Nothing is worse than lining up the perfect shot only to have your gear fail on you. Fret not, for we will be sharing some handy tips on keeping your Alpha well-cared for in the long run.

Keep it clean

Your camera and its lenses will get dirty over time. Even with casual use, sweat, moisture in the air and dirt will work their way in. Preventive steps include avoiding contact with the front of the lens and setting your camera on a sandy surface. Additionally, clean your camera and lenses regularly with a hand-pumped cleaning brush that you can get from camera shops – but be gentle, as compressed air may force particles into your camera case. Lens cleaner wipes and microfibre cloths also come in handy when removing stains from the surface of your lens. Simply use a drop or two of lens cleaning fluid on your cleaning wipe or cloth and wipe your lens in an inwards circular motion. In the event that you discover stubborn stains on your camera or lenses, it is best to have them cleaned by a professional.

Keep it dry

With all things electronic, any presence of water will cause malfunction. Even if not immediate, water will corrode the circuit boards. That’s why it’s so important to wipe your camera and lenses down before putting them away in a safe, dry place, especially if you live in an extremely humid environment. It would be ideal if you have a dry box to store your camera and lenses in. If not, keep them in a sealed container with silica gel. Both are easily available at shops near you.
 

Use a strap

Always have your camera strapped securely around your neck or wrist. It would be nothing short of a tragedy if, after all the care you had taken to keep your camera pristine, your slippery palms from a day of filming under the sun caused you to lose your grip. You should also check your strap connections regularly, especially before going out on a shoot. More than one photographer has had his camera smashed because time ate through the fabric of his straps.

For active users

Take care of your camera and lenses, and also clean out any traces of dirt and grime in your camera bag. Give them both time to dry out as well. If you’re taking a break from shooting, store your camera and lenses properly. As a general rule of thumb, keep them away from sunlight, and in dry conditions. Try to avoid extreme changes in temperature. A room or closet away from the sun will be ideal. And for extended breaks where you won’t be using your gear for a month or more, remove the battery to avoid corrosion. 

That way, when you want to shoot again, just pop in the battery and go!