To be honest about it, the only
time my camera sees the inside of its case is when I am embarking on a
long trip, and won't be using it for several hours. I have long since
ceased to carry the case when I know that I will be using my camera
continuously. Sometimes it goes with me in the car, but as soon as I
reach my destination, the case gets a vacation under the seat.
I used to carry my few peripheral
necessities in the camera case, but before long, I realized that it was
a cumbersome and bulky way to go. Sure, it has compartments, but most of
the case was empty most of the time. I soon learned that a fanny pack
worked beautifully. My largest lens fit into it just fine, and the
outside pocket had ample room for a few filters (in their own little
case), lens cloths, an extra lithium battery, and a spare Compact Flash
card. The great bonus was that the weight of it rested on my hips,
instead of adding to the burden on my shoulders. It never got in my way.
The only problem with the fanny
pack was that it is constructed of heavy duck material, and my second
lens wasn't protected as well as I would have liked.
During the winter, I got into the
habit of tucking my extra lens into a stretchy glove. That was a pretty
good method, except that cotton gloves contain lint. Lint and dust wreak
havoc with my glass.
A couple of days ago, I got this
brilliant idea, inspired by the new "static dusters":
Static dusters are made of nylon.
Most ladies know that nylon fiber is a magnet for dust and hair.
Walk through a room where cats have been, while wearing pantyhose, and
you'll know what I mean.
It's a very simple concept: four
layers of nylon hose, a cushioned disk cut to the size of my lens (holds
the shape I need), and voila'!
The tube holds both my short and
long lenses with equal snugness, seals with a twist, unwraps with a
push, takes up very little space in my kit, and weighs next to nothing.
No caps, straps, or zippers to fool with, and it's completely safe
against my lens. Theoretically, the nylon should draw dust
away from the glass.
