What's the best way to clean the exterior of the EX3?

H

Honker

Member
Hey everyone-

Finishing up a shoot today, where I was in a very dusty/dirty attic. The camera has a slight coating of dust, that seems to have left the camera a little dirty looking. What is the best solution to use, to clean the exterior of the camera? Would a little windex on a paper towel work? Water isnt cutting it. Thanks!
 
When I have a little bit of dust on my camera I blow it away with a lenscleaner. (I don't know the english word: you squeeze it and than air comes out at high speed, you release it and the air flows in again).
But from your post it seems that will be a lot of dust you will release back into the air (and it might land on the camera again).

Water is indeed a bad idea!
Dry cloth or even paper towels (soft ones) can get you a long way. Be sure you don't scratch the surface with the dust.
Around buttons you may have to be carefull not to wipe th dust into the 'buttonspace'.

(Just a crazy thought: a vacuumcleaner with a soft brush....? I have no experience with this, so it might be dangerous for the camera....)

Good luck!
 
I keep a soft, clean cloth with me and wipe down the exterior after each use.

Clean lens with blower-bulb as needed. Rarely use lens cleaning fluid; only for smudges.

I'm still trying to figure out what's best for the LCD screen. I have a few fingerprint and am tempted to use Monster cleaning fluid on it (good for Iphone and computer screens). I asked this a few months ago and got no response here.
 
As suggested, I would first use canned air and blow off all the loose dust. Then I would take a clean, dry, soft brush (like a soft make-up) and dust the body, be care ful toget into the little tight spots.

To clean the LCD screen, I would use a LCD cleaner which can be bought at most computer stores. Spray the cloth, not the monitor and lightly rub the monitor's surface.

Do not use Windex, as it has ammonia in it, and that can wreck some surfaces.
 
Okay, my opinion only, but... pressurized air can drive exterior dust deeper into the camera if its really dusty.

First, vacuum the exterior dust off.

Second, I use a microfiber cloth that was wet, rung out, and is very nearly dry to wipe the exterior. It should be so dry that it doesn't leave wet streaks on the plastic. Don't use on the lens.

When as much exterior dust is removed, then blow out anything that might remain in any nooks or crannies.
 
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Duke M. said:
Okay, my opinion only, but... pressurized air can drive exterior dust deeper into the camera if its really dusty.
Click to expand...

Yes, that is just an opinion, and that's fine.

However, canned air has been used by professional photographers, cinematographers, videographers, and camera repair technicians for decades--since the advent of canned air. None of them have ever reported "dust having been driven deeper into the camera." If such were the case, you can rest assured it would have been reported in every major industry publication. Camera and lens manufacturers would make it clear on packaging and in manuals that canned air should not be used.

As in all things, there is a right way and a wrong way to use a tool.
 
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I have used Windex to clean the outer surfaces of my cameras. I usually use a Q-tip (not to damp) dipped in Windex to get all the small areas. Never spray the camera. I have been cleaning my cameras for years like this. It was a great way to clean the indented letters near the switches on my Betacam 600. After all, it's a plastic exterior. Just be careful.

I just used my EX3 on a construction site and plan on cleaning it today...
 
I used my first Ex-1 over 100 hours shooting dirt racing and I always kept a swifter dust cloth in my pocket and continually wiped the camera down every time I got the chance. When I arrived back at the office I took a vacuumcleaner with a small soft brush and went over the whole camera.

Followed this with one of those micro fiber cloths slightly damp. I usually removed the lens filter and cleaned it with one of those lens cleaner kits and using the soft brush to blow away the dust. In my lens cleaner kit there is some liquid and lens paper. I put a drop on the paper and used circular strokes to wipe the lens filter.

Now I have the Ex-3 and I use the same procedure with it. Also a small Qtip moistened with a drop of water to get into some crevices.

Sony cautions about using any chemicals on the outside of the camera.

Works for me..

Ronnie
www.dirtracingvideo.com
 
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