Sand Sand Everywhere

[ninjaleprechaun]

Hey guys,

During a recent shoot I managed to get sand into two places on the camera. There a couple of grains on the lense itself, which Im afraid to try to clean with a lense cleaning kit, and there seems to be a bit INSIDE the focus ring, which grinds if you move it. Is this something I should attempt to fix myself (I have no technical background with dissembling and cleaining electronics of this nature) or should I send it in to somewhere professional? If so, has anyone had any good experiences with a particular place that can do this for me?

Thanks in advance.

 

[BLUESPIDER]

Re: Sand Sand Everywhere

I wouldn't recomend disasembling your camera. You should try using Dust Off, the air canister that blows off dust. Get as much of it as you can. If the problem presist then take to the professionals.

 

[Soliton]

Re: Sand Sand Everywhere

I am Not an expert, but I try to be very logical. Please keep this in mind if you try my suggestion(s) as I am not responsible for your actions...

If you have a UV filter over the lens, I would take it off and away from the camera prior to using the dust off product recommended by Bluespider. If you do not have or do not use a UV or protective filter I would use a clean cotton swab to GENTLY dislodge the sand and let it fall off the lens face (no scrubbing, please).

I have no idea how the focus ring assembly is designed. If this were my cam I would do the following;
1) do not turn the focus ring more than needed to locate the sand.
2) remove the sunshade
3) If you can locate the sand under the focus ring visually *and* it is in the front gap just behind where the sunshade mounts - place the cam on a tripod and turn it facing the floor. Place a clean flat object, like a sheet of paper, which is opposite in color to the suspect sand under the camera. Then gently tap the ring on the side opposite the sand location and see if any sand drops out. If it does not, slightly rotate the ring and try again.
If this does not work let a pro clean it.

If you think the sand is in the area behind the ring, I have no suggestions other than to have a professional look at it.

In any case there may be more sand than you think in the camera. The cassette door fits much more loosely than the focus ring and the parts there are much more critical and sensitive. I would not use compressed air anywhere around the tape path. So, in the end you might be wise to have things checked out by the pro.