(1) After all sand and grit have been removed with air, you can then clean with a camel's hair brush.
If necessary, follow this with lens cleaner and tissue.
(2) Always use the least amount of cleaning required to get the job done. If compressed air cleans
the lens, there is no need to use lens cleaner and tissue.
d. Keep your camera as cool as possible. Do not set it in the direct sun. Also, keep the lens pointed
down when not shooting. This will cut down on the "sand blasting" effect of blowing sand.
e. Always load and unload the camera in a protected area. Keep the sun and blowing sand off your
camera. This can be done in a vehicle, tent, or just by using your body to protect the camera. The smallest
amount of sand in the camera could stop its operation or scratch the film while winding.
f. Use plastic bags to protect your equipment when not in use. Commercial brands such as Baggies or
Ziploc bags work well.
g. A good field expedient is to place the camera, less lens hood, in a plastic bag, then screw on the lens
hood over the plastic. You then cut out a hole for the lens and filter. The bag is loose enough to operate the
controls and advance the film. Do NOT try to photograph through plastic. Remove the bag to take the film from
the camera. Then use another bag with a hole cut in it. This technique cannot be used all the time, but it does
come in handy when the wind is whipping up the sand.
h. Carry a roll of tape with you. This can be "gaffer" tape, a heavy strong tape some call "gun" tape.
Medical tape works well. However, be careful if you are under camouflage conditions. Some tapes are very
shiny and can reduce your camouflage conditions, so be cautious when selecting the tape. Plain masking tape can
be used when nothing else is available. It has a tendency to break and then get caught in the seals of your camera
or cases. When your equipment is in the case, use the tape to seal up the openings. Sand can get through the
tightest seal.
Learning Event 2:
OPERATE LABORATORY EQUIPMENT IN DESERT CONDITIONS
1.
The procedures for keeping your camera clean in the desert also apply to any laboratory equipment you
may be using. Normal operating procedures for laboratory equipment requires cleanliness. In the desert, this is
difficult but necessary. Whether you are using portable laboratories such as the EH-94 or mobile laboratories
such as the ES-82A or ES-38C, keep the equipment clean.
2.
Portable laboratories are semipermanent laboratories set up in buildings or tents. Keeping sand and dust
away from the equipment in this situation requires constant cleaning and dusting.
3
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