Camera Melt |
Living and photographing in New England it seems that there
is
always some kind of extreme natural condition threatening to wreak havoc on
our equipment. Rain, snow, sleet,
numbing cold, crashing waves and blowing sanding are just a few of the environmental
challenges against which we must struggle, but it is important to remember that
it is those same conditions that make New England photography endlessly varied
and breathtakingly beautiful. I have
talked about ways to function in the bitter cold of our winters, but, given the
recent unrelenting heat, this seems the perfect time to consider strategies for
surviving the summer scorch.
Land Iguana of Cerro Dragon, Galapagos Islands : HOT |
Heat Damage
Modern digital cameras are marvelously complex machines,
with a combination of delicate coated glass, sensitive electronics, mechanical
components, batteries and memory cards all of which can be damaged by excessive
heat. The lubricants that keep the camera running smoothly can melt and migrate
in high heat causing severe damage.
How much is too much heat? Every camera has its own recommendations for acceptable temperature range. For my Canon 5D Mark II, the manual sets the working temperature range for both the camera and the battery from 32 deg F – 104 deg F. Although I have gotten away with using the camera for short periods at temperatures substantially below zero, I would be nervous about pushing the upper limit. As always, prevention is the key to protecting your valuable equipment, but first don’t forget to take care of yourself.
Protect Yourself
Before talking about shielding your camera equipment, it is important to remember to protect yourself from effects of the sun and high heat. In the excitement of a great photographic opportunity, it is easy to ignore the simple measures needed to keep yourself safe and functioning at top capacity. Light clothing, a hat and sunscreen are a start, but equally important is to keep up with your fluids. It is hard to capture the perfect shot if you are weak and lightheaded.
Prevention
The Death Mobile
Keeping your camera equipment cool can be a challenge
especially when stored in your car.
Temperature inside a closed vehicle can easily rise from 120-160
degrees. Again, if we just think about
the problem, preventive measures seem obvious.
Try to imagine that your gear is a cute little puppy that you would
NEVER allow to roast in your death mobile.
Parking in the shade, providing for ventilation and using reflective
window screens can all reduce the internal temperature. In the case of the reflective screens, they
can also be used as reflectors and shades for your photographs. Inside the car, keep the gear out of the
direct sunlight and covered with a light colored towel or other fabric. An insulated cooler can provide even better
protection. I've never actually used a cooler, but it sounds like a great idea. I'll give it a try - at least until Susan figures out that I stole her cooler. The car trunk can shield
gear from the direct sun, but, especially in dark colored vehicles, the
temperature may still climb to excessive levels.
Outside
When outside in intense sun and heat, a light colored camera bag or cover can help, and I feel embarrassed to mention this, but it is important not to leave your camera with the lens cap off pointed into the sun – just think about the fun you monsters had frying insects with a magnifying glass.
When outside in intense sun and heat, a light colored camera bag or cover can help, and I feel embarrassed to mention this, but it is important not to leave your camera with the lens cap off pointed into the sun – just think about the fun you monsters had frying insects with a magnifying glass.
Internal Heat
Digital cameras can be a source of their own heat. The biggest culprits are the Live View screen
and the sensor, but the rest of the electronics can contribute to the internal
temperature, especially if the camera is kept on for prolong periods. In hot weather it is advisable to limit the
use of Live View and set the Auto-Off to no more than one -two minutes.
Treatment
If your camera becomes excessively hot don’t use it until it has cooled completely. Move it carefully to a spot with moderate temperature, good air flow and low humidity. You might also place the camera and lenses in tightly sealed plastic bags (see condensation below).
If your camera becomes excessively hot don’t use it until it has cooled completely. Move it carefully to a spot with moderate temperature, good air flow and low humidity. You might also place the camera and lenses in tightly sealed plastic bags (see condensation below).
The most common problem that I experience on hot humid days
occurs when I go from a cool air conditioned room or car into the heat and
humidity. Condensation clouds lenses, and
the moisture can gather on the internal surfaces of the camera encouraging the
disastrous growth of fungus. It is the
same problem that occurs in the winter when I bring a cold camera into a warm
house or car and the treatment is the same.
First, try not to go crazy with the air conditioning in the car. If you are frequently jumping in and out,
try to approximate the outdoor temp inside the vehicle. As you would in the winter, when moving cool
gear into the heat and humidity, allow the camera and lenses time to warm in a
plastic bag. It may take 20-30 minutes
for the surfaces to adjust to the ambient temperature. It is frustrating to
leap out of your comfortably cool car to catch the perfect shot and find that
you have to wait for the moisture to clear from the lens. It should take only a
few times before you learn to go easy with the air conditioning. A soft cloth may be helpful to wipe moisture
from the lens, but if you suspect internal condensation consider storing gear
in air tight containers with Silica gel packets to absorb the moisture. The packets are cheap and easy to find on the
internet.
Unless you shoot only at dawn or dusk, or even better, only at night, hot conditions are unavoidable. The most important thing is to recognize the problem and take precautions to avoid a global warming catastrophe. And cheer-up, this is New England and soon new problems will surface. After all -
“Winter is Coming!”
Mount Washington, 20 degrees Below |
Jeff Newcomer
partridgebrookreflections.com
603-363-8338
Thanks for the info. that was very helpful.
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