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Photographer Nikhil Devasar uses a water pipe to clean the dirt off his OM System cameras. <\/p>\n Photographer Nikhil Devasar uses a water pipe to clean the dirt off his OM System cameras. <\/p>\n
After a hard day\u2019s shoot on safari, cameras get dirty from the dust, grit, and sand. Much like a dirty dog, these cameras need to be hosed down\u2026 Wait, what? <\/p>\n
While the idea of intentionally getting a camera wet is beyond the pale for most photographers, Indian snapper Nikhil Devasar<\/a> recently shared his eye-widening method of cleaning his gear, which does indeed involve a garden hose.<\/p>\n \u201cThe dust of the Indian scrub is relentless,\u201d Devasar writes on Instagram<\/a>. \u201cAfter a day on the tracks trailing a tiger, every crevice of the gear \u2014 from the tactile dials to the lens barrel \u2014 is coated in a fine layer of grit.\u201d <\/p>\n Devasar says that while other photographers will grab a gentle brush and an air blower, he prefers a more direct approach. \u201cThe ritual of washing away the day\u2019s grime under a running pipe is the only way to truly get it clean,\u201d he adds. <\/p>\n Predictably, photographers commenting on the viral video were horrified. \u201cDon\u2019t forget the sensors,\u201d jokes photographer Michael Hickey. \u201c[You] may have to use soap and a stiff brush.\u201d <\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t forget to put everything in the microwave to dry it all off,\u201d adds photographer Zach Tarrant. \u201cYou don\u2019t want any water spots!\u201d <\/p>\n A Camera Made for the Elements <\/p>\n Devasar is using OM System OM-1 Mark II cameras<\/a> that have an IP53 rating, which promises protection from \u201climited dust ingress,\u201d as well as protection from \u201cwater spray less than 60 degrees from vertical.\u201d He\u2019s also using M.Zuiko Pro optics, which are also IP53 rated. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n Devasar\u2019s cleaning might be a little beyond just water spraying. But he says he treats his OM-1 Mark II the same way as a pair of field boots. It\u2019s worth noting that, much like field boots, OM-1 Mark IIs can\u2019t be used underwater. <\/p>\n \u201cWhen you trust your tools,\u201d he says. \u201cThe focus remains where it should be: on the stripes in the tall grass, not on the dust on the camera gear.\u201d <\/p>\n The OM-1 Mark II holds one of the highest weatherproof ratings on the market. A few years ago, PetaPixel was given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look<\/a> at just how intense the company\u2019s torture testing is. <\/p>\n PetaPixel articles may include affiliate links; if you buy something through such a link, PetaPixel may earn a commission.<\/p>\n Love PetaPixel? Go Premium.<\/p>\n PetaPixel is the world\u2019s largest independent photography publication and we\u2019re only able to continue our work with your help. Become a PetaPixel Member now<\/a> and support our mission to bring you regular, high-quality reviews, features, news, and more.<\/p>\n Remove banner ads
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