Do you know how to protect your lens?

Question

I'm not talking about putting a filter over your expensive glass, but I just want to pass along a tip to pointand shoot users.

One of the top questions around here is from people who have gotten their lenses jammed somewhere in the in-out cycle. There is also the dreaded "E18" error...

It is very important that you do NOT block the lens as you turn on the camera. The gears inside these tiny camera are - wait for it - TINY, so they break or get jammed easily.

I have one tip to pass along. I have gotten into the habit of setting my camera mode to "View" EVERY TIME I turn off the camera. If I put the camera in my pocket (as usual) and bump the on-off switch by accident, at least the lens will not get jammed as it tries to extend inside my pocket. I can see that this would be very important for ladies who carry their cameras in their bags and especially important for people who pack their cameras in a suitcase before vacation.

It's easy and it could save you some damage.

Yeah, stylebeatknot, that's the idea. I am just trying to pass along a tip to as many people as I can.

I'd say that it is just as important to use my tip if you put your camera into a camera case, by the way. I know that you didn't rule it out, but I think that this happens inside a case more than anywhere else!

Zoni - that grease idea is a keeper. How about selective grease application? See, I put some grease all over the lens and then wiped away a small opening with a Q-tip to make the flower look crisp and sharp while the rest of the picture looks blurry.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstein/2145982734/

Answer 1

Some good advice, Dr. Sam. Unfortunately, there are countless people that will never see this question....

Oh, yes, I love that image you have 'doctored'. That greased bokeh effect is amazing.

You need to post a step by step tutorial so we can all do it too (as long as it looks like a question, that is).

Edit: April...the grease method referred to, is said with complete 'tongue in cheek', nothing more...lol

Answer 2

You guys are scaring me. Are you talking about any lens on any camera including the SLR cameras? I was always under the impression that you should keep the lens cap on the lens until you were ready to use it and the idea of putting grease on my lens scares me although I know that is what the pros have done for years. I will remember all the tips given here but I'm not sure I have the courage to try them all.

Answer 3

KY jelly is good, always keep some on hand,

a

Answer 4

Looks like an answer not a question, and as for camera get a case to protect it....