Question About Lens Storage

[fishrman]

Still settling into the realm of DSLRs, so here's the situation: I've only got one lens for the moment; the kit lens that came with my EOS 350D. Now, the question (to which I don't really know if there's a definitive answer), is whether it's a bad idea to keep the lens attached to the camera for a period of a week or two, wherein I won't be using the camera whatsoever. Should I remove the lens and cap both the lens and body, or is it really not a big deal (and its just me making something of nothing here)?

[Diffused Mind]

I have a Nikon F here (from the early sixties) that has had the same 50mm lens mounted on it for a majority of that timespan. Camera still works. :p

[TtamNedlog]

You're making something of nothing. Either way is fine. I'd just leave the lens on. Saves on unnecessary wear, and even then SLRs are made to switch lens constantly so that isn't much of an issue either. If you do decide to take the lens of, do be sure to cap it and the camera. Dust is your enemy. =)

Now here's an actual useful tip. Store your camera (lens or no lens) facing downwards. This helps to cause whatever dust may have gotten in there, to settle away from the censor as much as possible. It won't guarantee a dust-free censor, but it will help.

[SirEvan]

as stated by TTamNedlog, there is no damage from leaving your lens attached, and in fact, proves beneficial because you won't get dust in your body from taking the lens on and off all the time. While storing it upside down doesn't do much good if the lens is attached, changing your lenses by holding the camera lens-down will help keep dust out when changing lenses during shooting. I'd still advise getting a sensor cleaning kit however.

[Brandon]

If you take a lens off the camera, put another lens on, or the body cap right away, or dust will settle. That said, I've had my D50 for almost two years (not exactly sure when I got it anymore) and have never NOT had a lens on it

[Thrawn]

People normally leave a lens on methinks. Anyways, everyone I've seen has, and so have I.

[Draconian Guppy]

If you take a lens off the camera, put another lens on, or the body cap right away, or dust will settle. That said, I've had my D50 for almost two years (not exactly sure when I got it anymore) and have never NOT had a lens on it

People normally leave a lens on methinks. Anyways, everyone I've seen has, and so have I.

+1 Never have it without a lense, to much of a hassle and it's prevents dust getting in as others have said.

[peterish]

Yeah, just wanna agree on what everyone else has said: leave the lens on. It's not like AA batteries where if you leave the thing inside it could melt and OMG MY CAMERA MELTED!

Furthermore, avoid changing or taking off the lens; not because you might wear out the lens thread, but because dust is everywhere whether we like it or not.

[Diffused Mind]

Yeah, just wanna agree on what everyone else has said: leave the lens on. It's not like AA batteries where if you leave the thing inside it could melt and OMG MY CAMERA MELTED!

Furthermore, avoid changing or taking off the lens; not because you might wear out the lens thread, but because dust is everywhere whether we like it or not.

No modern lens system is a screw mount. All of them are bayonet mounts. Theres no thread to wear out.

[fishrman]

I figured I'd keep dust out; just wanted to make sure I wasn't overlooking something. Thanks for the plentiful, informative replies :)!