Hibernation Time!
 

Its that time of year when I put some of my gear into hibernation. I appreciate that care must be taken to ensure gear wakes up next year bright and fresh so.... (I can hear Don's laughter from here :rolleyes: )

I know lenses must be stored vertically for lubricating oils to rest evenly but what about camera bodies?

Bodies are delivered in their boxes with LCD screen down and the lens mount is facing upward but its easier to store the camera resting on its rubber base/tripod mount, what way of orientation is best to preserve the lubricant around the shutter and mirror assembly?

Never thought of all this. Would it not be best to fire off a few shots now and then to move things round a bit say once a month? Do it on say the 1st of the month so you don't forget.

Good idea Mike,

I heard if people firing off their flashes to keep the capacitor in good order but I would probably forget!

I never saw Peter Pervis and John Noakes shake the Blue Peter tortoise about once a month to see if it was still alive :D :rolleyes:

Dust, dirt and damp are the main enemies. As long as you don't store things wrapped up in plastic bags and subject them to wide temperature variations, which would promote fungus, I'd say that a lay off of 6 months probably won't make much difference to things from a lubrication perspective.

why would you put you camera away? you aint going to capture anything if its in the cupboard!

I have two bodies, one of these is used for airshows and the other for more general subjects that I would post here. Its the airshow camera that will be hibernated since there are no more airshows until Spring next year.

Its also good to have a break and rest since I aim to be out with the camera every weekend in Summer.

What me laugh ......... :D :D ........ never!!

It should be fine stored where air can circulate.

Next I need to pencil in a couple of exercises for Feb that will positively require you to use it rather than the Hs. :p

Don

Never crossed my mind to put cams away for the winter.Excellent time of the year for photography.crisp winter sunshine,lots of opportunity for indoor family shots at Xmas.

I've heard of fair weather fishermen but this must be a new breed of photographer.

Pete

Crisp winter sunshine to make up for summer sunshine. Hope so rather than drab grey! No family at home this Xmas :(

Speaking of which I trust yours are all in good order. The season fast approaches. :p

Don

PS : Believe it or not the banner ad. top left has now switched to ' Energiser Ultimate Lithium ' . :D :D

Pete,there must be a list we can compile,I will add "fair weather bikers" to the group.This suits my hubby,but never myself.
Having said this,I do take in Stephens query,albeit it is the first time I have heard it mentioned,re storing cameras.

Mike,you can take some amazing shots in the late winter afternoons,esp when frosty and the sun is setting,also in the late mornings,lots of frosty cobwebs etc.
If you have no family at home for Xmas,then you have all the time to spend taking photos.Shots of local street decorations etc,New Years eve in your local!!!,could be a classic.
I ,personally,am one of a very sad breed who do not like Xmas,I never have done even when a child,but New Year is special.So pick a bright cold winters morning,Mike,and I bet you will find some great shots.
A memorable one on this site,is Saphire's shot of car lights zooming off along a snow covered track,anyone remember this shot?,brilliant.
So,Mike ,you have no excuse for not taking shots in the winter season.:D

The best way to store is equipment is to wire-brush it first to remove loose dirt and then a blunt knife for stubborn dirt. Finally, a liberal coating of WD40 (with extra squirts into moving parts) and store in dry shed. This should see you through to spring - it works every year for my mower.

:D You forgot the dipping in sheep dip to keep the munchy crawly things at bay.