What should I do if condensation forms inside my camera or lens?
Asked 7/1/2011
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2 answers
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I took a very cold camera bag from an air-conditioned room straight into hot, humid outdoor air, and the lens fogged immediately. After coming back inside, I wiped the front element, LCD, and viewfinder, but the image still looked foggy, so I’m worried there is condensation on internal lens surfaces or possibly the sensor. I’ve already powered the camera off and removed the battery. What’s the safest way to let it recover, and should I remove the lens or leave everything assembled until it dries?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
9
Cameras handle worse conditions all the time. Chances are very good you just had condensation on the inside of your lens or on the sensor itself. Let it be for a few hours and try again. I wouldn't take the lens off yet, because if the sensor is wet from condensation you'll have a higher chance of having dust adhere to it. If it isn't clear in a few hours, let the gear sit overnight in normal temperature.
If you end up with an image that is still foggy then, remove your lens and see if you've damaged your lens by having condensation inside the barrel of the lens. If that's the case, it'll probably be time to replace it unless you happen to be under warranty (and they'll cover it).
If the lens is clear, or your images seem to have permanent marks on them, you may have gotten dust stuck to your sensor when it was humidified and need to clean it. I can highly recommend Sensor Swabs by Photographic Solutions. You'll have to verify which "type" your camera sensor needs. If uncomfortable with this, you may need to visit your local camera service center.
Originally by user5817. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user5817
15y ago
0
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Power the camera off, remove the battery, and let the camera and lens sit at normal room temperature for several hours; overnight is safest if it still looks foggy. In most cases, this kind of condensation clears on its own once the gear warms up and dries.
Leave the lens attached for now. If there is moisture near the sensor, removing the lens immediately can increase the chance of dust sticking to it.
After it has fully acclimated, test it again. If the fogging is gone, you’re likely fine. If images still look hazy afterward, then check whether the issue is in the lens or on the sensor by removing the lens only after everything is dry. Persistent haze could mean moisture remained inside the lens, or dust stuck to the sensor.
A one-time condensation event usually does not damage a camera. The main risk is using it while wet or opening it too soon in a humid environment.
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