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Photography Guide - How to take good care of your DSLR, General care, storage, battery care, etc

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TSkmarc
post Feb 23 2010, 08:46 PM

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QUOTE(lugiamcg @ Feb 23 2010, 07:34 PM)
kmarc, a question here...

When i'm in a car, will those vibration n shocks from irregular road surfaces cause any damage to my camera?
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Alamak! I'm also a noob leh, dunno about that..... icon_rolleyes.gif

Have to ask our sifus/pros (who seldom come into this thread..... sad.gif)
TSkmarc
post Mar 13 2010, 10:36 PM

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QUOTE(dvlzplayground @ Mar 13 2010, 12:22 AM)
a few days ago i was driving home n noticed an open burning during a beautiful sunset. i didnt have my camera with me, so i drove home, get my dslr n come back (all in all maybe just 5mins)...but at the time the sunset was gone

so my question...is there a safe way to store a camera in my car all the time? so i wont miss a shot tongue.gif safe from thieves, from heat, from bumps n everything
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I don't know the answer but personally, I wouldn't keep an expensive DLSR in the car in the first place. Many reasons but the main factor is thieves.

If I want to really keep it in the car, I was thinking about using an ice box with padded sponge, but that's just me.

I think the better alternative is having a good DSLR backpack that is convenient to carry so that you can carry your DSLR around? hmm.gif

QUOTE(goldfries @ Mar 13 2010, 10:13 PM)
FYI the camera is not as weak as what we think it is. in fact it's tough!

you think about it, which part of the car you put? cushion? in a bag? smile.gif or you put it in a hard metal case?

it's not uncommon for camera bodies to knock the human body, and other cameras and even walls and tables during events. they can withstand knocks and such.

in car? just put in a bag with some decent padding and you're all set to go. after all you put on the cushion anyway.
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After putting on the cushion, don't forget to put on the safety belt!!!! biggrin.gif
TSkmarc
post Mar 14 2010, 08:18 AM

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QUOTE(dvlzplayground @ Mar 14 2010, 02:03 AM)
if i accident, i'd be busy worrying about my car rather than my DSLR... haha

backpack umm..no no dun wan to bring camera all the time hehe

thief-related issues aside... how about heat? if left in the car too long under sunlight can spoil the camera? n battery?
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Here's what is stated in the my DSLR manual:

PRECAUTION

Do not use/store the camera in the following places:
- In an extremely hot, dry or humid place. In places such as in a car parked in the sun, the camera body may become deformed sweat.gif and this may cause a malfunction.

This post has been edited by kmarc: Mar 14 2010, 08:18 AM
TSkmarc
post Mar 18 2010, 08:14 PM

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QUOTE(Darkripper @ Mar 18 2010, 04:23 AM)
The 1 they put in wardrobe ?
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Yup. The one you put in your wardrobe. Look at the picture on the first page of the guide wink.gif

My first thirsty hippo is 1/3 full. That's for the last 1 and a half months. I think I can stretch it to 4 months.

Just that each hippo is quite expensive. I bought mine in Sibu for RM16.90!!! rclxub.gif

This post has been edited by kmarc: Mar 18 2010, 08:15 PM
TSkmarc
post Mar 19 2010, 05:18 PM

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QUOTE(Darkripper @ Mar 18 2010, 11:41 PM)
Ya... but my home didint use product like that.. so i dont really know about that...
But didint the packet like silica-gel or other humidity absorb product found in the container of medicine can be used? Since the main objective is to lower the humidity of the air.....
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Can be used. Did you read the guide or not? tongue.gif
TSkmarc
post Mar 21 2010, 10:33 AM

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QUOTE(ojchong @ Mar 20 2010, 11:49 PM)
Can we keep the UV filter and CPL filter in dry cabinet?

What is the best RH% to set for Aipo dry cabinet, as mentioned from the guide is 42%-43% but in Aipo instruction manual is 30%-40%?  rclxub.gif
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I think what you mean is whether it is NECESSARY to keep those filters in the dry cabinet right?

Filters are relatively cheap compared to lenses unless you buy very expensive CPLs. As such, in my opinion, it is not necessary to keep them in the dry box. In addition, I don't think it is easy for filters to get fungus as they are just a one piece part.

Another example is your typical compact camera. I don't think any typical user would buy a dry box even if the camera cost RM1k ............ wink.gif

For RH% setting, during my research, there were varying recommendations regarding RH% setting for DSLR. As far as I can tell, most experts would recommend an RH value of 40-45%.

The reason to recommend 42-43% is because of small inaccuracy in the boxes i.e. you set at 40% and your dry box might be running at 38%!!!!

This post has been edited by kmarc: Mar 21 2010, 10:33 AM
TSkmarc
post Mar 28 2010, 11:45 AM

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QUOTE(locksng12 @ Mar 28 2010, 09:57 AM)
Is it wise to buy a Dry Box if I dont use the camera for 2-7 days like that?
Been thinking, if it isnt necessary then I would make a DIY Dry Box like the Thirsty Hippo and Container..
Any Suggestions?  whistling.gif
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A dry box is a good option but it also depends on various factors. For one, if you have expensive lenses and many camera bodies, then a dry box is a must. Another factor is how rich you are. biggrin.gif There are other pros and cons in the guide.

I am still using my DIY dry box with the thirsty hippo. I think I can stretch the usage of the thirsty hippo to at least 3-4 months (and I'm opening my box almost everyday). In terms of cost, DIY dry box is cheaper but in the long run (over many years), the dry box is a better alternative.

Here's my calculation on the cost:

My DIY container : RM25
Thirsty Hippo x1 : RM16 (price in Sibu, can last for say 3 months)
- that makes it RM16 x 4 = RM64 per year

Use thirsty hippo for 5 years = RM64 x 5 = RM 320

Total cost after 5 years = RM320 + container = RM345

That's about the same price as a small dry box (dry box power consumption is about 3-5w, so not much electricity overhead). However, if your dry box failed, then have to send in for warranty or pay for the repair if no warranty.

By 5 years, I'd probably buy a new DSLR, maybe Sony alpha 2550!!! rclxm9.gif

So for me, I'll stick to my DIY dry box for the moment. wink.gif

This post has been edited by kmarc: Mar 28 2010, 11:47 AM
TSkmarc
post Apr 17 2010, 01:15 AM

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QUOTE(wtm0325 @ Apr 13 2010, 05:17 AM)
Canon DSLR ViewFinder Dust Cleaning
Source: http://shimworld.wordpress.com/2009/08/24/...-ii-viewfinder/
Note: Each Canon DSLR Model might be different (eg 400D will need to dismantle the whole black bracket before taking out the glass)

DSLR Sensor Cleaning using Dry Way
Source: http://www.naturescapes.net/phpBB3/viewtop...1&view=previous
Note: If rocket blower doesn't work, a normal size lenspen LP1/mini pro (need not lenspen sensorklear) can do the job for medium sticky dust, the only con is it might not able to clean the corner dust
Instructions:
» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «


My work log: 13 April 2010 3AM Because all the lich people here feed poison to me, I have no money to send my Canon 400D to service centre and decided to do the cleaning myself! However during dismantling the viewfinder, I somehow mishandled and scratched the viewfinder with the black bracket and now whenever I looked through the viewfinder I see scratches, but it doesn't affect picture quality  sweat.gif

KIDS, DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME! IF YOU ARE POOR ALSO DON'T DO THIS! DO IT AT YOUR OWN RISK! tongue.gif  tongue.gif  tongue.gif  tongue.gif  tongue.gif
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Nice links. thumbup.gif

Will update the guide this weekend when I have time. wink.gif

Update : Guide updated!!! smile.gif

This post has been edited by kmarc: Apr 19 2010, 12:43 PM
TSkmarc
post May 31 2010, 07:05 PM

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QUOTE(ivan5805 @ May 29 2010, 12:13 AM)
is the container u bought air tight??
i jus bought a hygrometer and test on my non air tight container and it display 56++% when the container is open and the lowest it go when the container is close is 50&%!! is it ok??
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I think so. It is a container used to store dry food stuff.

If you're concerned with your equipment, it is better to get a dry box.

The DIY dry box won't keep the humidity at a constant level. For me, I'm not too concern about higher humidity in the DIY dry box as it is still lower than normal humidity. I'm just afraid of my equipment getting too dry if I leave the container unopened for some time.

On average, I use my camera every 2-3 days but so far, I have not left my container unopened for more than 3-4 days.

Oh, I just found out that the "Thirsty Hippo" is only RM6 in Sibu!!! rclxms.gif I'm still using my first "Thirsty Hippo" for the past 5 months and it is only just over1/2 full. I think I can stretch it to 6-7 months!!! biggrin.gif

This post has been edited by kmarc: May 31 2010, 07:07 PM
TSkmarc
post Jun 1 2010, 07:06 PM

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QUOTE(ivan5805 @ May 31 2010, 11:32 PM)
thanks for ur info dude!!
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wink.gif

QUOTE(noob4life @ Jun 1 2010, 04:01 PM)
Where to get a decent priced dry box ? Shashinki seems to be overpricing... any ideas ? Penang or Kay El is fine.
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Errmmm.... there's a lot of sellers in garage sales selling it leh.... search for dry box or dry cabinet. smile.gif
TSkmarc
post Aug 6 2010, 10:42 PM

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QUOTE(ReeNz @ Aug 6 2010, 10:06 PM)
bought them from amazon..
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Nice. Thirsty Hippo also quite good. I'm still using my first thirsty hippo. Now already 6 months. Almost full but I think can stretch until 7 months. For RM6 every 6 months is excellent! biggrin.gif
TSkmarc
post Sep 3 2010, 01:21 PM

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Myth busted! I put my full-of-water thirsty hippo on it's side for 1 week and there was no leakage whatsoever!!! Will post up pictures and some more info regarding the thirsty hippo later on. smile.gif

QUOTE(beycont @ Aug 23 2010, 01:02 PM)
This is an informative guide, been thinking about how to store my lenses and slr, so DIY dry box is the way to go now...until such a time when i really need a real dry box.

Luckily i have a humidity reader, so at least can keep track of the humidity level in the box. What is the recommended humidity level anyway?
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40-45%

QUOTE(Wkchan1979 @ Aug 23 2010, 03:24 PM)
sifus,
anyone know will condition too dry may not suitable too as that there are a substantial amount of lubricants in both body and lens. If lubricants dried up, it will cause problem on parts movement  hmm.gif  blush.gif
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That's why for storage, recommended to store at 40-45%. See guide for further info. wink.gif

QUOTE(makaveli @ Sep 1 2010, 08:06 AM)
how often do we need to clean the camera and lens ?
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Dunno. I never cleaned my DSLR since I bought it in Jan 2010!!! whistling.gif (Note that I'm a super noob in DSLR too!)

QUOTE(rkkyong @ Sep 3 2010, 12:31 PM)
Hi I am new here. I just bought my Nikon D5000 a few weeks back and am thinking of getting a dry cab. I cannot decide between an Aipo 38 EX or an Octopus dry cab.  Prices are similar and both are fully digital except that Octopus has lifetime warranty.

However I cant find much info on the Octopus Cab nor any reviews !! Any sifu out there who has used Octopus before ? Is there a website for Octopus products ? I cant locate it .....

TQ  smile.gif
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Have to wait for any sifus to answer this. For me, I'd probably go for the lifetime warranty if both build quality is the same.

This post has been edited by kmarc: Sep 3 2010, 01:23 PM
TSkmarc
post Nov 20 2010, 11:45 PM

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QUOTE(jagged @ Nov 20 2010, 12:25 AM)
By the way what's the correct procedures to follow if someone keeps their dlsr  + lens + silica + thirsty hippo in a vacuum pack container... I've heard stories about the thirsty hippo sucking the air out of all rubber made  material making it crack or unusable, logically correctly but it's going to take sometime for it to do so... and someone told me to place a wet sponge together with it just to balance out the humidity inside the container. Some fella told me not to airtight the container just open a bit, really don't know which one to follow. Maybe some practitioner of this arcane art might share a bit or two...
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That's why need to open the box regularly. There's no "data" to suggest how frequent you should open it. Some open every week. For me, I open every 3-4 days.

My DIY dry box is airtight and when I close it, I close it tightly.

Weird to hear that you need to put a wet sponge together inside. Really defeats the purpose, doesn't it? hmm.gif

QUOTE(makoshark @ Nov 20 2010, 12:30 PM)

Open once every 2-3 month? I tot once a week
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As mentioned above, there's no "data" to suggest how frequent you should open it. wink.gif

This post has been edited by kmarc: Nov 20 2010, 11:45 PM
TSkmarc
post Jan 14 2011, 07:22 PM

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QUOTE(sur3wyn @ Jan 14 2011, 07:15 PM)
See my RM30 DIY Dry Box =P

http://bit.ly/g5C4vA
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Haha... what's your waterproof watch and SDcard doing inside the box!!! laugh.gif
TSkmarc
post Mar 23 2011, 04:16 PM

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QUOTE(Petre @ Mar 23 2011, 03:57 PM)
where is ur location ieR? smile.gif
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He is our Sony Sifu from Miri...... biggrin.gif
TSkmarc
post Apr 10 2011, 08:42 AM

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QUOTE(chongkiatz @ Apr 9 2011, 11:51 PM)
guy , i buy the Thirsty Hippo , and i go tear the WHITE cover , just a lubang , stil can use it? =(

and can i place my diy drybox in my room with overnight with AirCond?
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Oops! Not too sure about that but I think it will not work anymore as water can escape (evaporate) from the Thirsty Hippo. Furthermore, if your Thirsty hippo suddenly got knocked over, all the water inside will spill out!

My DIY drybox IS in my room 365/24/7 with aircond at night. wink.gif No problems so far....

This post has been edited by kmarc: Apr 10 2011, 08:43 AM

 

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