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changing lens in a tropical climate rix
In continuing my education in the finer points of DSLR ownership (and finding out how cheap a 50mm f/1.8 lens is around these parts), i need suggestions in either constructing or using everyday objects into a "clean box" for switching lenses.

Pic somewhat related.
EXIF data available. Clickhereto show/hide.
Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeCanonCamera ModelCanon EOS 400D DIGITALFirmware VersionunknownSerial Number1530810317Image-Specific Properties:Horizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2007:12:09 12:19:30RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoWhite BalanceManualScene Capture TypeStandardExposure Time1/200 secF-Numberf/5.0Exposure ProgramNormal ProgramISO Speed Rating1600Lens Aperturef/5.0Exposure Bias1.7 EVMetering ModePatternFlashFlash, CompulsoryFocal Length27.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width1288Image Height1936Camera Actuations1178948397
>> Anonymous
You don't need a clean box to change lenses. Just point the body downwards and after a lot of changes (very rare if you're careful) get a blower bulb and blow off the CCD gently.

I test my CCD all the time (pinhole aperture, clean sky / wall, auto tone) and I very rarely get dust on my CCD.

You say tropical climate and at first that makes me think that the humidity would help you (cuts down the dust)

tl;dr: don't bother - dust is not as big an issue as some people rave about
>> Anonymous
>>101008
Oh yeah, don't forget to turn the camera off before hand.

And obviously don't change lenses in the basement of a flour factory
>> BlackAdder !!bSWRwu/NqzQ
I got one of those lens scopes and cleaning kits last time I had some spare cash. Works quite well. Useful for when I finally do need to clean the sensor.
>> Liquefied !!CF1+3tSFCce
>>101010
You don't need to turn off the camera before hand. I never do and I don't have a big problem with dust. The sensor is off when it's not actually taking a picture so there's no 'charge' to attract dust.

Also, all a "clean box" is going to do is give all the dust and shit that is on your camera and lenses a nice little enclosed space to float around and reattach itself instead of outside where it could just float away.
>> Butterfly !xlgRMYva6s
This reminds me of how much my sensor needs cleaning again. I'm forever changing lenses in the shittiest enviroments and as such have dust everywhere, including now on my mirror and/or vewfinder.

Oh and i havent cleaned the zoom since i used it by the sea.
>> Anonymous
>>101015
From what I've read there are some older dSLRs that still have a charge on the sensor. Most modern CCDs and all CMOS chips don't have a charge when they're not taking a picture, so I guess you're right
>> BlackAdder !!bSWRwu/NqzQ
>>101016

The kit I got was pretty good. Worked well, although I was nervous using it the first time. The scope is useful (it's a magnifying glass and light combo tube that covers and fits into the whole front opening) as I can check every now and then to see how well it is coming along and if it only needs a quick go with the vacuum cleaner (tiny low power one provided with the kit, natch) or if it needs more work. The good thing about the vacuum is that it lifts all the dirt off and out.

If it gets anything stuck on it that won't lift with air or the soft brush then you can use the solvent and wipes, but so far I've not needed to go that far.

The only thing to remember with cleaning is to make sure you have charged your batteries before you lock the mirror up and start sticking anything in there.
>> Butterfly !xlgRMYva6s
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Pic related.

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeSONYCamera ModelDSLR-A100Camera SoftwareDSLR-A100 v1.04Maximum Lens Aperturef/5.6Focal Length (35mm Equiv)27 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2007:11:08 23:00:19White Point Chromaticity0.3Exposure Time8 secF-Numberf/29.0Exposure ProgramManualISO Speed Rating400Brightness-0.6 EVExposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo Flash, CompulsoryFocal Length18.00 mmColor Space InformationUncalibratedImage Width3872Image Height2592RenderingNormalExposure ModeManualWhite BalanceManualScene Capture TypeStandardGain ControlLow Gain UpContrastHardSaturationHighSharpnessHard
>> BlackAdder !!bSWRwu/NqzQ
>>101023

Urgh. Mine was at least as bad when I finally gave in and tried cleaning it the first time. Probably worse. I'd been putting it off and cloning out marks for long enough as I was worried about it going horribly wrong. It got to breaking point when I took some shots and saw what looked like lumps of coal in view, floating around in the sky or with other bright views. It wasn't just light marks or specks. I found the bright lights reflecting and sky shots were the best at showing it up at its most horrible.

It doesn't take too long to clean. Less time than it took to clone out all the crap out of a couple of shots. Now I know what is involved I'd not put it off. All that's needed is a gentle touch and keeping your wits about you so you don't forget that it is still delicate.

The other rule of thumb to remember is that you can't be sure what kind of dust or grit is on it, so I make sure to gently dislodge it with the vacuum (I suppose other clean air sources are okay but I suspect the blowers tend to not be as efficient) before I'd consider using wipes that rub across it and perhaps drag any silica across it. So remember ladies: blow then rub and wipe. Those are the important steps.
>> elf_man !!DdAnyoDMfCe
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>>101024
>>101023
See that crap in the sky? There were other spots as well, and I have shots where it's visible down to f8. 50 dollars to clean it, I've been more careful, and haven't had to clean it since.

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeNIKON CORPORATIONCamera ModelNIKON D40Camera SoftwareVer.1.10Maximum Lens Aperturef/4.0Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaColor Filter Array Pattern3456Focal Length (35mm Equiv)39 mmImage-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution300 dpiVertical Resolution300 dpiImage Created2007:06:29 21:26:37Exposure Time1/40 secF-Numberf/16.0Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityISO Speed Rating200Exposure Bias-0.7 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo FlashFocal Length26.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width3008Image Height2000RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoScene Capture TypeStandardGain ControlNoneContrastHardSharpnessNormalSubject Distance RangeUnknownISO Speed Used200Color ModeCOLORImage QualityFINEWhite BalanceAUTOImage SharpeningAUTOFocus ModeAF-AFlash SettingNORMALFlash Compensation42.3 EVISO Speed Requested200Tone CompensationMED.HLens TypeNikon D SeriesLens Range18.0 - 55.0 mm; f/3.5 - f/5.6Auto FocusSingle Area, Center Selected, Top FocusedShooting/Bracketing ModeSingle Frame/OffColor ModeLandscape sRGBLighting TypeNATURALNoise ReductionOFFCamera Actuations1987Image OptimizationCUSTOMSaturation 2ENHANCED
>> BlackAdder !!bSWRwu/NqzQ
>>101026

It does cost a bit to get it cleaned.

Although I do my best to be careful and quick with it, I change lenses in all sorts of conditions. It made sense to get the kit myself. It'll be cheaper in the long run and it means I can do it in ten or twenty minutes whenever I want rather than sending it off and waiting.
>> elf_man !!DdAnyoDMfCe
>>101028
Oh yeah, I agree about the economics of it. I had to get it cleaned right before a big vacation, so I needed it done fast and as good as possible, and thankfully it's lasted a bit.
Really, it was just horrifying how visible it was at relatively low f stops.
>> BlackAdder !!bSWRwu/NqzQ
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I knew I had some shots showing epic dirt on a sensor, look at this one (contrast boosted way up to show it up). Good luck cloning that lot out.
>> BlackAdder !!bSWRwu/NqzQ
>>101031

I can see in that situation you're not going to want to wait or muck around. The dirt really can show up bad in all sorts of situations over time.
>> ????? !wAHA/GeRU.
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Mine wasn't nearly as bad as>>101033
>>101023
>>101026
but that speck was pretty big.

Camera-Specific Properties:Equipment MakeNIKON CORPORATIONCamera ModelNIKON D70Camera SoftwareVer.2.00Maximum Lens Aperturef/3.5Sensing MethodOne-Chip Color AreaColor Filter Array Pattern824Focal Length (35mm Equiv)27 mmSerial Number0002eea3Image-Specific Properties:Image OrientationTop, Left-HandHorizontal Resolution72 dpiVertical Resolution72 dpiImage Created2006:03:18 11:55:10Exposure Time1/500 secF-Numberf/11.0Exposure ProgramAperture PriorityExposure Bias0 EVMetering ModePatternLight SourceUnknownFlashNo FlashFocal Length18.00 mmColor Space InformationsRGBImage Width1024Image Height681RenderingNormalExposure ModeAutoScene Capture TypeStandardGain ControlNoneContrastSoftSharpnessNormalSubject Distance RangeUnknownISO Speed Used200Image QualityFINEWhite BalanceAUTOImage SharpeningAUTOFocus ModeAF-SFlash SettingNORMALFlash Compensation0.0 EVISO Speed Requested200Flash Bracket Compensation0.0 EVAE Bracket Compensation0.0 EVTone CompensationAUTOLens TypeNikon D SeriesLens Range18.0 - 70.0 mm; f/3.5 - f/4.5Auto FocusSingle Area, Center Selected, Top FocusedShooting/Bracketing ModeSingle Frame/OffColor ModeLandscape sRGBLighting TypeNATURALNoise ReductionOFFCamera Actuations4662Image OptimizationVIVIDSaturation 2NORMAL
>> BlackAdder !!bSWRwu/NqzQ
>>101038

That lump on it's own is pretty bad. Especially if it's in an awkward spot.

If that sensor I posted didn't get cleaned I suppose you could always try planting roses in all that dirt.
>> rix
excellent suggestions all around. thanks folks. /p/ hasn't failed me yet! :)

now for some critique on that photo of mine if you please... (>>100990)