MAINTAIN YOUR CAMERA GEAR (or RUIN it)

[@garryjohns351]

Consider vacuuming out your camera bag on a regular basis as well. Especially after a trip to the beach.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Notes: I show a lens cleaning brush with the bristles, but I accidentally called it a sensor cleaning brush. The way I demonstrate cleaning the sensor is correct. It's a myth that you should discharge your Li-ion battery; that practice shortens the lifespan. I cleaned a lens 1,000 times with my t-shirt to test whether it would damage the lens, breathing on it every time, and it was perfect afterwards. I know traditionally people recommend against it, but I believe in real world testing and evidence. I think it's probably better to hold your camera upside down when using the blower, but I'm not sure it really makes a difference since dust isn't very heavy, but yeah, might as well invert the body.

[@vdiitd]

You need to pin this comment.

[@scottbcole]

Hey Tony, I posted this in a different reply, however I think it's relevant here as well: I always face the camera body toward the ground when I change lenses. I have had my two D850 and my D810 for years now and have had very little in the way of dust on my sensors, and I do change lenses fairly often. 😁 Oh and by the way, I agree with you about the tee shirt in a pinch... there is no way that the soft clean cotton of a shit is going to damage glass. 🤪

[@whafrog]

Tony, I love this channel and the deep tech dives you take, but you almost always back it up with *actual data you have tested yourself*. In this case, the data is lacking. "It's a myth that you should discharge your Li-ion battery; that practice shortens the lifespan."...where did you get that? Did you test it? I did, and provided examples. Constant topping up batteries, which is what you recommend, is just a really bad idea. It's certainly worse than completely draining them, if that is even an issue (I've never had issues with it). It might be true that complete draining is unnecessary, but your recommendation on that score is far worse.

[@grandetaco4416]

I hate to say this Tony, but you may need to edit this video. I almost took you seriously on the brush thing. I was perplexed because you never mentioned it in the sensor cleaning video. I was thinking this would be a good way to get superficial dust off without having to use my cleaning kit swabs. Glad I read the comments.

[@jettysplash]

Thanks Tony. No Joke... I'm kind of a newbie with high grade cameras. The first time I accidentally planted a fingerprint on my high grade brand new expensive lens I had anxiety attacks for not knowing how to clean it and "what can I possibly do?, now its not perfect anymore! Did I ruin it?", LOL. I appreciate research you did actually TRYING to "ruin" the lens and proving expensive photography equipment is designed and crafted to handle day to day use and maintenance by human beings. Sounds like you had had enough of the stories and folklore about lenses :) Bumped mine a few times in horror, but I never dropped my lens and I am so much not looking forward to any such moment.

[@gsherlock]

When you change lenses, particularly on mirrorless cameras point the open flange and sensor toward the ground in order to minimise dust settling on you sensor. It doesn't take long to develop this as a habit and its something I had drilled into me as a camera trainee in the film industry as best practice, we were always taught to obsess about hair or dust getting into the gate.

Actually this is not a rule. You point towards the ground the thing that is more expensive, eg. 2000 dollar lens instead of 1000 euro dslr = the thing that is easier to change if necessary.

[@rickymcc9072]

Yes. Agree. I also take care to minimise dust falling into/onto rear of lens as that too can eventually end up on sensor. It's more a problem with DSLRs though as a flapping mirror can create small air turbulence inside camera between lens and sensor. So another very small advantage to using mirrorless vs DSLRs. Perhaps offset by fact that a mirror can catch dust that might otherwise just fall directly onto your mirrorless sensor - perhaps Canon R with sensor protection is thus better than unprotected sensor found on Sony, Fuji, Nikon Z etc?

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

As somebody that's spent time studying in a biology lab, if the sensor is warm, you're probably better pointing the body up, so that the air current is exiting the camera rather than being sucked into it. One of the things I learned to do when setting up aseptic test tubes was to run the top through the Bunsen burner for a moment, so the tube would have the air flowing out of it slightly, rather than in. This is probably a large part of why it dosn't much matter which way the camera is pointed in most cases, especially if you've got a sensor that can self clean minor dust. I"m sure there are situations where it does matter a great deal, but in those cases, you're likely better off changing the lens inside of a bag where there's very little chance of dust getting in there.

[@GeorgeENorkus]

Tony, you mentioned using a soft brush to occasionally clean under "things" on your camera. A very good Idea. For outdoors photographers, there might be a time where you're climbing or slip where part of the camera gets mud on it. Soft brushes don't work well in those cases. Instead get a toothbrush that you have cut the handle shorter to fit in a small space for emergency times. They are just a bit stiffer and work well in most cases. Use it the same way as the soft one you suggested.

[@peterskennerton5198]

Run 2 brushes, 1 for lens cleaning and the other for general cleaning. Some tripod parts may have lubricant on them which may be transferred to the brush and then whatever else you clean with it. I use a soft toothbrush as my general brush so it never gets used on lenses by mistake.

[@25Dzone]

Small tip for people wanting to just have something useful in the hot shoe - get a tiny hot shoe level. It is useful when lining a shot and covers the hot shoe. :)

[@ma3xiu1]

I tried that on my M50, but the hot shoe level fools the camera into thinking there is an external flash mounted, and the internal flash doesn’t work anymore unless I revoke the level. It’s not a huge deal, but sometimes it is handy to flip up the internal flash to get a bit of fill light when taking a selfie.

[@stephenarling1667]

Hot shoe levels are so inaccurate as to be worthless except as a shoe cover.

[@christopherjc54]

@@ma3xiu1 that sucks, the level really should've been designed as a cold shoe accessory

[@christopherjc54]

@@stephenarling1667 you can get a more accurate one, they are gravity powered so don't see how they can suck if built well

[@nurd45]

You should face the camera towards the floor when using a blower on the sensor

[@geoffreyenriquez]

Agreed. It (gravity) helped me get a tough dust speck out several times by facing the sensor towards the floor while using a blower.

[@gewglesux]

@@geoffreyenriquez agreed x2

[@stuart_anderson]

Definitely!!! Otherwise the dust can just settle back onto the sensor. I change lenses the same way.

[@scottbcole]

I always face the camera body toward the ground when I change lenses. I have had my two D850 and my D810 for years now and have had very little in the way of dust on my sensors, and I do change lenses fairly often. 😁

[@aseingarnevaborn]

Thankfully with the EOs R the sensor cover has meant touch wood I’ve not got any dust in there to date.

[@TheDro]

I lost a screw not long ago from my manfroto tripod and ever since ive started always checking for anything loose. Glad you mentioned this!

[@TheUlitamateStunt]

I 100% attest to the safety of keeping your lens hood attached. It won't always save you, but I've dropped two lenses in my lifetime (one when changing lens and the other slid off my bag) and both times the lens hood absorbed the fall. Stops me bumping into trees and such. Keeps rain off. Also probably reduces dust/sand. Best of all, it makes the lens look cooler

[@kirstymclaren3869]

Agreed with all of that! But don't forget its primary purpose is to keep the sun out of the lens, thereby reducing flare & haze. But I definitely use it for protection too.

[@michaelhanrahan5349]

3:12 That brush is definitely not a sensor cleaning brush. do not, under any circumstances, use for cleaning your sensor. It's usually used to dust off lenses, lens bodies, camera bodies or any general dusting of equipment.

[@deltafit]

100% never, NEVER, EVER use one of these brushes to clean your sensor. I did and it left the senor about 5 times DIRTIER than when I started as tiny hair and fibers from the brush are left on the sensor. They can also scratch your sensor and I was very lucky not to of scratched mine.

[@astheskylarksings]

Be prepared to get a nasty message from them in the near future trying to rebut this comment

[@christopherjc54]

@@astheskylarksings why?

[@kea5697]

"You can get little hot shoe covers, your camera probably came with one" Canon users, "I don't get it" lol

[@matthewkeisling2776]

Latte Double Shot Nikon has seemed to stop including them also. 🙁

[@sixthdutch]

@@matthewkeisling2776 Time to switch to Sony I guess! 😆

[@matthewkeisling2776]

Nah. I ordered a Nikon one for a couple of bucks. I will probably try a third-party one later, to see if they measure up. When the time comes for me to go mirrorless, Sony is obviously a top choice.

[@icytropics8358]

Latte Double Shot 🤣

[@unbroken1010]

Yeah that's a big one with Sony my a6000 start not functioning a little because the flash sensors got wet. They really need to put that one in the instruction booklet dumbasses

[@stuartschaffner9744]

I have mentioned this before, but some experts think that using any unfiltered source of air, such as an unfiltered bulb blower, is dangerous. First, if the bulb blower has ingested some grit (Iceland!), it will propel this grit toward the sensor at high speed. You really don't want to sandblast your sensor surface, especially with volcanic pumice. I have a slightly more expensive bulb blower with a filter on the intake valve. Second, I've never done this, but it is certainly possible to accidentally scrape the tip of the blower across the surface of the sensor. I would be especially careful about using a bulb blower while the sensor is facing downwards, unless you are holding the entire camera above you. Third, supposedly a lot of the dust that used to be on the sensor inevitably ends up elsewhere in the camera's inner cavity, no matter how you clean it. Blowing a hurricane of air into the entire cavity could easily move lots of dust back onto the sensor. Finally, static electricity has a hugely attractive effect on dust. It is well known that blowing air over an insulating surface can induce a static charge. In fact, the manufacturer of my sensor cleaning gear suggests that you use a blower on the sensor cleaner brush to charge it. The dust is then attracted to the brush. Tony is a legitimate expert on camera matters, so I am not objecting to what he is saying. I would just like to know why he disagrees with the advice of other experts.

[@stuartschaffner9744]

@W N , good points. Perhaps I wasn't clear enough, but I am willing to take Tony's word that some of my suggested precautions aren't necessary. I just wish he would explain why he disagrees with the other experts.

[@stuartschaffner9744]

@W N , you bet I remember! Do you remember all the smells of a darkroom?

[@romancoins4429]

Thanks Tony, I had to share the video with some friends. They think I am crazy because I maintain my equipment like you were showing in your video. No matter how much I use my camera and lenses, they look brand new.

[@stephenarling1667]

Be sure the firmware update comes directly from the manufacturer's site.

[@dragonwisard]

Unless it's Magic Lantern. When I was shopping for my first ILC body I considered getting an old Canon specifically so I could run Magic Lantern firmware.

[@OliverAndrews]

For all those questioning Tony's battery replacement regime... Rechargeable battery lifetime is determined by charge cycles rather than time, and small ones like camera batteries are usually only rated around 300 to 500 cycles (it would be nice if manufacturers would publish their actual figures). So if you're using enough juice that you have to do a full charge on all your batteries at least once on a daily basis then they will indeed only last about a year before their capacity is significantly reduced. If however you only have to do a full charge every few days, or once a week, or less, then you'll get a few years out of them.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Sort of. Ideally, you should never charge a Li-on battery past 80% or discharge to zero. If a battery every gets all the way to actual zero, you'll probably be unable to charge it at all again. Most of the time when it hits "0%" it's 0% of what it thinks it can still use without destroying the battery completely. In practice, unless you're doing a ton of shooting, like as a pro, you're probably not going to do enough damage quickly enough to have that be a bigger factor than the natural oxidation of the connections inside the battery. But, if you are a pro, or somebody that shoots a ton, you're likely better off buying additional batteries and keeping the charge in that range. If you occasionally dip blow or above, it's probably not an issue, but you will get longer life out of the batteries if you charge from roughly 15% to 80% and keep it in that range as much as possible.

[@matthewkeisling2776]

Good video. A couple of notes that you (Tony & Chelsea) probably know, but might help others. First, Nikon has apparently stopped including little things like the hot shoe protector with new cameras. In addition to your suggestion to buy a little stack of them, it's also a good way to round out a purchase if you are close to the free shipping or discount threshold. As for tripod heads, some (Manfrotto) tripods include a set screw under the plate where the head screws down. You snug down the head, then turn the set screw from below to keep the head from turning to loosen. Keep up the great content!

[@mike_lambert]

Thats not a Sensor Cleaning brush thats a lens cleaning brush, slip of the tongue! Do not use it on your sensor!

[@carlgphotography]

Saw that too.

[@grandetaco4416]

glad you said something I was like, really?!? cool.

[@cameraz99]

I stopped the video the moment he said that so I could leave a comment. You beat me to it!

[@jeepjoseph9036]

@@grandetaco4416 DO NOT TOUCH THE SENSOR! EVER! YOU PROBABLY DONT KNOW WHAT UOU ARE DOING (anyone in general). SEND IT TO THE MANUFACTURER

[@christopherjc54]

@@jeepjoseph9036 the manufacturer will do the same thing that you would, you just need to learn how to do it correctly. youtube is a great place to learn

[@deltafit]

NEVER, EVER, EVER use one of those 'sensor cleaning brushes' to clean the actual sensor of your camera. Take it from someone who did exactly that and trust me, it leaves the sensor about 5 times worse as tiny hairs and fibers come off the brush and are left on your sensor. You also run the risk of scratching your sensor with these things don't do it!

[@scotthullinger9955]

Oh? Then tell me: How the hell do you clean your clean your sensor? With a Q tip?

[@jeepjoseph9036]

@@scotthullinger9955 you dont touch the sensor. You send it in. Nikon actually made it to where only they can repair the cameras. And it would be like the shutter in my d3500 going out and me trying to replace it myself

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

@@scotthullinger9955 Many modern cameras have a dedicated mode that will reverse the polarity on the sensor to remove the charged dust particles that were attracted to it due to the flow of electricity through the sensor. If you need more than that, and honestly, you probably don't. Either you use dust deletion built into the camera, or you send it to a professional that knows how to clean it without damaging it. Unless you're working in a very dusty environment, the likelihood of requiring the sensor cleaned is rather unlikely. The sensor heats up with use and will tend to cause dust to be pushed away. If you don't change the lens a lot, there probably won't be much inside to be attracted to the sensor in the first place. Much of what does get in there will probably be discouraged by the dust removal routine that many modern cameras have.

[@PaulKretz]

I cover hot shoe with a nice Chinese *rubber square with level bubble* . Protective and practical.

[@matthewkeisling2776]

Paul Kretz I have considered these as an alternative, because not all cameras have a virtual horizon option. Thanks for affirming that these work for you.

[@CristianCalhoun]

I saw that too in Thailand, but my wife didn't let me buy it. 😅😁

[@PaulKretz]

@@CristianCalhoun That's one of the reasons I do not marry, LOL =)

[@peterk3574]

Cristian Calhoun, sell the lady and buy that level

[@CristianCalhoun]

@@PaulKretz , you got it! :D Or: it's just one more reason to get divorced. :D

[@kurtoheim6183]

Everything you and Chelsea do is helpful. Thanks for this video.

[@joelwebster8227]

I get my camera cleaned by Sony in Tokyo at least once a year. I book a day/time in advance by phone. There is an Alpha booth onsite with a specialist technician equipped with amongst other things a microscope. The process takes one hour and you get a before/after image of the sensor when they hand the camera back. The process costs 2,000 yen and they are very, very thorough. Process is all in Japanese and the S/N has to be in their DB, so probably not going to work non-Japanese speakers or cameras from overseas. The service is also available in other main cities around Japan.

[@ziginox]

Tip for keeping fungus out of your lenses: Put some silica desiccant packets, scavenged from new shoes, clothes, bags, etc, in your camera bag. I have about five hidden under dividers in my medium-sized camera backpack. Adjust for your size of bag. They'll draw moisture out of the lenses, stunting fungal growth and also helping to keep corrosion at bay. As a bonus, if you put any lenses in wet (wipe them off first, though!) they dry off super quickly.

[@enri_1986]

I usually disassemble my tripod to clean the inside of the legs and levers. The supplied allen/torx key isn't the best, so I recommend getting a larger driver of the size. I also fabricated my own "cleaning snake" by taking a metal clothes hanger and making a slot to fit a rolled napkin securely. Since its that small, I don't have to worry about scratching the insides of the legs, and the napkin adds a layer of cushon. You may also lubricate the leg sections by following your owners manual, but I haven't seen the need for it. Lastly, when assembling the unit, be sure to not over tighten the screws as you could risk damaging the threads or making it impossible to pull the levers, (if any).

[@jonhermannsson9231]

my method to prevent sensor dust - have multiple bodies - I hardly ever change lenses :) I hate changing lenses - yes it will cost you - a professionals must own several bodies - say wedding photographers, a wide ( can be APS-C) - a 35or50mm a 85/135 and a 70-200 So 3-5 bodies - for a Pro 2 bodies a must - so adding 1-2 additional bodies - say one for second shooter and one for backup in case one fails - so really 3 needed - adding 1-2 more will eliminate much of lens changing - Sony A6500/6400 or Fuji XT3s are ideal for say the wide angle lens -

[@iamaduckquack]

Not once have I seen a wedding photographer using more than 2 cameras. 2 is fine: one with a portrait prime and the other with a good quality short zoom.

[@robbedoeslegrand236]

Two of those mirrorless blessings: Sensor cleaning and battery changes. I keep my dlsr somewhat longer.

[@ivankiefer3886]

I own a dslr and i get dust in a regular basis could be because i change lenses a lot and most of the time is outside. Also same for battery after year or year an a half becomes a not reliable battery.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Good reminders. One other thing I do regularly is use an alcohol wipe on the mating surfaces of the lens and camera. You’d be amazed at the amount of material that collects on the wipe. I assume most is dust but the tolerances are close enough that some may be metal shavings, particularly with a new lens or body.

[@rkuns]

Thought I had dust on my XT-3 sensor, turned out it was on rear element of 55-200mm lens. The rear element is very close to sensor unlike DSLR, so check that too when you see a slightly blurry spot.

[@msbrownbeast]

My original LP-E6 battery has lasted for 10 years already and still going strong. Came with the 7D when purchased new in 2009. Over 150K shutter count.

Same as mine. On one pack i can shoot through whole weekend. Usually i go to even with only one charged battery and whatever is in the rest, no need to overcharge things.

[@msbrownbeast]

I have very seldom needed to use a backup battery during the whole time I have using the 7D, perhaps 2 or 3 times in 10 years. In the meantime, the backup battery had to be replaced several times.

[@TimLucasdesign]

You stop using a battery after a year??? Sent them to me!

[@clmims100]

I have maintained cameras for many organizations. The most important thing is to use the equipment as much as possible. If you do not use it often, sell it or give it to school or a group that can use it. I have donated many cameras and find it is a good excuse to buy newer equipment. Cameras do not deteriorate as fast as they become obsolete. Let someone use it while the equipment has value. We all have way too much stuff, simplify and concentrate on making images.

[@mccheeseburger01]

Don't vacuum inside your camera. I did that and it somehow pulled dust behind the focus screen and also into the viewfinder. Thankfully I was able to disassemble and clean it all out. But it caused an awful amount of stress and hassle.

[@andreik3096]

lol, imagine your distress and the shift of the mood from being proud of yourself after finding such a smart way of cleaning your camera, stopping the hoove, looking at the viewfinder and next cursing at yourself for almost ruining it completely :-)))

[@iamaduckquack]

Never use a hoover on any electronics. They build up static which can short the electronics you're trying to clean.

[@lylecameron5578]

As usual, great video. Same as Tony, I do "not" screw a filter onto lens unless in a harsh environment, e.g. salt air/beach. This does not apply, of course, to ND or Polarizer filters when necessary. Then, when I do, I use a Nikon Clear.

[@matlynwood6225]

if you want the camera to work properly with the lens dont forget to clean the contacts that allow the lens and the camera to peak to each other. if you are using your gear in damp or winter weather they can corrode easly as they are brass.

[@lesliefranklin1870]

And for those who have waterproof cameras and snorkel/swim/dive with your camera, make sure to thoroughly clean the camera with a brush (normally provided) in clean fresh water and make sure it's completely dry before opening any of the doors. Also, before you enter the water, make sure there isn't any hair or sand that would defeat the waterproof seals and cause the camera to flood.

[@jjccllgg]

I agree 100% on the batteries. However, I believe that, in the case of the Leica C-Lux, the battery for the Limix ZS-200 is the same thing. They are almost identical cameras! Thank you for your video!

[@patricksmith2553]

One of the reasons myself and almost all of my colleagues in the photojournalism world still use DSLR's like the D4s and D5 that I use, is the battery life and durability. My D4s battery from 2014 still has level 3/4 battery life and easily gets me 3500 images or more and the D5 battery is even better at around 4500 images. I have literally used one battery on a single charge for weeks before and there is no mirrorless option yet from Nikon that offers "professional" quality like a D4/D5. I will probably be buying a D6 due to this issue with Nikon and the fact that I highly doubt Nikon will release a pro mirrorless body anytime soon.

[@JoshKaufmanstuff]

Just get yourself a battery grip, your mirrorless will even feel like a DSLR 👍😁

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

@@JoshKaufmanstuff Yes, and a good battery grip will also have additional control buttons to make the camera operate as if that's its normal orientation. It definitely makes for a nice experience, even when you don't need the additional battery capacity.

[@21EOSlvr]

Per several Li-ion battery manufacturers: If you're not going to use a Li-ion battery for a while (a month or more), it's best to store it at ~50 percent capacity. And 60 degrees F is ideal if possible. Do not store in freezer.

[@iamaduckquack]

People freeze their batteries!?

[@blo5289]

Awesome channel! Thank you. Just a comment on Loctite. To get the most from the Loctite, be sure to remove all oil from the threads with acetone, alcohol, etc prior to using. Also, I’m assuming you’re suggesting using the blue Loctite as the red Loctite requires you apply heat to remove.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Yes, there are several different loctite formulas. The blue is the one to use, the others either require heat or extreme force to break through if you decide to loosen and retighten. Also, If you expect to tighten and retighten in the field, but don't want it to come loose, you might be able to get things drilled for safety wires or replace nuts with castle nuts that will take a cotter pin. In the vast majority of cases, this is not necessary, but if you're expecting to dangle $4k, or more, in gear over the side of a cliff, it's probably worth doing. Otherwise, you'd likely want to skip it.

[@oscarmike47]

depends how you shoot really. i have had my 550d for 10 years now. never cleaned it. i have taken care of it however. never dropped it or got it wet. for 9 of those 10 years it only had one lens on there so no dust could get in i suppose. i only last year bought a few extra lenses. i have checked for sensor dust but havnt found any yet.

[@ZeldagigafanMatthew]

On SLR's dust on the sensor is much less of an issue than it is for mirrorless systems.

[@jimmiealeshire7605]

Great info Tony thanks. Just got started in photography. Need all the help I can get, from your videos.

[@MeganOHowe]

Hemp shirts are great for cleaning my camera, in fact I have an old shirt I use for cleaning my lens I prefer an alcohol solution then dry it out with a circular wipe with the hemp fabric. Hemp is a superior fiber than cotton or what most shirts are made from, hemp absorbs better and gets softer over time and use.

[@fixitrod4969]

I like hemp before cleaning my lens ;)

[@fixitrod4969]

And after ...

[@fixitrod4969]

Even during sometimes....

[@fixitrod4969]

But I'd never waste it on the lens...lol

[@fixitrod4969]

I think I'll go eat some ding dongs... be right back...

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

I prefer to buy an extra toothbrush to clean my tripod or the camera (not including the sensor). It is easier to remove stubborn dusts compared to the generic brushes.

[@gewglesux]

Agreed.... same here..

[@oc2phish07]

Strangely enough, I also use a toothbrush.

[@loudandclearmedia]

"Throw out your $70 battery after a year".....um yeah, no.

[@stephenarling1667]

Pity there seems to be no consistent universal metering device to report usable battery capacity, like there is for NiMH and NiCd cells. Proprietary sizes of calendar-limited batteries is such a racket, like calendar-limited injet cartridges.

[@kevindahlen]

Well, one could take it as them simply saying... if you noticed a drop in battery life, and the battery is a year or more old, that is normal. He also said they have stretched it out to 2 years. I have had some pretty good luck on my Canon batteries.

[@sexysilversurfer]

My canon battery still going even after 6years and my older one from 10years. Of course as a professional it would make sense to change after a few years.

[@djsuth7727]

Another ridiculous statement from Tony.

[@samnelson4975]

@@djsuth7727 yes, no , maybe. If you are a pro you go thru batteries but as an amateur who has multiple batteries and cameras I still have some 10year old ones for my xti backup camera which work fine.

[@MrFirstdance2000]

Your Beta testing method is one that I've taken in all things electronics/software. Thanks so much for this newest video!

[@christianonphotography]

Thx for sharing this video! Really appreciate all the mentioned things...except the last one: Maintaining your skillset. As you said...trends come and go. Well, that s ok .. but in my point of view, you should stay close to what you want to shoot, not what is "trendy" or "hip". Most of the ppl here (me included) don't have to earn their living with photography. So in my point of view, you should "maintain" your skillset by improving what YOU want to after and IGNORE trends. Otherwise, you will never get to the point to be you, cause you already chasing the next trend.

[@alangarrett]

Tony, Thanks for making all of your videos. You and Chelsea are the bomb! I just move to manchester CT. If you do anything locally, I will try to come support you guys.

[@monomamori]

Nice, thank you for the suggestions! I just started with photography, this video was helpful

[@ArchAn6el89]

Great vid, Tony!! Lots of tips that only come from experience.

[@TheRealMarxz]

one thing that tripped me up for far too long with my mirrorless travel setup is confusing dust and dirt on the rear lens element with sensor dust. unlike with DSLR's some mirrorless lenses are so close to the sensor that the effect is the same... I think my MFT kit went in for sensor cleaning at least 3 times before I realised the smudges were only on the shots with the wide angle zoom lens... and the spots were only on shots with normal zoom lens... ...and that they were the same on both bodies :( yeh felt a bit dumb for not picking up on that earlier

[@patricksmith2553]

My tripod, the Sirui W-2204 is waterproof and it's absolutely the best tripod I have ever owned and I have owned quite a few including a $1300 RRS tripod. I highly recommend the Sirui to everyone and especially wildlife and landscape photographers. You still need to wash off salt water, but fresh water is totally fine so if you don't put it in the ocean, you'll be ok and wont have to clean it all the time.

[@Buzza235]

Great video 👌. Does it matter how you store your lense in your camera bag? I put mine back first standing up. I didn't have a hard case so I don't store it all horizontally.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Depends how you treat your gear. If you're thunking the bag along the lens' axis, that's probably an issue as that's going to stress things out more in the long term than if it gets thunked sideways in a cushioned case. But, as long as you're not doing that, it probably doesn't make much of a difference and prime lenses will probably have less issue witht his than zooms do. I've never personally had an issue with it, but it's definitely better to go sideways if you can.

[@christianmarcschmidt]

Thanks for this video, great channel. I recently unknowingly used some expired lens cleaner liquid to clean several of my lenses. It was one year expired. Should I be concerned that this might have damaged the lens coating? How would I spot any damage? Would love your thoughts.

[@okaro6595]

It is good from time to time do the manual sensor cleaning from the menu. First put the lens cap on. In addition to cleaning the sensor it checks for hot pixels and masks them out. This at least with Canon.

[@deltafit]

Photography trends? Well I personally have never been one to jump on any band wagon ESPECIALLY for photography. I shoot for me and me alone, not for some 'trend'. I ain't gonna change my style of shooting for nobody simple as that.

[@wanneske1969]

Actually most sensor dust is not sand or dust but tiny metal particles from the lens mount. I do a lot of urbex photography, switch lenses in old Industrial buildings but hardly ever get sensor dust. I often clean the lens mount and the back of the lenses with a wet cloth or lens wipe

[@flatulent-1]

A repairman of my acquaintance recommends this, as it's a major source of internal grime.

[@joelrdizon]

You mentioned using clean water to maybe swab a tripod with...actually many parts of the camera that have nothing to do with electronics can also benefit from the cleaning effect of water but not in DRIPPING quantity. What I do is i BREATHE onto the part that needs a bit of moisture. The moisture that forms is actually condensate, and the water is literally DISTILLED WATER which is the purest there is. I've breathed lightly on front elements of lenses before wiping them with a microfiber piece, it always ends up pristinely clean you can see a rainbow forming in the glint!

[@kefler187]

I would advise against updating firmware on anything electronic unless it specifically fixes an issue YOU are encountering. You're not doing yourselves any favors by always updating to the latest firmware. Most firmware updates are to fix bugs(if certain features are used in a specific order etc) but may also introduce new bugs in features you currently had working(or they just change how it works) just fine or adapted to the bugged usage, or even depended on it without even knowing it was a bug to begin with.

[@GregDeverell]

my Pentax K-3 very tough camera weather sealed gets trashed a lot Fire Department Photographer I give it a quick cleaning after ever fire and once a month a more thorough cleaning

[@SantaCruzFilms]

Another Fire Photographer here! Decent weather sealing and regular cleaning is definitely the way to go.

[@dtyusufceylan]

Amazing content , very beneficial . Thanks 👏🏻

[@neild108]

Thanks--so very useful! And, lol, thanks for using a Manfrotto tripod as an example--I just got mine full of sand from a beach shoot, and your points gave me confidence to go in there and clean it up. Just finished and working much better, thanks again. Will keep in mind the other points too.

[@Bassbarbie]

Worth mentioning that you should keep your camera in a horizontal position when you run the auto sensor clean - at start up, close down or when doing an extra auto clean. It shakes to make the dust drop onto a sticky pad, I believe.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

The autoclean typically reverses the polarity on the sensor so that any electrostatically charged dust on the sensor gets pushed off. Some cameras may also have some shake, but I'd wager that's only cameras that have sensors with built in image stabilization. Most of the time, autoclean uses gravity to get the dust to fall away from the sensor after being pushed off electrostatically.

[@cameradoctor205]

One note on the hotshoe covers .. if you put a generic one on a Canon EOS with inbuilt flash ( i.e. the APS models ) it will disable the inbuilt flash - it will not pop up ... this is because the camera has a switch in the shoe to tell it when you put a external flash on, the cover will act like that .... so just be aware of that, if you want to use the flash you may need to slip the cover out briefly. :)

[@jamesbell8730]

I purchase Makeup Brushes, the long very soft brush, keep them in a small ziplock with a microfiber cloth.

[@luchernou627]

me too

[@normanschultz1142]

Also clean your lens cap, if you're like me the cap goes in a pocket or thrown up on the dash and that can collect dust and dirt which will be transferred to my lens when I put the cap on .Clean the inside of your lens hood too ,I take it off when using the blower and get the dust off of the hood at the same time before putting it back on the camera

[@LDLCGO]

I remember reading somewhere that a good tip to prevent fungus from growing in your lenses/sensor is to regularly use your equipment in sunlight, as UV rays kill active fungus spores.

[@ziginox]

I also have silica desiccant packets scattered through my camera bag, hidden in corners and under dividers. If you keep the lenses themselves dry, it'll keep fungus at bay! Also has the advantage of quickly drying any lenses that you've been using in the rain. (Wipe them off first, though!)

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

That might help on the outside, where you could clean, but probably not on the inside. The real trick is as Ziginox said, keep them dry. The drier they are, the less likely it is for fungus to have the necessary conditions to grow.

[@Carolyne_games]

Just came back from Iceland as well. Had my portable kit with me to keep my RX1 and RX10IV clean... glad that I only had to worry about the lens protector and rain, the weather and sand in Iceland was crazy...

[@mcunner]

I have my original D300s batteries 😂 have no issues whatsoever 😋

[@paulinefollett3099]

All great tips Tony. A good reminder. Thanks.

[@Calderonvideo]

from 2015-2018 I shooted from Monday to Saturday with the same 2008 batteries (x5 Np-fm500h) from Sony that I bought for my a700 later used in my a99. Just maybe, temperature storage helps to maintained the batteries. Quick tip, used green tape to see which one is charge.

[@TheOtherPhotoGuy]

Nice video. I have never dropped a camera without a strap but several have fallen with one.

[@taprobanedelight4913]

Great tips to maintain a pricey asset. Thanks 🙏🏽❤️

[@JiiV3e]

Zeiss makes great one time use lens cloths, a pack cost something aroun 5€ and you get 30cloth pieces. Usualy a pack lasts over a year which I find fine.

[@matthewkeisling2776]

JiiV3e the only Zeiss product I have ever seen in Walmart. We buy a box and use them for camera lenses, eyeglasses, sunglasses and even smart phone screens.

[@ribblemcdibble]

Zeiss single use cloths are very good and come in bigger boxes too

[@GeoffCooper]

Good advice - a session with the rocket blower and brush are important at the end of every day out with the camera, especially working outdoors and changing lenses often! Retractable make-up brushes are really good and cheaper than the 'photography' versions ;)

[@horsetom10]

Battery longevity is helped by not letting them run down to 0%. Lithium Ion battery life can be extended by keeping the DOD (Depth of Discharge) as low as possible. Recharge after using or don't wait until it's totally exhausted

[@Antoni_Hjalmarsson]

You forgot to mention that it is best to store your batteries at a 40~45% charge in a cool dry place no hotter than 25°C if you don't plan to use them for a while. Leaving Li-ion batteries unused at 100% charge or at less than 15% charge for months without use will significantly shorten their life and could make them unreliable or even cause them to swell up and turn into ticking time bombs!! also don't get more spare batteries than you need as they will loose their capacity over time, even if you've never used them before. check the manufactured date when buying new batteries , you don't want to be getting old stock!

[@jameskelson1891]

I have Canon DSLRs with OEM and 3rd party batteries that have been in use for many years and tens and tens of thousands of shots. They seem every bit as good as the day they were first put in use. They have been recharged hundreds of times. If they have lost any capacity it is minimal. My oldest batteries still in use are from my backup camera from 2011. My primary died last Fall and I have been using the backup while I wait for the new Canon 90D.

[@malikhaddadi2061]

Great info. Much appreciated by a beginner.

[@pthompson108]

I just stick mine in the dishwasher once a week ... job done. Joking.

[@eviem70]

pthompson108 🤣😂😆

[@fderive]

Olympus shooters really do that

[@samnelson4975]

my dishwasher is a female, where are we going with this???

[@70mjc]

sam nelson identify as you wish. Why does it have to go anywhere?

[@HansBaier]

Should work for weather sealed equipment ;)

[@rudyrodriguezjr.]

Great tips! KI still have the same batteries from 3 years ago...so far so good.

[@bazza1041]

No mention of using a "loupe" to examine the sensor for dust/dirt spots. Far better than the method in the video

[@Federico84]

the frequency of changing batteries it depends if you're a professional or not. I still have the original battery of my Panasonic G7 since 2015

[@5argetech56]

Always solid real world practical advice. That you can use.. Thanks!

[@hingng9772]

thank you.Tony

[@arrangearrange]

Hey tony this is actually a nice video.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Thanks!

[@BigD50070]

I used to use quite a bit of legacy glass when i first got a sony a7 due to the high price of sony full frame glass and the relative quality of minolta lenses for very affordable prices. I used to be afraid of the dreaded mould in a lens, but as long as the mould hasn't etched the glass you can do something about it. Instead of leaving it on a sunny window cill you can get cheap UV sterilisation wands. Not a black light torch but a proper UV-B/C light, shine that puppy into a lens a watch it burn away the mould. But obviously don't watch it, don't look at it or shine it onto your skin!! Another trick I have had success with again only on older minolta lenses that are built like a tank. To get rid of that dust which is inexplicably in amongst the lens. Take the front and rear lens caps off, and get your dyson hoover nozzle against the rear of the lens (where you mount to the camera), then clingfilm between the lens and hoover, then turn it on. I have pulled out a good amount of dust like that.

[@Janet_Airlines802]

I bought the swab kit 3 months ago after watching the video you made. It’s still in my dresser drawer. I’m afraid to ruin my camera. I’m gonna try to get the courage up and do it tomorrow. I have one question. When I look in my viewfinder I can see two specks. They don’t show up on my images though, any ideas what it could be?

[@jcaff6963]

Thanks, Tony

[@bobw222]

Be especially careful if you leave your tripods in your car for several days or weeks. I pulled mine out after several weeks and had a hell of a time trying to get a decent shot. I discovered most of the screws holding the head together had crept loose from the heating/cooling cycles in the car. Not sure why, but the manufacturer never put any locktight type thread locker on any of the screws. Two rules here. (1) don't leave equipment in your car, (2) check to make sure you don't have a bunch of loose screws waiting to spoil your shots.

[@Writermac]

Hi Tony, brilliant video, I'm just wondering, what would you suggest for built up dust I've found in my front lens cap. Any suggestions please?

[@robertmcdaniel7707]

Nicely done. Thanks for the reminders.

[@nikanj]

Mold in lens: This looks like a nice place to live. Cool, dark and all the grease I can eat. OH NO SUNLIGHT! Photographer: *Screws on UV filter* Mold: Phew!

[@eviem70]

Myrmidon mold

[@EdKrisiak]

Well done:) Love the tip about filters. Having a filters at a beach is a good idea. IMO.

[@creepyoldhouseexplorersclub]

I have over 50 vintage mint Nikkors, Zeiss and Takumar lenses- i keep them in 2 dry cabinets- i choose a few each time i go shooting - what is the best way to keep them safe and fresh “long term” ?

[@gosman949]

As far as the battery life, that is why I keep my battery grip on all the time. I always have a second battery!

[@ribblemcdibble]

did on my A7ii but not on my A9

[@CristianCalhoun]

McKinnon would say, always have a fifth battery! 😁😉

[@okaro6595]

3:50 About those hot shoe covers. The cover that came with my EOS M50 was rather loose and I worried I'd lose it so I bought third party ones. They were much tighter but as a side effect they disabled the internal flash. If you use third party covers and have an internal flash, check that. If they disable it it is no worry as once you know you can remove the cover while you use the flash. If you do not know it can ruin the shot. I have learned a method where when I change the lenses I keep the body without lens the minimum time possible. The camera is on the strap and first I pick the new lens, loosen the cap keeping wit with my forefinger, then with my left hand I loosen the existing lens, keep it pushed in with my palm while I take the cap between my left thumb and forefinger, then I swap the lenses and put the cap on the old lens and pt it away. Now I do not know how this would work on big lenses, my longest is 10 cm. In close to five years since I got my second lens I have got dust twice on the sensor.

[@francisgeorge7639]

Sensor dust may be more serious than one thinks. I have fungus growing on a Fuji XA-2 sensor. I never cleaned it depending entirely on the vibration cleaning. I did leave it up on a shelf for 6 months, so it may not have been the dust itself, but fungus likes to eat things without air disturbance.

[@JanneRanta]

My hotshoe cover is actually the extra eyecup I have my camera. That's not something I would lose very easily. I still have the original hotshoe cover stored too just in case.

[@RetireesHelpingRetirees]

I know you know.. and maybe it's been pointed out.. I am not going to read all the comments to see if it was mentioned already... NEVER blow your sensor off with your camera upright.. hold it with the open side down.. always.. and blow an an angle.. to the sensor gently...

[@bioliv1]

I cleaned my sensor myself today for the first time:-) I used 7 sets or 14 sticks before it was clean. Luckily I've 11 more sets, and I'll bring them all for my holidays.

[@unbroken1010]

Where in the world were you using your camera on a dust bowl.😁😁

[@gewglesux]

I just bought a HS COVER... don't know how i lost it but i did.. good tip tony