Will opening a waterproof compact camera affect its waterproofing?
Asked 9/20/2013
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2 answers
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I have a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT10 waterproof/tough compact. It has developed condensation inside the lens, and I can now see what looks like a dried water mark or blemish that doesn’t clean off from the outside. I’m considering opening the camera to clean it internally. If I take it apart and reassemble it carefully, will it still be waterproof, or is the sealing likely to be compromised?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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Water proofing in cameras (and other goods like watches) degrades with time, the main reason is deterioration of the o rings. If you have decided to take your camera apart please consider doing the following:
- work in a dry environment, when you re-seal your camera, some amount of air and the moisture within it will be trapped in your camera. That moisture will condensate on the lens when you bring the camera into a colder environment, like water.
- replace hardened/ deteriorated o-rings with compatible ones.
- use a tiny amount of silicon grease on o-rings. That will help keeping the water out and lenghten the life of rubber of the rings.
- do not overtighten the screws, that will flatten the o-rings and adversely affect the waterproofing.
Originally by user12019. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user12019
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—opening it can affect the waterproofing unless it is reassembled exactly as before and the seals are still in good condition. On waterproof cameras, sealing usually depends on gaskets or O-rings, and those can harden or deteriorate over time. If any seal is damaged, flattened, or not seated correctly, water resistance may be reduced.
If you do open it, reassemble it in a very dry environment so you don’t trap moist air inside, which can cause future condensation. Inspect any O-rings or seals and replace degraded ones with compatible parts if needed. A tiny amount of silicone grease on O-rings can help them seat properly and preserve the rubber. Also, don’t overtighten screws, since that can compress the seals too much and hurt the waterproofing.
So the short answer is: it may remain as waterproof as before, but only if everything goes back together correctly and the seals are still serviceable.
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