Going to Mexico. Any tips for maintenance?

I will be going on a mission trip to Reynosa, Mexico this summer. We will be there for approximately one week and I will be the resident photographer.

The part of Reynosa where we will be staying is rather dusty. On the last trip in December, one of the church member's PS camera locked up due to all the dust. If that's what happened in December I can only imagine the dust in July!

Are there any products (i.e. bags, covers, etc.) out there that people recommend? Any advice? From my initial research, I have read that people put all their gear in ziploc bags and their camera bags in trash bags. Also, that you should not change lenses outside and to make sure to clean the sensors everyday.

I have my birthday coming up so this may be a good way for me to score some gear for the trip.

Thanks everyone!

Might want to bring a few rifles and a hand grenade or two

j-dogg wrote in post #13938378
Might want to bring a few rifles and a hand grenade or two

My thoughts too... Maybe a body guard.

Well of course...didn't think that needed to be said!

Dust storms don't sound good for the camera at all!!!!

Don't even think of taking a firearm or any ammo to Mexico unless you want huge problems.

Hahaha...ok I think things got a little off topic here!

I am NOT taking any firearms with me. I am going on a church mission trip! lol

I just wanted to know if anyone has had any experience shooting photos in an arid, dusty environment and what they did to take care of their equipment while they were there.

I will not be shooting any photos in a dust storm, but it seems as if just daily life there causes fine dust to be over everything. Are there special plastic cases I can cover my camera in to take photos?

Peptobismol (as much as you can carry)

Appropriate clothing for Mexico...

http://www.interamer.c​om …awithtwo10x12po​ckets.aspx

A nice rocket blower and a soft brush! I always like my KATA 3N1 bag!

How about practice changing lens inside a Glad bag?

@shortwave they hating on your thread its obvious nobody has any
Experience on dust storms that's why we dropping all these jokes
If I was u I be very careful with your camera not from the Mexicans but from
The dust if its that bad just put a plastic bag over the whole body and keep the lens cover on at all times
Forget that bull**** they say about mexico go out there have a good time shoot some high quality stuff
And uploaded for the masses I'm never scared that's how u should feel be scared of the dust not the Mexicans

Thanks pkilla and thestone11! I don't mind all the jokes...certainly not hateful. I've also read much worse!

I'm excited to go on the trip and to take these photos. The church does some great work building homes and laying foundation for the next visit. Up until now, all the photos have come back a little lacking in the story of the residents and the church members. Hopefully I can change that.

I'm going to look online for some weather-repellant covers...and go elsewhere for maintenance and tips.

RPCrowe wrote in post #13940151
http://www.interamer.c​om …awithtwo10x12po​ckets.aspx

Good one Richard.

Rain covers are actually quite good at protecting from dust. I use the Op/Tech Rain Sleeve. Inexpensive, effective, and disposable. I used one on our Southwest Desert trip last year. Came in quite handy in the Antelope Valley slot canyons during high winds.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …18_Rainsleeve_S​et_of.html