on the back of the lens which is easier to remove. I doubt you will have any trouble at all as the lens/body connection is well sealed.
My .02,
Carlton


To love this comment, log in above
September 26, 2011

 

Sobia Chishti
  Bob and Carlton, thanks for your helpful advice. Thankfuly my camera was not soaked with wet sand. It was dry, which brushed off easily and ...mostly. I did take out the battery and Cf card and cleaned them as well as all the nooks and crannies I could. The only thing left is the lens opening and the lens opening on the camera. I will follow all the neccessary precautions suggested and hope for the best.
Thanks again
Sobia


To love this comment, log in above
September 27, 2011

 
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here

Report this Thread