At the end of an excellent day at Alderley Edge I dropped my camera into the sandy mud, I took out the card and batteries and managed to save my shots (hard luck Simon). Ideas ranged from washing, oven cooking and chucking it, as there is mud behind the screen I thnk it will have to come apart, any more ideas ?

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If that's not a question for SimonRL, I don't know what is! :D

But if he suggests using the washing machine, ignore him: he has a history of putting things into the washing machine that really should not be put in washing machines... :lol:

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Depends on what the camera is worth. Under £50 - junk it and buy another. Over £50 - Google a camera repairer. Could cost more then £100 to clean it up.

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If that's not a question for SimonRL, I don't know what is! :D

I claim no special powers in camera cleaning 😉

If there's mud behind the screen it sounds like it'll need to come to pieces. Hopefully there's a clear screen in front of the screen itself and the mud has just got between?

As long as the mud/water hasn't got into the workings it could just be a case of wiping it down and thoroughly drying it out. If you can get hold of some dessicant (let me know if you want some) then once cleaned, seal the camera in a bag with the dessicant and a moisture card and leave it for as many days as it needs to dry completely. This is much friendlier than cooking it!

If the mud/water has got into the workings to the extent that buttons and dials are doing strange and random stuff then it's going to need need a good clean. As wierd as it sounds, washing (just the) dirty parts down with a soft bristle brush and distilled water is probably a good approach, then dry it as above.

The 8400 I resurrected was done that way, except it was that filthy it needed foam cleaner first 😮 The (newish) one I was using on Saturday packed up half way through West mine with grit in the mode dial so that's going to have to come to pieces as well :(

If following any advice I has dispensed here bear in mind:

- the camera may never work again
- don't put any batteries anywhere near the camera until it's absolutely 100% dry, and take huge care with the capacitor for the flash

But if he suggests using the washing machine, ignore him: he has a history of putting things into the washing machine that really should not be put in washing machines... :lol:

Nothing wrong with washing machines for boots, oversuits, hemets, gloves and wellies. Do not wash aquapacs 😉 I've also (accidentally!) washed both a Sten and a Fenix P3D with no ill effect at all :angel:

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I don't how far you've got with drying out the camera? But here are a few tips and what to expect if you do decide to disassemble the camera.

I know you've already removed both batteries but you must also take account of the flash capacitor, it can unload 300 volts + either to yourself or adjacent boards.

Take time to map out how you have taken things apart, one of the guys on the KAP Group has made this photo record of how he approached the problem, successfully after a pool dunking.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/flickrdave/sets/72157594226537541/ 

As Simon says water (distilled) is perhaps the best cleaner. You could also use some of that computer compressed air can stuff on parts taken off. Beware of using on the main unassembled camera body, you could push any stray water or particles into/on the internal lens parts. Beware of using cheap surgical spirit, the quality of this stuff has gone down IMHO. Unless you can get it direct from a chemical supplier. It can leave a film over things.

Lastly ...... heat. I know you all reeled in horror when I suggested this after Saturday's meet but it is the best way of ensuring all residual water is driven away. It only has to be above body heat. One simple way is to use an ordinary light bulb, 40 watts. Taking care not to create a fire hazard. Dessicant is OK but it relies on the moisture already being in the air. You could achieve a point where moist air is trapped in the body due to lack of air flow if at the very least the back is not removed.

Good luck. Peter.

dishwashers are good.
If you can be 100% sure you have removed all sources of power (i.e. backup bats etc.)
individual components can be cleaned in a dishwasher just make sure its clean and has no soap before you start.

Did you have any joy cleaning the camera Marra?

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Dried it, tried it, worked but very fuzzy pictures. Washed it, tried it still very fuzzy. Washed in meths, dried it, tried it now f***ed. Canon Powershot A series of cameras not made anymore and virtually impossible to buy, shame.

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Dried it, tried it, worked but very fuzzy pictures. Washed it, tried it still very fuzzy. Washed in meths, dried it, tried it now f***ed. Canon Powershot A series of cameras not made anymore and virtually impossible to buy, shame.

Looks like its back to the Box Brownie then eh? :lol:

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Don't know if this has been posted in the past, but I came across this independent camera repairer / servicer:

http://www.cam-rep.co.uk/ 

Gives some example prices which seen fair enough. Might be useful for someone who does not or can't get into stripping their cameras to fix.

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