How to clean your Camera Equipment

A Cleaning and Maintenance Guide for Olympus TG-6 and TG-7 Cameras Used in Underwater Photography

Underwater photography offers a unique and breathtaking perspective of the world, but it also places specific demands on your equipment. The Olympus TG-6 and TG-7 are robust cameras designed for underwater use, but they still require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure longevity and optimal performance. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to care for your camera and its housing after a dive.

Tools and Materials Needed

1. Fresh Water: For rinsing off salt, sand, and other debris.

2. Soft Cloth or Microfiber Towel: For drying and wiping down the camera.

3. Compressed Air or Blower Brush: To remove dust and debris from hard-to-reach areas.

4. Lens Cleaning Solution and Cloth: Specifically for cleaning the camera lens and housing port.

5. Screwdriver (as required - advanced only): To open the battery compartment or other parts of the housing, if needed.

6. Silicone Grease: To lubricate the O-rings.

7. O-ring Removal Tool or Plastic Tweezers: For safe removal and replacement of O-rings.

8. Soft Brush or Toothbrush: To gently clean intricate areas.

9. Lint-free Cloth: For final polishing.

1. *Sensor Cleaning Swabs*: Specialized swabs for safely cleaning camera sensors, crucial for preventing dust spots on photos. 2. *Lens Cleaning Solution*: A liquid cleaner suitable for removing smudges and dirt from camera lenses and housing ports. 3. *Lens Cleaning Pens*: Two different types of pens with retractable brushes and cleaning tips to target dust and fingerprints on lenses. 4. *Air Blower*: Used to blow away dust particles without directly touching the camera's sensitive surfaces, such as lenses and sensors. 5. *Microfiber Cloths*: Multiple soft cloths designed for polishing lenses and camera housings without scratching the surfaces. 6. *Cleaning Wipes*: Pre-moistened wipes to remove grime from camera surfaces, offering both wet and dry cleaning options. 7. *Cotton Swabs*: Useful for reaching small, intricate areas like housing seals and grooves. 8. *Brushes*: Soft bristle brushes designed to gently remove dust and debris from the camera's body and lenses. 9. *Tweezers*: Precision tweezers for handling small components or for use when cleaning areas that are difficult to reach. 10. *Protective Gloves*: White gloves to prevent fingerprints and oils from transferring to the camera during cleaning

Step-by-Step Cleaning Procedure

1. Rinse Immediately After every Dive

As soon as you finish your dive, rinse the housing thoroughly with fresh water. This will remove salt, sand, and other potentially damaging particles. If possible, soak the housing in fresh water for 10-15 minutes to ensure that all salt deposits are dissolved.

2. Dry the Camera and Housing

After rinsing, carefully dry the camera and housing using a soft cloth or microfiber towel. Pay special attention to the buttons, seams, and O-ring areas to ensure no water remains. If water is trapped in any small crevices, use compressed air or a blower brush to remove it.

3. Inspect and Clean the Housing

- Open the Housing: Use a screwdriver or the appropriate tool to open the housing.

- Remove the O-rings: Carefully remove the O-rings using the O-ring removal tool or plastic tweezers. Never use metal tools as they can damage the O-rings.

- Clean the O-rings: Wipe the O-rings with a lint-free cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Inspect them for any signs of wear, cracks, or deformities.

- Clean the O-ring Groove: Use a soft brush or a cloth to clean the groove where the O-ring sits. Make sure there are no particles left that could compromise the seal.

4. Apply Silicone Grease to the O-rings

- Light Application: Apply a very thin layer of silicone grease to the O-rings. Only use grease specifically designed for underwater camera O-rings. Too much grease can attract debris, so a light application is crucial.

- Reinsert the O-rings: Carefully place the lubricated O-rings back into their grooves, ensuring they are seated properly without twists or folds.

5. Clean the Camera Lens and Housing Port

Use a lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth to clean the camera lens and the inside of the housing’s lens port. This ensures that no smudges or particles will affect the image quality.

6. Reassemble the Housing

Carefully close the housing, making sure that all seals are secure and that the O-rings are properly seated. Once closed, check that the housing is watertight by observing for any gaps or uneven pressure.

7. Perform a Final Inspection

Before using the camera again, perform a final check:

- Test the Buttons: Ensure all buttons move freely and return to their original position without sticking.

- Check the Housing Seal: Make sure there are no visible gaps or misalignments.

- Inspect the Housing: Look for any cracks, scratches, or signs of wear that could compromise the integrity of the housing.

Additional Tips

- Regular Maintenance: Even if you don't dive frequently, it's essential to perform regular maintenance checks to ensure the camera and housing remain in good condition.

- Store Properly: Store your camera and housing in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

- O-ring Replacement: O-rings should be replaced regularly, at least once a year, or whenever they show signs of wear or damage.

- Avoid Chemical Cleaners: Never use harsh chemicals or alcohol-based cleaners on the camera or housing, as they can damage the materials.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your Olympus TG-6 and TG-7 cameras are always ready for your next underwater adventure. Regular cleaning and maintenance not only extend the life of your equipment but also ensure you capture the best possible images beneath the waves. Happy diving!