Ever think about taking a picture and showing the client what you're dealing with? Sometimes seeing that mess makes them understand why a bigger fix is needed. I'd at least replace the taped connections with proper wire nuts while you're in there, that's just asking for trouble. But a full cleanup on your dime? That's a tough call when they only called for a simple service.

A cheap hair dryer from the car saved one of my shots last winter. It cleared the lens enough to get a few good frames before the fog came back. It's a decent band-aid fix if you're caught without a heater.

My friend did the monthly thing in Chiang Mai and got stuck in a noisy building for four weeks. That kind of commitment kills the whole point of being able to move when you want. The freedom to leave a bad spot is worth more than a stable desk.

Had a similar thing happen with a black Subaru. Turned out the detailer was using a spray wax two bays over. The overspray landed on my tack cloth. Total nightmare.

Tried that once... made a huge mess.