INSPECTING AND MAINTAINING THE CAMERA

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the correct method of inspecting and maintaining the 35mm single-lens reflex camera.

The importance of caring for your camera cannot be overstated. The old saying, "Take care of your equipment, and it will take care of you," certainly holds true when it comes to photography. In the following text you will learn the basics of periodic camera inspection and maintenance, to include the lens, camera body and camera optics.

NOTE: You may be held liable for any damages while the camera is in your custody!

THE LENS

Remove the lens from the camera according to the manufacturer's instructions. Inspect the lens and check it for dirt, smudges, fingerprints and scratches. Remove dirt with a blower brush; eliminate smudges and fingerprints by gently wiping the glass with lens-cleaning tissue moistened with a few drops of lens-cleaning solution. Be careful not to oversaturate the tissue - one or two drops should be enough.

Minor scratches may not alter the performance of the lens, but you should bring them to the attention of your LPO or LCPO. However, deep scratches will probably affect the performance of your lens. In this instance, notify your supervisor and obtain a replacement lens. If you are not sure about the severity of a scratch, reattach the lens to the camera body, look through the viewfinder and focus on a subject. If any part of the field of view appears blurred or obscured, replace the lens.

Next, check the aperture control ring. The ring should click firmly into each position. Examine the focus ring. It should move smoothly, without interruption. Check the lens exterior for dents and other damage.

Finally, make sure the lens is mounted with an ultraviolet, haze or skylight filter to protect the front glass surface and its delicate antireflective coating.

THE CAMERA BODY

Inspect the camera body for dirt and defects. Use a blower brush to remove light dust and dirt; stubborn dirt can be removed with a silicon cloth or a soft chamois. Do not use liquids to clean the camera body. Liquid cleaners, including water, can damage the camera.

Check the back of the camera body and make sure it is lighttight. While the back of the camera is open, conduct a shutter speed test to determine whether the camera has maintained its calibration. You do this by opening the shutter at the varying speeds from one second to 1/1000" (or faster). There should be noticeable differences at the slower speeds (1/1", 1/2", 1/8", 1/15", 1/30" and 1/60"). Inspect the back of the outer film carriage of the camera for nicks and warps. Examine the door hinge for looseness.

THE CAMERA OPTICS

Look through the viewfinder of the camera and focus on an object. If the field of view is blurred or obscured and you know your lens is in good condition, you may have a dirty viewfinder.

If the mirror is dirty, clean it carefully, using a blower brush. Do not use lens-cleaning tissue or fluid on the mirror. If smudges remain on the mirror, consult your supervisor before taking the camera body to an authorized dealer or repair shop for professional cleaning.

OTHER IMPORTANT AREAS

Check the camera battery/internal light meter. A weak battery can affect your light meter reading, and ultimately, your photographs. Consult your instruction manual for further instructions.

Open the camera back and inspect the film chamber, rails, pressure plates, shutter curtain and take-up spool for dirt, film debris and other foreign matter. Use a blower brush to clean this area. Be careful not to press on the shutter curtain.

Inspect the neck strap for cracks and wear, especially at the pressure points (the clips that attach to the camera). In wet and humid climates, leather neck straps have a tendency to rot and should be checked daily.

Always store your camera in its case with the lens cap over the protective filter.