Cleaning lens

[Lastoadri]

I want to ask, how can I clean my camera lens?
there were few real nice shots I was eager to take, like this one:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lastoadri/384462920/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/384462920_af6501bb33_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="CIMG2420" /></a>

yet all ruined for an un-clean lens..


PS: My camera is a Casio poin-and-shoot one..

[Nicole]

A microfibre cloth should work. The reason for using microfibre is so that you don't wind up with more dust stuck to your lens. Otherwise, you can use lens tissues (http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/KK9770.html) and cleaning solution. The lens tissues are also lint free.

Nice shot, btw, and the spot can easily be cloned out :)

[stuart]

a microfibre cloth was recommended to me for also cleaning the lcd screen they said to huff(like you do on a window with your breath to mist it up) on the cloth and wipe clean it works a treat hope this helps to

[whitemug]

A microfibre cloth should work. The reason for using microfibre is so that you don't wind up with more dust stuck to your lens. Otherwise, you can use lens tissues (http://www.calumetphoto.com/item/KK9770.html) and cleaning solution. The lens tissues are also lint free.

Nice shot, btw, and the spot can easily be cloned out :)


exactly how do you use the tissues and the solution? all i've done in the past is getting one sheet and wiping the lens with it. never really used the solution in the white plastic bottle that came with the "kit", though.

[Nicole]

exactly how do you use the tissues and the solution? all i've done in the past is getting one sheet and wiping the lens with it. never really used the solution in the white plastic bottle that came with the "kit", though.

Seeing as I haven't used them, I'm going by what I've read, but basically, it seems that you dampen the tissue with the solution and use it that way. I have used pre-moistened lens towels before though, which would be a pretty similar result :p

[spazoid1965]

I've personally never liked the lens tissue. I've always used a Chamois Lens Cleaning Cloth. I bought 3 of these back in 1985. I still have 2 that are serviceable. But I rarely have to clean the lenses. The trick is to keep them clean so you won't have to rub on the lens itself.

[cwi27121]

Hi...
i read some place that camel haired brushes can be used to clean the lenses... Thaat those brushes will clean the lenses without dampening them or so... is it correct......? or am i misinformed????

[Jack]

I think it is best to have a few methods of cleaning your lens on hand when you are out shooting. I have four methods, each compact and easy to carry in your bag.

1. The first item I use is a small manual bulb-type air blower. It is great at cleaning light particles away from the surface of the lens quickly. A few squeezes, and I'm ready to shoot most of the time.

2. I have a very soft fan-shaped brush that I use to remove heavier particles. You have to be careful with brushes - you don't want to use them to drag something across your lens that will scratch it. I will turn the lens upside down to brush it. This helps the loosed particles to fall off when brushing. I don't use it to clean the glass too often. I primarily use the brush to clean in the crevices where the lens attaches to the body before removing a lens. This is to prevent dust from falling into the body cavity and getting on the sensor. Also, I use the bulb-type air blower to clean the brush when I am finished. I buy the brush from the local art supply store. I just pick up every fan shaped specimen I can find, and test to see which one has the softest feel.

3. The ever famous micro fiber cloth. I use 3M cloths designed for eye glasses. They are small - about 7 inches (18mm) square. They have deep 'ridges' for capturing dirt. They can also be washed and reused many times. Just be certain to wash them separately from anything else.

4. Lens cleaning solution. I use this sparingly. I purchase a brand that is gentle enough not to remove any lens coatings and powerful enough to remove 'greasy stuff' from the surface. I am currently carrying ROR (Residual Oil Remover) in my bag and like the results it provides. I spray directly onto the glass on the front of the lens and wipe clean with the micro fiber cloth. If I have to clean the back of the lens, I spray the solution onto the micro fiber cloth because I don't want to get wet solution in places it shouldn't be.

So, there you go - my four step program for lens cleaning while shooting.

Now, if you have dirt inside the lens, you have a completely different issue. I would suggest having it cleaned professionally. However, it will cost a lot. I also find that many camera shops are starting to refuse cleaning the inside of lenses. I think that is because of how complicated the internal parts have become - especially when you think of the number of elements in some lenses today. Before having it cleaned professionally, get a quote. Then, determine if purchasing a new or used lens would be better than reviving your old and dirty lens.

[inkista]

Me, I use a lenspen ( http://www.lenspen.com/). The brush is great for clearing dust, the pen itself is terrific for getting rid of fingerprints. And it's convenient--just stuff it in your bag and go.

[Darren Rowse]

Also check out this tutorial on lens cleaning (http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/how-should-i-clean-my-dslrs-lens/)