FS7: How do you keep FS7 clean in dusty environment

J

jpham

Well-known member
Just wondering how everyone keeps their FS7 clean - in fine dust environment like the beach/desert where fine grain sand and dirt. There is a vent on the right side, I'm surprise that Sony didn't has a filter of some sort
so the fan can't suck in all the dirt and such.
 
Gaffa tape and cling film.

Especially gaffa over the unused USB and internal monitor slots.

The other day I cling filmed up my DP502

S
 
It's a very robust camera, don't stress it. My FS7 has been abused for months in the desert. I have a sheet of clear plastic and some croc clips, but only use it when things get really tasty...
 
I think sony rated the camera as wheatersealed and that the vents has some sort of filter inside.
 
jpham said:
Just wondering how everyone keeps their FS7 clean - in fine dust environment like the beach/desert where fine grain sand and dirt. There is a vent on the right side, I'm surprise that Sony didn't has a filter of some sort
so the fan can't suck in all the dirt and such.
Click to expand...


As others said, the Fs7 is proving to be robust and able to handle rough conditions. That said, it doesn't hurt to use a camera cover when not shooting. I own a fancy one with a drawstring, a Harrison "standy" cover from Camera Essentials. [ http://www.cameraessentials.com/products/small-standby-camera-cover ] But a garbage bag will do. A white garbage bag better than black to reflect, and not absorb, heat from sunlight. Just be careful about leaving the camera powered up while it is under a garbage bag. If you are that worried about the air intake in sandy conditions you could always camera tape a piece of fibrous filter over the vents. Possibly a section of filter used for the interior air intake on cars.

I suggest using paper tape, and not gaffer tape, whenever taping anything to the camera. Paper tape, or camera tape, is not as sticky as gaffer tape but it is less likely to take the paint off your camera. Camera tape is like masking tape and less like duct tape than is gaffer tape.
If you have no choice but to use gaffer tape, reduce the stickiness of the gaffer tape by sticking it to your jeans or a cotton t-shirt a couple of times before applying it to the camera or any surface you are concerned about damaging.

As to the Fs7 being weather sealed, the one area of the camera that lacks enough weather sealing for my liking is the area where the media cards are inserted. The little hinged door does not appear to have a gasket or any sort of sealing from the elements. It seems an easy entry point for rain water running off of the top of the camera, should the camera ever suffer such a condition. Not much there to prevent wind-blown water from going into the media ports. But so far, to my knowledge, no reports of that occurring to any users. So I guess the design is sufficient.

All in all, the Fs7 really is one hella' camera, gents. It might end up being iconic in the way that the Sony600 betacam is or, dare I say, the Aaton XTR Prod. I shot handheld with a C300 franken-rig recently and I was reminded of how much nicer it is to use a Fs7.
 
I work for a client in agricultural business and this can be very very dusty see bts shot below. As said from others before I use a garbage bag when the camera is not in use. For quick protection I always have a 1x1m non fuzzing fabric which I throw over the camera when you don't find time for the garbage bag. What happens often is a car coming and dispersing dust. A towel will do the trick too but once you find the time get a non fuzzing cloth. I always have a set of 1'x1' microfiber cleaning cloths in my bag. I wipe of the camera and the other stuff several times a day..

dusty assigment in Ukraine

Ukraine_dusty.jpg
 
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A cone of silence works well. When not in use keeping producers and directors muzzled they fit right over most medium sized cameras.
 
jpham said:
Just wondering how everyone keeps their FS7 clean - in fine dust environment like the beach/desert where fine grain sand and dirt. There is a vent on the right side, I'm surprise that Sony didn't has a filter of some sort
so the fan can't suck in all the dirt and such.
Click to expand...

Pretty much agree with most responders that using a rain cover is a good idea. Only caveot is in a hot environ, trapped heat should be monitored.
That said, your lenses are the most vulnerable to micro dust. Here's where the rubber meets the road between cheap and not so cheap glass. Good lenses will be well sealed but even those lenses can be penetrated with things like sheet rock dust, etc. And front end high quality lens protection is a must. I stress high end because one must consider a glass lens protecter is now part of the acquisition system.
And raincovers will be your friend in this scenario.
Cans of Dust Off should be at the ready as well.
I did a renovation show for 5 seasons and on season two I bought a small air tank from Harbor Frieght. Since we had air tools all over the set, it was easy to recharge the tank, thus saving on buying cans of air. I just made sure to purge and drain the tank daily as these guys will gather moisture.
Worked for me though.
 
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