That time at the Midwest Photo Expo changed my mind on using canned air

I was at a repair booth in Columbus last year and watched a tech blast a vintage Nikon F2 mirror box with canned air, sending a tiny spring flying into the abyss. Everyone acts like it's the safe go-to for dust, but that moment proved it's a gamble with old, complex mechanisms. Now I only use a hand blower for initial cleaning on anything pre-1990. Anyone else have a hard rule against canned air for specific gear?

2 comments

2 Comments

skyler_mitchell12d ago

My old camera repair guy in Cleveland told me he stopped using canned air in his shop after 2003. He said the force is just too unpredictable and it can drive moisture into places you don't want it. I saw him use a simple rubber bulb blower on everything from Leicas to old Polaroids. That convinced me to do the same for my own collection. The risk of blowing out a tiny part or lubricant just isn't worth the convenience.

wesley8312d ago

That bit about driving moisture into places is spot on. I learned the hard way with an old rangefinder. The propellant in those cans can leave a residue too, which just attracts more dust. A good bulb blower and some lens brushes get into tight spots without the risk. It takes a bit longer, but you're not gambling with a shutter mechanism.