Embarassing question: psoriasis and camera/lenses question

[m-tinkerbelle]

hi!

This is an embarassing question, but since you're all so nice and experienced in this field I decided to post it . I've got psoriasis and just found out the hard way that it's going to take lots of dedication and being extra careful to keep the lenses and the camera always clean and free of dust, "particles" (aka "dead skin") and lint.

Anyone else in my same or similar situation? could anyone give me some advice to avoid ruining my brand new camera? how do you keep your camera and lenses clean under particular "dusty" conditions? (if the word exists, pardon my English please)

I have to say that my psoriasis case is very mild and only my scalp is affected. What I'm doing is to get an extra shower a day before grabbing the camera and now I wash my hair every day instead of doing it 4 times a week (as my dermatologist suggested) to keep it as free from dead skin cells as possible

Wearing a bandanna is helping a lot but sometimes my clothes just pour some of the nasty stuff over the camera. I still change my shirt before getting the camera out of the protective pouch but still it seems impossible to keep the dirt away from it

thanks for any idea or help in advance

have a nice weekend!

 

[photo_chick]

The major concerns are keeping the inside of the camera clean when you change lenses, and keeping the end of the lens clean. While I'm not normally a fan of UV filters on digital cameras, since it sounds like you'll be cleaning the end of your lens a lot more than normal you may want to invest in a good one to protect the front element when you clean it. As far as inside the camera, don't change the lens in a windy area. It's really the biggest thing, IMO, that you can do to keep debris from getting in there.

Everything else on the outside can be cleaned off easily enough. Keep a stiff bristled tooth brush and a rocket blower handy for cleaning the outside. Do that when you pack it up at night and it should stay pretty clean.

 

[m-tinkerbelle]

thanks a lot Danielle!
I'll follow your advices ;D I'll get a UV filter and a rocket blower first thing on Monday

 

[cosine4]

Here is my advice in addition to what's already been said:

1. Don't be embarrassed. I know it's easier said than done. I have a neuro/muscular condition and have recently began parking in the HC area at work and am embarrassed but know I shouldn't be.

2. I carry an unused make up brush with me and keep it in a plastic pouch. That way when I am in back country Texas or at the beach, I can quickly get dust/sand off of my camera. I usually give it a once over before opening it up in areas like that. They make camera brushes but a make up brush is more expensive.

3. Be sure to use a lens hood.

4. Be vigilant about checking your lens for particles that my degrade your shot before taking it.

 

[m-tinkerbelle]

thank you for your reply Cosine!

First, don't feel embarrassed to have to park in the HC area! those parking spots are designed to make your life easier, not to point out your condition to others so feel happy to use them!

My embarrassment was more due to having to ask about how to handle my camera under my situation than embarrassment due to my psoriasis I learned to live with it. And thankfully it's hardly noticeable, I'm a lucky girl
But, when I saw that my camera was suddenly starting to look white I started to freak out
so thank you very much for your replies! you were very helpful!

makeup brushes... why didn't i think of that?! that's a GREAT idea! I have some low quality ones that could be perfect to clean the camera! I was about to throw those away because they loose hair strands and they're very soft so they won't damage or scratch the camera body or the plastic parts

I bought a blower but I couldn't find a UV/skyline filter they were all sold out for my camera lens' size! I'll have to wait for a few days to get one ;(

thank you guys you're great

 

[seashoreCM]

When you blow on the lens, etc. do the particles blow off quickly?

OT: Washing too often can aggravate skin diseases and disorders.