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Camera Gear Maintenance Checklist

A camera gear maintenance checklist: checks before and after use, weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly care, and storage.

What this tool does

A camera gear maintenance checklist: checks before and after use, weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly care, and storage.

How to use

  1. Work down the list and tick each item as you finish it.
  2. Ticks are saved on this device, in your browser, so they are still there when you come back.

What this checklist covers

The list has 7 groups and 20 items.

  • Before each use (3 items): Inspect the lens for dust, smudges or scratches; Check the battery charge level; Verify the memory card has space and is formatted
  • After each use (3 items): Blow dust off the camera body with an air blower; Clean the lens with a microfiber cloth; Wipe down the camera body with a dry cloth
  • Weekly (3 items): Check the sensor for dust spots (shoot a plain wall at a small aperture); Inspect the lens mount contacts for debris; Clean the viewfinder and LCD screen
  • Monthly (3 items): Deep clean lens elements with lens cleaning solution; Check the tripod plate and quick release for wear; Inspect the camera strap for fraying or damage
  • Quarterly (3 items): Clean the sensor with an appropriate cleaning kit if it shows dust, following your manual; Check all rubber grips and seals; Inspect the flash hot shoe contacts
  • Annually (2 items): Have a professional clean the sensor; Calibrate autofocus on frequently used lenses
  • Storage (3 items): Keep gear in a dry, temperature-controlled environment; Store lenses with rear and front caps on; Use silica gel packets in the camera bag

Tip: Tick items when you do them, and untick the group when it comes round again. Ticks are saved on this device.

Limitations

  • This is a general list. It does not know your camera, lenses or shooting conditions, and it does not explain how to do each task.
  • Sensor cleaning and autofocus calibration carry risk if done wrongly. Follow your manufacturer's guidance or use a professional service.
  • Ticks are saved only in this browser on this device.

FAQs

Q: How often should I do each group?
A: Most group titles give a suggested rhythm: before and after each use, weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly. The storage group applies all the time. The rhythm is only a suggestion, so adjust it to how much you shoot and where.
Q: Does the page remind me when a task is due?
A: No. It has no dates or alerts. Untick a group yourself when it is time to repeat it.
Q: Will it work for any camera?
A: It is a general list for cameras with interchangeable lenses. Items such as the hot shoe or sensor cleaning may not apply to your model, so check your manual.
Q: Are my ticks saved?
A: Yes. Ticks are saved in your browser on this device, so they are still there when you come back. They are not sent anywhere and do not follow you to another device or browser.

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