Haze/Fog showing up on several indoor domes (photo)

[chipjumper 0]

Lately some of our cameras have formed some sort of haze; almost like someone rubbed butter on the lenses. The humidity and temperature hasn't changed beyond the norm. These are Honeywell HD3VC4A indoor dome cameras. It started with just one camera and now three cameras have the problem. I can't see any debris on the dome lens (either side) and the camera lens appears clean.

 

Anyone ever see this? What is a good replacement modestly priced dome camera that can handle 120 degrees heat and some humidity (indoor but in an active shop)

 

 

Screen Shot: (forum won't let me post a link to the picture due to being new)

[RickA 0]

Look for domes with IP 66 or IP 67 rating and make sure they have dessicant (gel) packs inside the camera, that will help to keep the moisture from developing on the inside of the dome. Hope this helps.

[chipjumper 0]

Thanks for the reply Rick. Yeah I wish I could upload a screen shot of what's going on here.

 

dub dub dub dot csscomm dot com slash ram slash cameras dot jpg

[RickA 0]

Looks like moisture fogging the inside of the lens between the lens and the ccd.

[chipjumper 0]

Do you think I could take these out of service and let me dry for a couple days? I will look into putting some silica gel packets up there the other cameras.

 

Do you think if I get an outdoor rated camera that it will hold up better to moisture? These should never see rain or any other heavy moisture.

[RickA 0]

I would try the gel packs and leave them up to see if it improves, sometimes with domes if they are in air conditioning they will fog up due to temp changes. Not all of the domes are environmentally sealed and can vary due to temp changes and humidity variations. I would try the dessicant packs and maybe a hair dryer to try to dry them. Hope this helps.

[chipjumper 0]

UPDATE:

 

I personally went out and visited the cameras today. I noticed a oily mist all over the inside and outside of the lens. After cleaning all of them, the picture is perfect! It appears that coolant from some of the milling machines must have worked its way in there. Apparently these have been running for about 3 years up until now.

 

It is interesting that the security camera vendor came out for a fee ($90) and concluded that the problem was with the AGC and the iris's in all of the cameras. We were then quoted $1800 to replace all of the cameras.