How long do you let your camera(s) rest?

[Phoenix_Jackson]

Not that I'm losing interest but I wanted to let my camera rest for a while. But months ago when I was still deciding whether to buy a DSLR or not, I read somewhere that not using the camera for a long time isn't a good thing. So how long is that long?

[Bruce A]

If it's not going to be used for quite some time, I'd remove the batteries and keep it in a case with a couple of silicon gel packs. A sealed case even better. I cannot see why any harm would come to the camera. After all, some stay packed in their cartons for quite some time before they are sold. But then, I'm no expert on this

[DanielLane]

I think the longest my current camera has rested is about 15 hours. The bottom of my camera bag is littered with those little silicon gel packs. No rest for the weary!

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by Phoenix_Jackson

I read somewhere that not using the camera for a long time isn't a good thing. So how long is that long?

Time..... go shoot a picture

[SwissJon]

Too long.. I'm with Scott.. Go shoot a picture.

[Phoenix_Jackson]

Really? That short? I was hoping someone would say "A shutter click a month would be fine." but I guess that's asking too much. I guess I have to keep on shooting then.
Thanks for the input.

[SwissJon]

Originally Posted by Phoenix_Jackson

Really? That short? I was hoping someone would say "A shutter click a month would be fine." but I guess that's asking too much. I guess I have to keep on shooting then.
Thanks for the input.

I've just combined my Lightroom catalogues, and found that I have 21,000 photos from 2011 so far.. So perhaps I'm a bit of an adict and ought to be treated with caution.. And also a bit messy and should learn to chuck stuff that's rubbish. I also need to work out what to do with the rest.

But even so, I think you should perhaps look at why you're asking the question? Are you looking for a way to back out of photography as a major hobby and put it back into "I'm not bad, but I can live without it" status.. If so, you don't need to justify yourself with anyone.. Your camera won't melt if you leave it on the shelf.. Perhaps take the battery out, but still, it's not going to suffer from lack of use.

Just for your information, I can't remember where I read this, but during his lifetime as a photographer Ansel Adams took well in excess of 100,000 photos, this was in the days of film.. I can't begin to imagine how many photos David Bailey has taken..

[Phoenix_Jackson]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

Are you looking for a way to back out of photography as a major hobby and put it back into "I'm not bad, but I can live without it" status...

That's a little bit strong and I'm sorry if I sounded like that. Just that I noticed my camera took a lot of my time that I neglected all of my other hobbies (keyboard, sax, gaming consoles, etc), and I don't regret that. But I was hoping to alternate them every month especially that winter is nearing and it's not easy for me to go out as often. At least, just for the span of the cold season, it would equate to about 3 months of not using the camera.

I don't remember if it's from my manual but I read somewhere, to press the shutter once in a while when not used for a long period of time. But there was no specific time span. Hence; the question. If 3 months is too long, then I suppose I'd have to rethink my other hobbies.

[Tito87]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

Just for your information, I can't remember where I read this, but during his lifetime as a photographer Ansel Adams took well in excess of 100,000 photos, this was in the days of film..

And he was using sheet film and walking around with a view camera.

[Jim Bryant]

They rest when I'm not using them.