Come Hail or rain, Camera ProteCtion Comes First!

Monsoon is here! Aren’t you itching to go out in the downpour and shoot some magical pictures of streets being lashed with heavy rains? Don’t you want to capture the heavy mist surrounding the treetops? Don’t you want to click a picture of the earth clad in the brightest shade of green as lofty gray clouds line the summits of majestic hills? So what’s stopping you? Are you afraid that shooting in the rain will damage your camera irreparably? If that’s the case, then don’t worry! We have compiled a list of tips to ensure that your camera gets the protection it deserves this monsoon. Read on to know more!

- NITYAPRIYA KALIYATH

#1. Know Your Enemies – Water & Mold

Most cameras nowadays are weather-sealed or water-resistant. This means they have rubber gaskets or seals protecting the internal components of the camera. A raindrop or two won’t cause much issues, however if you are shooting in torrential rain without protecting your camera; then be prepared to watch the internal components of your camera rust and die a slow death! Hence, be careful when you are shooting in the rain; your camera maybe water-resistant, but not completely water-proof.

And water is not the one and only camera gear enemy you have to deal with. It is closely followed by mold. Water droplets left inside of the lens due to shooting in the rain or due to the moisture in the humid air can cause mold to grow on the glasses of your lens. Once the mold begins to grow, there is little you could do to save your lens. This brings the question – what can you do to prevent mold from growing on your lenses?

First of all, do not pack away your camera and keep it inside the closet once monsoon arrives. You are doing more damage than good. Using the camera safely during the season is one of the best ways to ensure that it is not attacked by mold. Secondly, instead of keeping your camera tightly packed, let it air out in the open and receive as much sunlight as possible. Or else, if your budget permits, invest in a dry box and store your camera gear in it for maximum protection against mold.