In
the "old days" of film cameras, pros had their cameras CLA'd
(cleaned, oiled and adjusted) on a regular basis. Even point and shoot
and Instamatic users were urged to periodically check battery and flash
contacts for corrosion.
Lenses and viewfinders needed to be cleaned and camera bodies given a general wipe down.
Today, digital cameras still need a bit of maintenance, but the process is quite different than the CLA of the past.
But some things do remain the same! Battery contacts still need to be checked and lenses and viewfinders/screens cleaned.
I'll get to batteries in a moment, but first a caveat about lenses.
Modern lenses have wonderful coatings that boost contrast and reduce the "flare" that sometimes occurs when
strong light falls directly on the lens. These coatings are delicate! Do not use anything on the lens surface other than an approved lens cloth or tissue. If you use a cloth, make sure no dirt or grit has gotten on it. Store the cloth properly and DO NOT just toss it in your camera bag or (worse yet) stuff it in your pocket.
Microfiber cleaning cloths are usually washable, which is a good thing to do periodically.
Lens cleaning liquids are still available, but need to be used carefully. Do not use commercial glass cleaners
designed for windows and cleaning counter tops.
Rule #1 is not to put drops of liquid on the lens. Put them on the cloth or lens tissue. Liquid placed on the lens can run
down the curved sides and possibly get inside the lens system. This would not be a good thing! And here's another warning: Do not try to wipe off the electronic screen with any liquid unless it is specifically approved for screen use. Other liquids may act as a solvent, fogging or dulling the screen.
Compact cameras with retractable lenses usually do not need as much attention as those with
lenses always exposed to the elements. Some non-retracting lenses may have some kind of glass cover over them. But this can still get dirty and still needs to be treated with some degree of care!
Battery Check
Owners of cameras using the standard sized AA or AAA cells should check for corrosion or, more likely, a slight film that can build up on battery contacts and cause problems. Older "super heavy duty" zinc-carbon batteries don't last long and may leak. And it's always a good idea to remove batteries if the camera is not used for an extended period of time.
Owners of cameras with the specially shaped rechargeable cells need to check them for viability. Many begin
to show signs of aging after two years. It's a good idea to write the date of purchase on them.
Firmware
Finally, something that most people don't think about. New or older, check with the camera manufacturer's website for something called a "firmware upgrade." This is a small bit of software that you download and -carefully following the instructions- load into your camera. Firmware upgrades update the software that runs the camera. These upgrades may
improve performance or correct for "bugs" that were found after the camera was put on the market. These upgrades can be offered shortly after a camera is introduced or, in some cases, a year or more later when enough improvements are indicated to offer the upgrade. In most cases, the customer is asked to place the software on a storage
card and then insert the card in the camera. Depending on the model, the upgrade might be detected automatically, or certain buttons pressed while powering up the unit to start the process.
In all cases, it is absolutely necessary to either have a fully charged battery or have the camera on AC power. That's because the upgrade overwrites files stored in a special memory area of the camera. If the camera loses power midway through the process, the camera may become inoperable.
It is also important to be sure the upgrade is for the exact model of camera you own and that it is not an earlier uneeded firmware package. For example, your camera may have already had the upgrade done at the factory, and only older models need the improvement.The bottom line is that upgrading your camera firmware is important, but it also important that you read all instructions carefully. The process may at first seem a bit intimidating and unforgiving, but is not as difficult as it looks!
Check these things periodically and especially before any major outing, and you won't be sorry!
Lenses and viewfinders needed to be cleaned and camera bodies given a general wipe down.
Today, digital cameras still need a bit of maintenance, but the process is quite different than the CLA of the past.
But some things do remain the same! Battery contacts still need to be checked and lenses and viewfinders/screens cleaned.
I'll get to batteries in a moment, but first a caveat about lenses.
Modern lenses have wonderful coatings that boost contrast and reduce the "flare" that sometimes occurs when
strong light falls directly on the lens. These coatings are delicate! Do not use anything on the lens surface other than an approved lens cloth or tissue. If you use a cloth, make sure no dirt or grit has gotten on it. Store the cloth properly and DO NOT just toss it in your camera bag or (worse yet) stuff it in your pocket.
Microfiber cleaning cloths are usually washable, which is a good thing to do periodically.
Lens cleaning liquids are still available, but need to be used carefully. Do not use commercial glass cleaners
designed for windows and cleaning counter tops.
Rule #1 is not to put drops of liquid on the lens. Put them on the cloth or lens tissue. Liquid placed on the lens can run
down the curved sides and possibly get inside the lens system. This would not be a good thing! And here's another warning: Do not try to wipe off the electronic screen with any liquid unless it is specifically approved for screen use. Other liquids may act as a solvent, fogging or dulling the screen.
Compact cameras with retractable lenses usually do not need as much attention as those with
lenses always exposed to the elements. Some non-retracting lenses may have some kind of glass cover over them. But this can still get dirty and still needs to be treated with some degree of care!
Battery Check
Owners of cameras using the standard sized AA or AAA cells should check for corrosion or, more likely, a slight film that can build up on battery contacts and cause problems. Older "super heavy duty" zinc-carbon batteries don't last long and may leak. And it's always a good idea to remove batteries if the camera is not used for an extended period of time.
Owners of cameras with the specially shaped rechargeable cells need to check them for viability. Many begin
to show signs of aging after two years. It's a good idea to write the date of purchase on them.
Firmware
Finally, something that most people don't think about. New or older, check with the camera manufacturer's website for something called a "firmware upgrade." This is a small bit of software that you download and -carefully following the instructions- load into your camera. Firmware upgrades update the software that runs the camera. These upgrades may
improve performance or correct for "bugs" that were found after the camera was put on the market. These upgrades can be offered shortly after a camera is introduced or, in some cases, a year or more later when enough improvements are indicated to offer the upgrade. In most cases, the customer is asked to place the software on a storage
card and then insert the card in the camera. Depending on the model, the upgrade might be detected automatically, or certain buttons pressed while powering up the unit to start the process.
In all cases, it is absolutely necessary to either have a fully charged battery or have the camera on AC power. That's because the upgrade overwrites files stored in a special memory area of the camera. If the camera loses power midway through the process, the camera may become inoperable.
It is also important to be sure the upgrade is for the exact model of camera you own and that it is not an earlier uneeded firmware package. For example, your camera may have already had the upgrade done at the factory, and only older models need the improvement.The bottom line is that upgrading your camera firmware is important, but it also important that you read all instructions carefully. The process may at first seem a bit intimidating and unforgiving, but is not as difficult as it looks!
Check these things periodically and especially before any major outing, and you won't be sorry!