Tips for safely changing lenses outside?

[Ramsden]

Hello

I feel a touch silly writing this post,  but here goes. While I'm at home I tend to swap lenses in the safety of my  home, but this summer, while on holiday I changed my lens a couple of times while out on walks. I thought I was very careful but ended up with what looked like a thumbnail shadow on my photos. Quick investigation and worked out it was my  camera. 

I nervously used a puffer and light brush on the mirrors and it  cleared up. Except, it came back this weekend.

So this time I pressed the shutter with the lens off and saw the offending object, which was a tiny hair or fibre. Thankfully I was able to remove it with the puffer. So all good.

My question is based on looking for good ideas for safety exposing the camera and lenses when out and about.

I think I'm careful, but clearly not careful enough.

Any tips welcome 

Ramsden 

Plus really recommend having a good puffer!

[Ramsden]

Roger 

Thanks for another motivational post. It must be quite an emotional process resting up a 20+yr old camera. So many memories.

I personally, would be very nervous undertaking a big clean as you describe. 

I'll certainly be holding my camera down, if I do decide to change a lens. So I've got something to take away.

This has  been such a positive thread, and I'm really pleased I asked the question!

Ramsden 

[JeffXB]

“I'll certainly be holding my camera down, if I do decide to change a lens.”

In addition to keeping your camera pointing down, put your back to the wind (if there is any). What also do is first place the lens I’m about to use on a flat surface (even on the ground with a rag under it). I then loosen the back cap so I can simply lift it off; be sure to orient it in the right direction (red dot or line pointing the same direction as the camera’s one). Remove the lens on my camera. Set it down next to the other lens, swap the back cap to the “old” lens and attach the “new” lens. Make sure you remember to tighten the back cap before stowing it.

Practicing changing lenses at home also helps to build your confidence and create muscle memory. 

[ebiggs1]

Boy, you guys are a lot more "careful" that I am. However, do what you see is best common sense rules.

[Ramsden]

Jeff, thanks for those tips.

I'd written (in my head) a short procedure which highlighted that vulnerable second or two when the camera is exposed at the time caps are being swapped, and new lens being offered up.

The back to the wind, and particularly the cloth are great additions. 

In my day to day walks, I wouldn't normally be planning to swap lenses, but holidays always throw up something new.

A clean cloth is  now in my camera bag!

Ramsden