camera care in tropics

[leric]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I live and work in SE Asia. Temperature and humidity here are such that, when running around with a camera, the body and lens-frame soon become sticky, mainly from the humidity and the sweat of ones hands. I am looking for ways to regularly clean the items, that are (1) more effective then the dry-rub (usually recommended for maintenance) and (2) not too agressive on the material - I have a digilux 2. Any advice would be appreciated. Ciao. Erik.

[peterm1_Leica]

I have a few micro fibre cleaning cloths that I use. These look like what we in Australia call terry towelling but are much softer and made from a synthetic material that seems to stay quite dry. The cloths are about 30 cm square and can be picked up in many stores for a couple of dollars. I like these as they can also be used inside a camera bag as extra soft protection for wrapping lenses or bodies. They can be washed and and seem to work well to remove bust dust and moisture. They are lint free. And of course you cna use them to keep your hands dry.

[vikasmg]

A microfibre cleaning cloth or any lint-free cloth is probably best. It's also a good idea to invest in a dry cabinet and store your equipment in it when not in use.

 

- Vikas

[leric]

Thanks Peter and Vikas.

The microfiber cloth is good but I worry that it does not remove enough. I have read about using a damp cloth. Any experience with that? Or is it simply not worth the risk, introducing water?

In the Leica maintenance instructions I read: “stubborn dirt should first of all be covered with a well thinned cleaning agent and then wiped off with a dry cloth”. Any idea what a “well thinned cleaning agent” is?

Vikas, I ordered a dry cabinet last week in Bangkok. Should have it next week. Thanks for bringing it up. It definitely seems a worthwhile investment here.

Erik.