SLR Tips for Beginners

If you are new to using an SLR camera, there are some things you need to avoid to make your experience much more enjoyable.

Do-it-Yourself

Sometimes do-it-yourself can be your downfall. Before taking matters into your own hands make sure you know what you are getting into.

Sure, you can clean the outside of your SLR with a clean cotton cloth and window cleaner, but don’t spray the cleaner directly onto the camera. Squirt a little cleaner on the cloth and then polish your camera and lens.

Never clean the inside of your camera yourself. Take it to a professional. Sure it costs money, but it costs a lot less than paying for repairs after a botched do-it-yourself cleaning job.

Buying Mystery Filters

Always make sure that you know what size filter your camera can use before you buy it. No matter how good of a deal you found on Ebay, it’s no steal if the filter won’t fit your camera! A 55 mm diameter lens, for example, will only match a 55 mm diameter filter. (You can buy adapters to make an off sized filter match your lens, but adapters are hard to find.) To find the size of the filter look at its ring.

Water Hazards

Getting an SLR wet is a big no-no. Water not only damages the camera, but also ruins the film. You can avoid wetness from rain or splashes by putting it in a gallon sized zipper freezer bag. This also works for taking pictures in the rain. Just push the shutter button through the plastic. Make sure to keep the plastic over the lens flat and wiped off to avoid distortions.

Melt Down

Heat can have a bad effect on film. It creates a halo effect in finished pictures at the very best, and no image at all in the worst cases. Avoid leaving your SLR in hot cars, near heaters or in direct sunlight. If you have to take photos outside in the sun, put your camera in its bag and lay it in the shade when not in use.

By just avoiding these hazards you will steer clear of the most common SLR problems.