Static

[Steve T]

Anyone know anything about getting static shocks and the effects on cameras etc????. I seem to have started to get a lot of zaps off the the camera when I switch it on or off and the light switch too. I am in a room with a comp and all the gear, two screens a phone, chargers etc and I just worry that the static may harm the camera? plus it's bloody annoying.

 

[woof woof]

It's probably the other way around, you are probably the one full of static giving the camera the shock If you are going to touch anything expensive you could try discharging yourself first by touching a radiator, or something.

As to why it happens... difficult really, atmospheric conditions, a change in carpet, seating or clothing maybe?

 

[Steve T]

I just wonder if it's a common thing and whether it will damage the camera.

 

[woof woof]

Well, I've seen static kill a fileserver stone dead so I suppose if you're very unlucky it could also kill a camera. Probably a chance in a million though.

 

[Oggy]

It certainly could damage your camera but you would probably have to touch something directly connected to the camera's electronics, for example, the battery terminals or the hot shoe or lens contacts.

I too hate static shocks. They turn me quite nasty for a few seconds. I would try to find out what is going on. Try to avoid man made fibres and see if it always happens with the same shoes on.

 

[roseway]

I suggest you wear shoes with leather soles. Some plastic soled shoes can lead to this problem.