Protecting Your Camera Gear | Ask David Bergman

[@michaelstewart6857]

This sort of "housekeeping" discussion might not be the sexiest, David, but it sure is important, and your practical suggestions are valued and appreciated. Thanks for sharing them!

[@jackkraken3888]

Great point. If we going to spend so much on the body and lens it's important to protect them too. Unless you are made of money. 😂

[@jerryrichards8172]

Didn't know about the 2 caps fitting together. Thanks for sharing.

[@foilpainterfantasyartist1711]

I pretty much do what you suggest except for labeling the lenses, which is an excellent tip. Another use for that gaffer tape. Another excellent video.

[@funkyclucky9459]

One more thing needed, at least here in the humid South: something to keep moisture out of stored gear. I use large desiccant packs in my Pelican cases. Years ago I had fungus ruin a couple of lenses.

[@mxilplict]

I’ve been doing the same for over 25 years - no problem using pelican cases, desiccant packs (I use pairs of the renewable metal types) and dry cabinets for my bodies and lenses when they aren’t traveling.

[@kadirgold]

Thanks for this David! Lots of cool tips in there.

[@lyta1138]

Thanks David. Super practical as always.

[@popcornparam]

I like how you covered everything. 👍👍 Good job.

[@patriciaterranova1074]

This was a very good and comprehensive review of how to protect your equipment. I recommended for newbies. The blue cloth that you spoke of can probably be put down when you’re over your work area to protect the environment getting into your equipment when you’re changing the lenses on the body of the cameralike a dropcloth thank you very much

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Congratulations on your nomination, David!

[@vanessafigueroa3155]

Congrats on the nomination! My cousin was a tour photographer for Willie Nelson 🙌🏼

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Awesome! I had the honor of photographing Willie a few times now with Luke. :)

[@gewglesux]

Insurance is a great and often overlooked idea.

[@rickloseyphotography]

the lens wraps are great for large format lenses mounted on a lens board - a PITA for DLSR lenses

[@dovidell]

My Tamrac mini-trekker back pack ,( I have 2 other types of bags ) has served me well since 1998 , providing protection for three generations of Nikon gear ,from hard knocks including a fall of about 1/2 meter on to a bus floor ( the gear that included an SLR body and 7-200 f 2.8 lens was still being used in 2016 ) . My lenses , all 3 of them , all have very different sized front elements , so it's easy to choose which to pick when using that particular bag/back pack - ( I've also repurposed the padding from past camera bags to " beef up " gear protection in this , and other camera bags I use )

[@DonaldWMeyers-dwm]

One trick I do is put Velcro on the lens caps, which gives an added way to keep the lens from falling in the bag, as well as allows me to either stick the lens cap inside the bag or on a Velcro patch on my strap.

[@DarkHorseCom]

Good deal being nominated. Well deserved! I will vote for you... rest assured. Great video.

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Thanks!

[@looseshoulderssumali7311]

Any idea for a third-party insurance for the bodies/lenses and liability insurance?

[@StephenDavisMonsignor]

The Hartford. Had them for a few years and they’re great! Not associated - just a satisfied paying customer.

[@bquinn722]

Nice video David with some really good tips. I never thought to screw the two caps together!! Another option for lens covers are Polar Pro covers. So much better than the lens caps that come with lenses and they provide really good protection.

[@alantuttphotography]

All good ideas. The lens wraps and included cases are good if you want to put your gear in a backpack or other bag that isn't made for camera gear. This way, you can easily pack your gear in with personal items and still have a measure of protection for the gear. Of course, when possible, always use cases made for protecting your gear.

[@pictureeyecandy]

I wish they made backpacks for camera gear that doesn't look like its camera gear. Military rucksacks are nice for incognito camera gear.

[@PanzerIV88]

@@pictureeyecandy Haha yeah I so much agree. A bag that wouldn't scream "There is 10,000$ gear inside this bag!" (-_-)

[@richardwintle1020]

Been voting for you on iHeart Radio every day. :)

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Thank you!

[@JohanSchmidt]

All good points - with camera bodies changing so quickly these days due to updated sensors etc., a camera is not something that gets handed down from parents to children which was common in the days of film cameras. Big issue is to protect the front of the lenses and then the lens and camera mounts, because they're critical for metering and focussing to work as designed.

[@2mduffel]

Ha! I have lost a bunch of those hot shoe covers. I shoot outside in weather often so I use them as added weather proofing. Like you said, the last time I ordered them I bought a half-dozen.🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@kathealy60]

Congrats on the nomination!

[@craigc7708]

I use the wrap laid flat on top of all me gear in the roller suitcase.

[@tedk2814]

Great tips, I live is South Eastern Florida and have some of my more expensive gear listed with my home insurance company with a rider. They required a serial number and replacement cost. Two bodies and three lens cost about $90 a year in addition to my regular premium.

[@gewglesux]

I have statefarm for pretty much everything

[@josewantland]

Awesome tips, Thank you David, I don't have to much gear but I do have about three backpacks to spread out what I have, this means I always take my main backpack that has all the essentials, then if a need more gear I will grab the other one or two as I might need more accessories for a shoot, I love the brand LowePro because they have a very good warranty, specially on zippers, as we all know that is the first thing to go wrong, I think they have lifetime warranty, make sure you have prove of the purchase to open a warranty claim.

[@felixrodriguez4263]

Lots of good gear tips. I keep my gear in tight the the dividers plus both caps on the lense. I use a camera cover to keep from markup the body up and when shooting in cold weather. Think tank gear is a good choice. Good luck on the voting I voted for you. Thanks David

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Thanks!

[@jeffnewman8261]

Thanks David

[@NYPHOTOGRAPHER]

Have u ever used a yolobox

[@petemellows]

Some great tips here! I am guilty of transporting lenses connected to the body when driving. But, that also means the rear lens cap goes straight onto the last lens I used. Definitely get your gear insured. I’ve busted lenses multiple times on hard rock.

[@InfectedChris]

I use a camera strap with a safety. I'm very meticulous with caring for my gear. I've got a backpack with the dividers. I do use one of those fine brushes and always keep a few Zeiss lens wipes in my bag. While it's mostly a hobby, I've been investing in good gear like the Z6ii and some good Z series lenses.

[@alessandrozugno]

Always use protections!

[@ivedigga]

Thanks

[@barneylaurance1865]

Do you need to keep the body cap and lens back cap in your bag? I always have a lens on the camera. When I change lenses I take the back lens cap from the lens that's on the camera and put it on the lens I just took off the camera.

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Since I always take my lenses off in the bag, then there will always be at least one set of loose caps when I’m shooting. If you leave your lenses on, then yea, that works. :)

[@LMActionsports]

The first defense for all my cameras, lenses, sd/cfast cards, triggers, batteries, speed lights, strobes, and my atomos ninja v is a Ruggard 180 liter dry cabinet. After spending over 20 plus grand on new equipment it was time to take very good care of my gear. And a dry cabinet helps keep the moisture out and fungus off the lenses. Every time I have done with my equipment I take them out of my pelican case and place them back in the dry cabinet. Even though you take very good care of everything, you need real insurance on your gear. Not home owners or anything like that. Real insurance if something terrible happens. I also been preferring a cage on my bodies even with a battery grip. If you drop it. Great video

[@gewglesux]

Agreed... not too expensive either!!

[@Diamondbeach]

Do you use a MD filter along w ur camera hood of just one over the other?

[@pictureeyecandy]

If you don't have a dry cabinet, any suggestions? Fungus loves dark and dampness. I heard it's better to leave your gear out, like on a shelf, where it will get dusty, but fungus won't grow because of sunlight. Is this true? Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

I simply keep my gear in the camera bags and rollers. I haven't had any issues, however I live in NYC and we don't have the same kind of humidity that you would have in more tropical climates.

[@pictureeyecandy]

@@DavidBergmanPhoto LOL it's Virginia but the weather changes crazily here. I use to keep all of my gear in my camera bags. The camera bags are then put into large storage bins. I thought that was the way to go. So my old way was the right way, because of health issues. They spent too much time in the storage bins now Thanks 🙏

[@donbergeron5466]

I have enjoyed all of your videos and have a very simple question. I'm moving up from a 24mp camera to a 45mp camera, are there any updates on Holding, Shooting and Breathing to capture a clear shot on the higher mp cameras?

[@craigc7708]

Which lens is the unmarked one on the left at 7:09?

[@wayneclayton5426]

Sadly, one of my lens has a mould spot. I thought it was dead (when bought second hand years ago) . But it seems to be growing again. It's not a vintage lens, nor is it a new lens, so even if I kill it with UV, I am not brave enough to take it apart to clean it. But it might cost more to get it cleaned, than just replace it.

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Ouch.

[@Jakiyyyyy]

My DSLR display has weird and heavy vignette. It looks very dark and barely see the settings/photo. But it didn't affect the actual photo. What do? It's a Nikon btw.

[@InfectedChris]

Did you change something in the settings? Does it look ok when looking through the eyepiece?

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Hmmm not sure what that is if you’re not even seeing the settings. Maybe something simply like your eyecup moved? Mine slides off very easily. If not, probably worth a call to Nikon support.

[@raydunn3501]

Hi David,,, Great tips,,, Iv'e previously had an issue with a camera theft from my car,,, so I would advise anyone to check and ask their insurer about leaving camera equipment in their car,,, I didn't get any payment because the camera gear was away from the house on my house insurance,,, and no payment from my car insurance because the camera gear wasn't listed as an extra. Also I was strongly advised by the police to write out an inventory of all the camera gear I own with all the model numbers and file numbers of the items, This is so if ever they recover any of the items they will know who they belong to,,, and it helps them to be able to prosecute the person who took them. Excellent advice I thought.

[@InfectedChris]

Sounds like a California or NYC thing to me.

[@DonovanJamesOfficial]

Protecting cam gear is super important especially with inflation right now

[@marcodibari5713]

In an hypothetical scenario where you wonna take a shot of an animal or someone during a particularly act that pop in front of you , how long is it gonna take you take get your gear ready and shoot? Couse to me seems very impractical for a real world situation.

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

As I mentioned, I don't do that type of photography. But if I was out photographing wildlife, I would have my gear out and ready to go - not in a bag.

[@hassanscottodierno9284]

One thing with bags, sometimes we need bags that look like they are from Ikea rather than Cannon, so we won't be as much of a target to thieves. Depends on the location I guess.

[@jackkraken3888]

Good point. Also that Canon logo on he bag might attract the wrong kind of crowd.

[@heqaib]

I'm totally flummoxed why you don't think a filter to protect the front lens glass is needed. That filter protects the lens from dirt, fingers, etc. Repeated cleaning the front lens can cause more damage than a replaceable filter

[@gewglesux]

Lots of people feel that way... i always have a filter up front.

[@InfectedChris]

I also use a B+W filter which protects the actual glass. This is a topic with 2 sides who are dug into their side and won't change.

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

It’s really personal choice. I’ve never used one in 30 years and been just fine. YMMV.

[@InfectedChris]

@@DavidBergmanPhoto It really is and both sides make good points. The debate often comes back to what you said, "I've used(or never used) a filter for X years and never had a problem."

[@adventure9606]

@@InfectedChris Started in 2008 and I’ve never used one and never had a problem. This month I am getting the R 85 1.2 and will not use a filter then in 90 days getting the R 28 to 70 and no filter other than use a ND filter from time to time. The lens hood takes the bumps and I always use one.

[@bigshotmedia]

Did you win I just saw this?

[@popcornparam]

So are you a strap person or not ???

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Always.

[@popcornparam]

@@DavidBergmanPhoto you mean always a strap person ??

[@vidsburgh6022]

It’s easy! First, reflect on how all of us are, in some way, damaged. Contemplate the impermanence of all things. Sigh, wearily, and then carefully pull the light out of the lake. Say something funny to reassure the now panicked model that it’s cool, these things happen, and resume the shoot. Finally, think about how you could really benefit from equipment insurance.

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

All good advice! 😜

[@250GTOAJ]

😎👍🇨🇦