Hello Zos I am a Pentaxian since some 36 years and shoot outdoors pretty frequently. But if you see my gear it will look as good as new. So are my laptops/tablets, the 35 year old brief case 4-in-one stereo system, the 3 or 4 binoculars, even my car. And yes you could sleep in my bathroom - it is so clean and hygienic. Simple, cleanliness and keeping things clean is a way of life, an attitude, and a bit of routine "safe" brushing and cleaning. So here it is:- a) I have since changed to WR lenses and cameras. These are well sealed and do not suck in dust or moisture. Also these lenses are less prone to fogging and moisture proof. Hopefully fungus and coating deterioration will be a thing of the past - but time will tell. b) The newer lenses have SP coatings, less prone to finger prints and water retention. They are also harder wearing. But that said, I never blow on my lens and the use a hanky to clean them. Blowing leaves acid from your breath on the lens coating and hankys always have fine dust on them - leave fine swirl & scratch marks on the lens. I use high quality nylon or squirrel hair brush to clean the lens surface. Then Japanese (NOT China) micro fiber cloth to clean them. c) I always have the best quality Pro Protector Clear Slim Frame & Thin Glass SMC Filters on my lens. The hood is always on - indoors or out. And the lens is capped when not in use - learned from my K1000 SE days - uncapped the meter is ON, capped the meter is OFF & no battery drain. Also I buy lots of lens caps - keep loosing them - $ 1.70 for a 77mm cap shipped fro China. Can it be any cheaper and safer? d) I avoid changing lenses outdoors. When I must, I check the wind direction, turn my back, hunch forward, keep the 2nd lens ready in the bag with the rear cap loosen'd, point the lens down remove the lens, cap it with the cap from the 2nd lens, the attach this lens with the camera still facing downwards. I always carry a large thin film plastic bag to protect my gear in case of a shower. So in very windy & dusty conditions I change lenses inside the look thru plastic bag. f) hey look, I love classical lenses both M42 & K - have lots of them - but I don't go overboard on them - they just can't be better than the computer designed stuff with their tuff lens coat & sealing - and as a technocrat, a master mechanic and a retired advisor in the world's largest conglomerate, I beg you to believe me. Old lenses will yellow (radio active glass), lens elements will fog and separate (poor balsam glue), single lens coating will deteriorate, looseness between sliding tubes over time will become worse and let dust enter, old grease (not smart synthetic stuff) will break down, others. g) Please don't use a rocket blower (& never canned air) indiscriminately on lenses and inside camera bodies. They will over time cause more dust to accumulate inside. h) When not in use, put the camera in a light neoprene case - $ 7 from China shipped. I just remove mine before shooting and hang it from my waist belt using the velcro on the case. This case (same fabric as a wet suit) is pretty thick - protects your gear against knocks too. i) For classic lenses wrap some thin film plastic on the lens barrels at the overlapping joints held fast by rubber bands. You will have lesser dust inside your lenses - and don't bother if people laugh at you. You will still be able to focus or zoom - just ensure the rubber band is not too tight. I could go on and on, my friend. If this has worked for me for three decades it should work for you. Give them a try - won't you. Bipin - from that far away enchanting land.
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