Nikon D800 hot shoe - white film on it

2 weeks 2 days ago #758384 by M Moore
The hot shoe to my D800 just started showing some white film on it.  Not sure what this is from.  Kind of reminds me of rust, but this isn't steel and it's not brown.  It's aluminum and it's a white film.  

What could this be?


Photo Comments
,
2 weeks 2 days ago #758386 by Razky

M Moore wrote: The hot shoe to my D800 just started showing some white film on it. Not sure what this is from. Kind of reminds me of rust, but this isn't steel and it's not brown. It's aluminum and it's a white film.
What could this be?

Sounds like corrosion.


,
2 weeks 2 days ago #758387 by Screamin Scott
I agree with corrosion.when Aluminum oxidizes, it forms a white layer.

Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/

Photo Comments
,
2 weeks 18 hours ago #758423 by TedReichner
Is there anything that can be done to the aluminum to prevent this from happening?


Photo Comments
,
1 week 2 days ago - 1 week 2 days ago #758608 by Whynaut
Hey!

That white film on the hot shoe of your D800 is quite interesting. It's definitely not rust, since, as you correctly pointed out, rust is usually brown and occurs on iron or steel. Since the hot shoe is made of aluminum, what you're seeing is most likely a form of corrosion specific to aluminum.

This white, powdery or filmy substance is often aluminum oxide. Aluminum, unlike iron, doesn't rust, but it does corrode, especially when exposed to moisture and air. This type of corrosion usually forms a protective layer that prevents further damage, which is a bit of a silver lining.

It could also be a result of galvanic corrosion, which happens when aluminum comes in contact with a more noble metal (like the brass typically found in some camera accessories) in the presence of an electrolyte (which could be just moisture from the environment).Here's what you can do:
  1. Gently Clean It Off: You can try gently wiping it off with a dry, soft cloth. If it's stubborn, a bit of isopropyl alcohol on a cloth might help, but be very gentle and cautious not to let any liquid seep into the camera.
  2. Avoid Moisture: Keep your camera as dry as possible. If you're in a humid environment, storing your camera with some silica gel packets in your camera bag can help absorb excess moisture.
  3. Check Accessories: If you frequently attach accessories to the hot shoe, check them for any signs of corrosion or different metals that might be contributing to the issue.
  4. Professional Cleaning: If the film is hard to remove or you're worried about damaging your camera, it's best to take it to a professional for cleaning.
I hope this helps you out!


,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Sony FX30 is a compact, affordable digital cinema camera that makes creating professional-grade videos all the easier. Get the scoop on this fantastic camera in this comprehensive review!

Nov 30, 2023

The Canon R6 Mark II is one of the newest members of the EOS R family and features upgrades and benefits that make it a quality replacement for the original R6.

Nov 08, 2023

The Panasonic S5 II is a highly capable full frame mirrorless camera. The question is, is it the right camera for you? Find out about its specs and features in this full review!

Oct 24, 2023

After starting the EOS R lineup of mirrorless cameras, Canon has expanded its offerings into APS-C territory. Which Canon APS-C camera is for you? Let’s find out!

Aug 22, 2023
Get 600+ Pro photo lessons for $1

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

The Sony FX30 is a compact, affordable digital cinema camera that makes creating professional-grade videos all the easier. Get the scoop on this fantastic camera in this comprehensive review!

Nov 30, 2023

Printing regular photos is one thing, but how do you print panoramic photos? It’s easier than you think! Consult this comprehensive guide to learn more about the process.

Nov 28, 2023

If you’re like me, your real estate photography workflow in the past has been laborious, to say the least. But now with AI-powered programs like Luminar Neo, you can flip the script!

Nov 28, 2023

If you’re looking for the best micro four thirds camera to buy yourself (or someone else) in 2024, you should give strong consideration to the Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III.

Nov 27, 2023

Using artificial light for landscape photography might seem like a strange idea at first, but there are actually many instances in which a little extra light can do your landscapes good.

Nov 27, 2023

Wildlife photography tours are a great way to see the world while also working on your photography skills. Which tours should you prioritize, though? Find out in this guide!

Nov 22, 2023

A Fujifilm hybrid camera is a great option if you’re a photographer and videographer who needs a camera that can pull multiple punches. Best of all, it’s affordable, too!

Nov 21, 2023

Creating high-quality videos requires a lot of things - a good story, quality on-camera presence, and the right gear to get the job done. Consult this guide for insights into critical gear!

Nov 21, 2023