| By :
Mark Etinger
Your camera, assuming it's an SLR, will have 7 main parts. A few of these parts can be cleaned by you and should be cleaned in a specific manner. In the same way you wouldn't wash a Ferrari with rocks, you wouldn't clean a camera lens with a rough or fibrous material such as a paper towel or a tissue. While some of the parts are cleanable, this can also cause some frightening moments as well, especially with something like the camera's sensor because this is not available out in the open instead you have to go inside the actual camera shell. Here are the parts of the camera: The camera lens - This is obviously the part of the camera which will you will focus on an object to take the photo. This can quite easily be cleaned. One suggestion is to not use Windex or any other glass cleaner. Nor is it safe to use "dust away" or "dust off". While the lens is more stable than that of the other parts of the camera like the sensor, it's still important that you be as careful as you can with the cleaning process of the lens. The CCD or CMOS Sensor - This is another part of your camera that can be cleaned. But again, it's absolutely essential that you either follow your manufacturer's manual or you look online for a Photographers website on how to go about this. Remember, you will have to go inside your camera. The sensor itself should be cleaned every few months. The way to tell it needs cleaned is by taking a clear photo, and magnifying it to 100%. If you see any spots, blotches, lines or any debris, this is how you know the censor needs cleaned! be sure to use the right tools for the job. Some of the tools are hand squeezed blower bulb or compressed CO2 gas, Eclipse fluid and a sensor swab. All of these tools can be found when you shop digital cameras online. The PCB (Printed Circuit Boards): This is NOT a piece you will be cleaning. A PCB is somewhat like the motherboard on your computer or laptop it's just a whole lot smaller. It transmits, stores, and remembers data and information. This is ultimately the "brains" of the camera. This part of the camera also allows connections for electronic components, and will use semi conductive paths, tracks or traces that are etched from copper. Memory: There are two times of memory on a camera. There is internally memory which can usually hold just a handful of pictures. And then there is external memory which is what you would buy memory cards for. This is another piece that should not under any circumstance be cleaned. In fact, it's important to always shut the memory card door when it's not in use. LCD Screen: On a lot of newer products such as Nikon cameras and Canon SLR cameras you have an LCD screen. Cleaning an LCD screen is fairly easy and can be done with any gentle piece of cloth. External/Internal Flash: Most of the cameras nowadays have an internal flash or external flash. This is not something that should be cleaned, unless you find that the flash has a lot of dust and fingerprints on it. The Body: The body of a camera actually can be cleaned with NON abrasives. A lot of people are going to suggest you buy specialty camera cleaner from your manufacture. You can also use 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol (70%) and water. You can also buy cleaning kits for your camera as well which might make this a little less scary! When cleaning a camera, always advise your supplied manufacturer instructions as every camera requires special treatment. Good luck!
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