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Removing Covid-19 from Cameras

Lubbyman
Posted 18/03/2020 - 13:41 Link
Just had an e-mail from SRS re Covid-19. Their advice for cleaning cameras and lenses is:

Weatherproof - Spray with a disinfectant solution that contains over 70% Alcohol, and dry with a towel.

Not weatherproof - Wipe down the exterior of your product with alcohol-based sanitizing wipes. We recommend choosing products that are labelled as effective for killing 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and also bleach-free.

Not sure - Treat as not weatherproof.

And make sure that caps and covers are closed.

Presumably they know what they are talking about!

Steve
johnriley
Posted 18/03/2020 - 14:47 Link
I used to sell disinfectant sprays when I was a dental supplier, and alcohol sprays denature plastics, so I don't know what the long term effect would be on the finish of the cameras.

This effect used to make the upholstery of dental chairs crack, albeit it over a long period of time.

I do use the Zeiss lens wipes from time to time.
Best regards, John
Chrism8
Posted 18/03/2020 - 15:33 Link
I would presume the camera can only have the virus on it from an infected owner and isn't the virus alive for just 72 hours on a hard surface ?
Chris

www.chrismillsphotography.co.uk

" A Hangover is something that occupies the Head you neglected to use the night before".

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Samyang 14mm F2.8, Pentax DFA* 70-200 F2.8, Pentax A 50mm F1.2

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Benz3ne
Posted 18/03/2020 - 16:39 Link
Chrism8 wrote:
I would presume the camera can only have the virus on it from an infected owner and isn't the virus alive for just 72 hours on a hard surface ?

Agreed to a point.
You could come into contact with virus (on hands) and handle camera without self-infecting (touching mouth, eyes, or anything that then touches mouth, eyes). That being said, if you've done that you've more than likely touched something that will also come into contact with your face (mouth, eyes, etc.).
Also yes, max 72 hours. I'd rather just 'dust' with some disinfectant wipes on the camera before use than force myself to wait 72 hours to use it again.
Benz3ne
Posted 18/03/2020 - 16:41 Link
Benz3ne wrote:
Chrism8 wrote:
I would presume the camera can only have the virus on it from an infected owner and isn't the virus alive for just 72 hours on a hard surface ?

Agreed to a point.
You could come into contact with virus (on hands) and handle camera without self-infecting prior (touching mouth, eyes, or anything that then touches mouth, eyes). That being said, if you've done that you've more than likely touched something that will also come into contact with your face (mouth, eyes, etc.).
Also yes, max 72 hours. I'd rather just 'dust' with some disinfectant wipes on the camera before use than force myself to wait 72 hours to use it again.

Lubbyman
Posted 18/03/2020 - 17:56 Link
I think the key point in what SRS says about using alcohol spray is to dry with a towel. Presumably so the alcohol is on the surface long enough to kill the virus but not long enough to damage the surface.

And, of course, not all plastics are the same - I've had wine from bottles with plastic bungs (not 70% alcohol, of course...).

Steve
MrB
Posted 18/03/2020 - 18:22 Link
What about surface tension: alcohols have about one third that of water - doesn't that make it easier for them to flow around WR seals? A wipe with an anti-bac damp cloth sounds better than alco-spray for cleaning the gear safely.

Philip
Aitch53
Posted 18/03/2020 - 19:01 Link
Strong short-wavelength ultra-violet light?
SteveH!

Some people call me 'strange'.
I prefer 'unconventional'.
But I'm willing to compromise and accept 'eccentric'.
Benz3ne
Posted 18/03/2020 - 19:22 Link
Aitch53 wrote:
Strong short-wavelength ultra-violet light?

Dual purpose, it’ll de-yellow old Takumar lenses too
davidwozhere
Posted 18/03/2020 - 22:12 Link
Aitch53 wrote:
Strong short-wavelength ultra-violet light?

The sun tan parlours are going to be inundated now!
Both the *istDS and the K5 are incurably addicted to old glass

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