Lens cleaning

Robin Guymer · Jul 29, 2017

I've been using digital camera sensor swabs for lenses, SLR mirrors, fogged prisms and they work on negatives removing dust and residue spots. Used ones are good for cleaning the camera externals of dust. The microfibre on the swabs must be very fine so as not to damage the sensor which has an easily scratched surface on the front low pass filter. APS-C Sensor Cleaning Swab Kits are available on eBay.

Sirius Glass · Jul 29, 2017

Doc W said:
Ralph, I lived in Europe in the late 70s and I swear that some of the toilet paper still had wood chips in it. I am glad things have improved!

Like wiping with a hand full of razor blades.

Paul Manuell · Jul 29, 2017

I used my breath and an untucked edge of my tshirt on one of my lenses a couple days ago. Looks ok to me

j_landecker · Jul 30, 2017

wiltw said:
Kimwipes contain cellulose. Yet wood (where cellulose comes from) pulp has long been criticized for cleaning lenses with coatings.
From my college days in the biology lab, I distinctly remember blowing my nose into Kimwipes while having a head cold and doing lab studies, and I left my nose raw from doing so.

Movie industry brought us Tiffen filters, too.

I advocate a huff of breath and a swipe with microfiber cloth, which gets hand laundered regularly.
For really difficult greasy situations (very rare to need) I use R-O-R cleaning fluid sparingly.

There seems to be quite a variety of opinions on Kimwipes. This whitepaper from Schneider Optics recommends Kimwipes.

Nodda Duma · Jul 30, 2017

I've seen Kimwipes used everywhere I've been in the optical industry: fabrication, assembly, sustainment/maintenance. They are preferred because of minimal lint, low cost, and they do not scratch coatings when used properly. (I use the Oxford comma, so this advice should be taken seriously.).

I never reuse cloths like non-disposable microfiber. They are great for picking up and holding lint and dust. It is a great way to scratch your next lens. The implication is also that you shouldn't clean optics unless you absolutely have to (which should be rarely).

The key is to not apply pressure when cleaning with Kimwipes and appropriate solvent.

RalphLambrecht · Jul 31, 2017

Doc W said:
Ralph, I lived in Europe in the late 70s and I swear that some of the toilet paper still had wood chips in it. I am glad things have improved!

they are harmlessonc the paper is wet from the cleaner and no rubbing os done.

Alan Gales · Aug 1, 2017

Sirius Glass said:
Like wiping with a hand full of razor blades.

That's what they say hemorrhoids can be like.

There was a fellow who I worked with named Wayne, who said that he had really bad hemorrhoids. Some days all he could do was lay on the bed, throw his hemorrhoids over the side and let the cats play with them.

Old-N-Feeble · Aug 1, 2017

Alan Gales said:
That's what they say hemorrhoids can be like.

There was a fellow who I worked with named Wayne, who said that he had really bad hemorrhoids. Some days all he could do was lay on the bed, throw his hemorrhoids over the side and let the cats play with them.

Sirius Glass · Aug 1, 2017

Alan Gales said:
That's what they say hemorrhoids can be like.

There was a fellow who I worked with named Wayne, who said that he had really bad hemorrhoids. Some days all he could do was lay on the bed, throw his hemorrhoids over the side and let the cats play with them.

If he had a hemorrhoidectomy he would become to a perfect A-hole.

E. von Hoegh · Aug 2, 2017

Paul Manuell said:
I used my breath and an untucked edge of my tshirt on one of my lenses a couple days ago. Looks ok to me

"Looks ok to me".
That's what a guy said when I pointed out the metal particles in the oil on the dipstick. Less than a week later, catastrophic engine failure. It never will cease to amaze me...

Paul Manuell · Aug 2, 2017

E. von Hoegh said:
"Looks ok to me".
That's what a guy said when I pointed out the metal particles in the oil on the dipstick. Less than a week later, catastrophic engine failure. It never will cease to amaze me...

I'll take my chances. With cleaning lenses I mean, not metal particles in the oil

Arklatexian · Aug 2, 2017

Gerald C Koch said:
Products made for eyeglasses may not be suitable for camera lenses because of the very fragile lens coating. Stick with products made for camera lenses.

Ralph, I think you hit the real problem when you mentioned the lens coating. I have a couple of pre-World War 2 cameras with uncoated lenses which have been wiped with "who knows what" and no sign of scratches. Of course those old lenses could become coated with a "patina" (not fungus) which acts like a factory coating and should also be protected if it is there. That, I understand, is where the idea of coating lenses came from......Regards!

RattyMouse · Aug 6, 2017

Doc W said:
I just ran out of my last bunch of Kodak lens cleaning papers. There are lots of other products out there these days, including "lens pens." What is the preferred method/technology for large format lenses? Suggestions?

I use a lens pen all the time without issue and am always pleased with the results.

Jim Noel · Aug 6, 2017

Activated charcoal works miracles and there is no liquid to worry about getting between the elements.
Activated charcoal is available in capsules at health food stores. Empty a few capsules into a small container. Dip a high quality Q-tip in the charcoal and knock off the excess. apply to the lens in circular motion from inside out. The lens will sparkle and there will be no "cleaning marks"

Lens cleaning

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency