How to clean the engraved numbers on a lens?

carlostaiwan · May 11, 2017

I bought a Nikon Fm2 and a 50mm, they are in good conditions, however the engraved characters like "Fm2" is super brownish. Same for the 50mm. I was thinking a toothpick and some rubbing alcohol. Any idea?

The set I bought:

ruilourosa · May 11, 2017

with a toothpick a bit dumbed down

nsurit · May 11, 2017

I would use denatured alcohol (rather than rubbing) a cotton swab first and then maybe very gently with a not very sharp toothpick.

tedr1 · May 11, 2017

for this kind of thing I find a toothbrush to be useful. IPA (isopropyl alcohol) is a good and safe cleaning agent

ced · May 11, 2017

Very soft foam sponge and dampen with some dish washing liquid, do not use anything abrasive/scratchy or a fine sable hair (watercolours) brush with the soapy liquid.

anfenglin · May 11, 2017

Careful with toothpicks or such, the coloring can easily be scratched away like this.

flavio81 · May 11, 2017

I use a tootbrush soaked in warm soapy water. While i do this, i use a towel placed strategically in such a way that the water doesn't get inside the lens.

Of course, squeeze the tootbrush so it does not drip water...

Works perfectly.

paul ron · May 11, 2017

it could just be dirty since the trigger finger is right there. try some soap n water on a paper towel. the engravings could also be worn or faded out.

sometimes people recolor old faded engravings with the laquer sticks sign shops use. but some of those old sticks used lead white n not titanium white. lead white yellows over time n appears as a goldenish color. in that case, just refill it n it will look brand new.

btw those laquer sticks are the same paint pencils used to fill nail heads for panelling from home depot.

.

wiltw · May 11, 2017

tedr1 said:
for this kind of thing I find a toothbrush to be useful. IPA (isopropyl alcohol) is a good and safe cleaning agent

^^^

John Koehrer · May 14, 2017

wiltw said:
^^^

Me too. Want a soft brush? use a child's.
Tooth picks may remove the paint. ^^^as above.

RalphLambrecht · May 15, 2017

filmconquistador said:
I bought a Nikon Fm2 and a 50mm, they are in good conditions, however the engraved characters like "Fm2" is super brownish. Same for the 50mm. I was thinking a toothpick and some rubbing alcohol. Any idea?

The set I bought:

I use an electric tooth brush and some lighter fluid.

Harry Stevens · May 19, 2017

I once got a tube of eczema cream from the doctor and left it on the bathroom shelf....Guess what I cleaned my teeth with that night.

As for cleaning I would start with warm water and soft soap and then work your way up if that doesn't work......Tools cotton wool buds,paper towels,and toothbrush.

Peltigera · Oct 21, 2017

A toothpick lightly chewed will do no harm and I find them very effective.

wiltw · Oct 21, 2017

tedr1 said:
for this kind of thing I find a toothbrush to be useful. IPA (isopropyl alcohol) is a good and safe cleaning agent

^^^

wiltw · Oct 21, 2017

Harry Stevens said:
I once got a tube of eczema cream from the doctor and left it on the bathroom shelf....Guess what I cleaned my teeth with that night.

As for cleaning I would start with warm water and soft soap and then work your way up if that doesn't work......Tools cotton wool buds,paper towels,and toothbrush.

...good news is it COULD have been Preparation H or Monistat vaginal antifungal

Svenedin · Oct 21, 2017

I've found an earbud with the end fluffed up a bit and moistened in isopropyl alcohol works well.

Sirius Glass · Oct 21, 2017

anfenglin said:
Careful with toothpicks or such, the coloring can easily be scratched away like this.

Toothpicks are too hard, they will scratch out the paint. A soft brush or cotton will isopropyl alcohol. Replacing or filling in the color is hard to get done correctly.

Poisson Du Jour · Oct 21, 2017

Soft toothbrush and soapy water. Wipe dry.
DO NOT USE TOOTHPICKS.

How to clean the engraved numbers on a lens?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency