April 29, 2024 As a video broadcast professional, you know that shooting on location can be challenging. Your gear faces various hazards, from bumpy travel to inclement weather and constant setups. It’s crucial to take proper care of your expensive cameras, lenses, lights, and accessories to ensure they remain in top shape. At Allied Broadcast Group, we understand the importance of protecting your investments and keeping your professional video gear functioning at its best. Our team of experts want to share some valuable tips for maintaining your gear no matter where your shoots take you. Invest in High-Quality Gear Cases and Bags One of the first steps to safeguarding your equipment is investing in high-quality, purpose-built gear cases and bags. Look for rigid, weather-resistant cases with customizable dividers to securely store each piece. Opt for cases with built-in wheel systems and reinforced hampers to protect against bumps and drops during loading and travel. By choosing the right gear cases, you can ensure that your delicate cameras, lenses, monitors, and more arrive at each location ready to work. Maintain Resale Value Keeping your gear in excellent condition not only ensures reliable performance but also maintains its resale value down the road. At Allied Broadcast Group, we buy used video equipment, so taking good care of your gear helps you get a solid return on investment when it’s time to upgrade. Proper maintenance allows you to trade in your equipment at maximum value, offsetting the cost of new purchases. Protect Your Gear on Set Once on set, it’s essential to keep your gear covered and protected from the elements when not in use. Even minor exposure to dust, moisture, and debris can cause performance issues or internal damage over time. Assign a dedicated crew member to manage gear coverings between takes. This person will also be responsible for keeping the camera body, lenses, filters, and accessories clean using professional-grade supplies. Exterior Care Regularly wiping down your equipment with a microfiber cloth is crucial for maintaining its exterior. This simple step helps remove oil, fingerprints, and other messy buildup. However, it’s important to avoid using household or industrial cleaners, solvents, or paper products, as these can scratch, degrade, or introduce moisture into gear housings. Invest in proper lens brush kits and sensor cleaning tools to effectively clean hard-to-reach interior spaces. Prevention and Maintenance for Longevity Remember, prevention and maintenance are key to extending the life of your video gear and optimizing its performance for every shoot. At Allied Broadcast Group, we offer an extensive inventory of professional-grade cases, covers, and other essential location accessories to protect your video investments. If you have well-maintained used gear you’re looking to sell, reach out to our team – your equipment could qualify for trade-in credit towards new purchases. Let us provide you with the right tools and training, so you can focus on bringing your vision to the screen without any gear-related headaches. By following these essential tips for maintaining your video equipment on location, you can protect your investments, ensure reliable performance, and maintain resale value. Allied Broadcast Group is here to support you with a range of high-quality gear cases, covers, cleaning supplies, and other vital location accessories. Reach out to our team if you have well-maintained used gear to sell, and let us help you trade it in for credit towards new purchases. With our assistance, you can focus on your creative vision without any gear-related worries.
