Cleaning a lens

jryans10

jryans10

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Hi,

I'm just wondering: is there anything wrong with breathing on a lens to fog it up and then using a microfibre cloth to wipe it clean? I have heard mixed views on this.

Thanks.
 
Nikon had an article on their website, a month or so, stating that it was unwise due to possible acidic breath. But the general consensus of opinion is that it's fine.
 
Hi thanks for your reply.

Yeah it was actually about that article. I read that Nikon put it up and just recently they removed that segment from it, so wasn't too sure if that was Nikon saying that it's okay to do that.

Thanks.
 
Also make sure there is no grit or anything on the front element before you do so
 
Why don't you have a UV or Skylight on there to protect the front element?
Breath & wipe that all you like... replace for a couple of quid when damaged by whatever cause.
 
Teflon-Mike said:
Why don't you have a UV or Skylight on there to protect the front element?
Breath & wipe that all you like... replace for a couple of quid when damaged by whatever cause.
Click to expand...

I would argue that a filter costing a couple of quid is likely to have a negative effect on IQ.
 
Teflon-Mike said:
Why don't you have a UV or Skylight on there to protect the front element?
Breath & wipe that all you like... replace for a couple of quid when damaged by whatever cause.
Click to expand...

cambsno said:
I would argue that a filter costing a couple of quid is likely to have a negative effect on IQ.
Click to expand...

Please guys, lets not get that one started... :help:


I find sandpaper and then if needed an acetylene torch usually gets the job done :naughty:

(Or more seriously a rocket blower and then microfibre cleaning cloths)
 
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SixToes said:
Please guys, lets not get that one started... :help:


I find sandpaper and then if needed an acetylene torch usually gets the job done :naughty:

(Or more seriously a rocket blower and then microfibre cleaning cloths)
Click to expand...

:bang: So again we have conflicting information. So is it rocket blower/cloth or torch and sandpaper?;)
 
andyred said:
Also make sure there is no grit or anything on the front element before you do so
Click to expand...

SixToes said:
Please guys, lets not get that one started... :help:

I find sandpaper and then if needed an acetylene torch usually gets the job done :naughty:

(Or more seriously a rocket blower and then microfibre cleaning cloths)
Click to expand...

???

Am I missing something ...
 
SixToes said:
I quoted completely the wrong post - sorry Andyred, didn't mean to include yours!

I fixed the post now.
Click to expand...

No worries ...
 
cambsno said:
I would argue that a filter costing a couple of quid is likely to have a negative effect on IQ.
Click to expand...
Not as negative as a scratched front element would.
Besides subjective. Whats a Hoya UV cost these days? £10-£15?
Compared to £200-£300 for a new lens, to me that's still only 'a couple of quid'.
Taking 'couple of quid' litterally, Yeah... you can get cheapo unbranded UV's for litterally one or two quid.....
My experience of filters over the years, would not disincline me from using a cheap-filter as a lens protector, certainly not on a cheaper lens.. unlikely to 'ruin' many photo's... certainly less likely than I am to ruin them through shear clumsiness or lack of dexterity...
You pays your money and takes your choice....
But I would still rather chuck away a £20 brand-name Sky-light filter than a £200 lens.
 
Use lens hoods but not cheap filters as already mentioned.

Rocket blower to shift anything and then a microfibre or a cloth designed for glass can be better and cheap in supermarkets.
 
I agree with dexy, rocket blower and micro cloth, and easy fits in your pocket or bag, i don,t use uv filters as i think it softens your photo's.
 
OK, this is an area I know something about. We clean dozens or hundreds of lenses every week and I've tried just about every technique and product there is.

First step, always: Liberal use of a rocket blower. You do NOT want a particle of dust or grit on the surface of the lens or filter when you come to polish it.

Second step: Breathe warmly and copiously on the surface of the lens/filter, and polish with a CLEAN microfibre cloth. (Actually we use disposable tissue wipes instead of a cloth, to guarantee cleanliness, but the principle is the same.) Make sure the microfibre cloth is absolutely free of dust and grit though.

Third step: If necessary - and it USUALLY isn't - apply SMALL amount of solvent (we use isopropyl alcohol, though you can use proprietary solvents) and wipe clean.

Job done.
 
Stewart, as a professional lens cleansing operative (is that what you told the careers officer at school you had in mind? :D), what are your thoughts on lens pens? I've been using one for years - one of few cheap photography aids worth getting I'd say. Combination of this and a couple of deep breaths does a great job very quickly.
 
jon ryan said:
Stewart, as a professional lens cleansing operative (is that what you told the careers officer at school you had in mind? :D), what are your thoughts on lens pens? I've been using one for years - one of few cheap photography aids worth getting I'd say. Combination of this and a couple of deep breaths does a great job very quickly.
Click to expand...
Yep.

I've used them and they're fine. Just two slight issues: [1] They aren't durable enough for my needs (but are probably OK for most people). [2] I'm worried that the business end of the Lens Pen may not be dust- and grit-proof.
 
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