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Lens Coating Query, Help Please


Thanks, I'm always worrying I know it's so stupid I just can't help it! I'll spend my time doing more productive things from now on! Do you think my camera is damage free from my stupidity? I'm currently looking for a good UV filter to add some more protection!
 
I think you're just a perpetual worrier, and when you can't find something to worry about, that worries you lol.
 
I think you've hit the nail on the head
OlyMan said:
I think you're just a perpetual worrier, and when you can't find something to worry about, that worries you lol.
Click to expand...


I think you've hit the nail on the head... but i've just got into photography so some of the information telling me what not to do is a bit scary at times!
 
Did you wash the lens with lacquer thinner?
Did you wipe the lens with a sweaty Tee shirt that you wore to the beach?
Did you spray the oven cleaner directly onto the lens?
Did you use lens cleaning paper straight from the packet?
Did you drop the camera, lens down, onto concrete?
If the answer to any of these is NO then you've done no harm.
 
shutterfinger said:
Pros and amateurs out on a shoot occasionally wiped the front element with their Tee shirt. On a ship at sea it was the most convenient thing around, ground troops in combat had little else to use.
On a warm day one sweats.
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Ah ok I thought it was more specifically the sweat which was an issue! I was just curious
 
shutterfinger said:
Pros and amateurs out on a shoot occasionally wiped the front element with their Tee shirt. On a ship at sea it was the most convenient thing around, ground troops in combat had little else to use.
On a warm day one sweats.
Click to expand...

I've done that too. But my t-shirts are microfibre — light, clean and quick drying.
 
I think its time to post this - not because it is in any way remarkable, or in any way near the most extreme example of a worn in some ways but still perfectly working camera, but rather that it is the best example I happen to have:


That was shot seven years ago. The camera has continued to work fine, with the exception that I had to have the mirror re-attached, because after just under 40 years of use, the adhesive gave away.
If I recall correctly, there was also a basic maintenance service a few years earlier as well - just because I thought it was time.
The significance of the date of the photo? It was when I sent off for processing my very last ever shot rolls of Kodachrome. A lot of Kodachrome went through that camera!
Cameras are tools to be used and enjoyed!
 

Thanks Matt, my problems seem relatively insignificant when viewing the use that that camera has had!
 
Microfiber cloths should not be used for cleaning camera lenses. It is too easy for a bit of grit to become embedded in the cloth and works its evil. Use lens tissue and a good optical cleaning solution. The tissue should be used once and then discard. The key is not to use any pressure -- be very gentle.While the coatings may be hard some optical glass formulas are very soft. It is possible to scratch right thru the coating into the glass element itself. More lenses have been damaged by cleaning than from benign neglect. This is a problem with newbies as they think every speck on the lens must be removed. Not true the lens must be very dirty before it effects the image.

A soft cosmetics or artists fan brush is useful in removing loose dust particles.
 
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