Cleaning fungus/mould from lens elements

goinggreynow

goinggreynow

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greetings to all fellow legacy lens enthusiasts. We seem to be the group most likely to have to undergo the stresses of having to dismantle our lenses with a view to cleaning off fungus, mould and the like.

This is not the usual “how do I do it”, as I‘ve already had to undertake this task several times. and it’s not strictly a “what do you use” to clean your lens type question.

It’s a specific question - has anyone ever tried cleaning lens elements with vinegar, lemon juice and/or a combination of the two?

It may sound bonkers, but as my wife uses these for cleaning around the house, I just thought I’d ask before starting my latest project - particularly as I have very little Isopropyl left.

Thanks.
 
I wouldn't be able to put up with the smell. For this reason alone I would stick with OH - well known as 'the' cleaner for so many other items.
 
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goinggreynow said:
It may sound bonkers,
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It is bonkers. Both vinegar and lemon juice are just readily available acids with largely unknown quantities of other "ingredients" in them. How effective an acid is on a fungus could well depend on the type of fungus but the other stuff in there is highly likely to a residue, one of the benefits of IA is that it evaporates with no residue.
 
Sky said:
I wouldn't be able to put up with the smell. For this reason alone I would stick with OH - well known as 'the' cleaner for so many other items.
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Hi Trevor
Having previously mentioned that I was familiar with the “usual” cleaning remedies (ammonia, hydrogen perox, isopropyl), I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that OH is a new one on me.
Would you kindly let me know what it is?
Thanks
Stuart
 
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sirch said:
It is bonkers. Both vinegar and lemon juice are just readily available acids with largely unknown quantities of other "ingredients" in them. How effective an acid is on a fungus could well depend on the type of fungus but the other stuff in there is highly likely to a residue, one of the benefits of IA is that it evaporates with no residue.
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Thanks, Chris.
You hear so many stories and “old wives tales” that I knew if I asked then at least one fellow forum member would be able to put me straight.
Much appreciated.
Stuart
 
Proceed with care . I would suggest practising on a old filter or three before trying coated lens elements
 
Thanks to all.
Consensus seems to be to stick with Isopropyl which in many ways suits me fine, as I have also used it for cleaning vinyl in the past.
 
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And as a follow up, does anyone who may have sold a lens - where the mould has been “properly” cleaned - feel that there is a need to disclose this fact to interested parties?

The reason for asking is that I have a zoom and a prime - neither of which I’ve used to any extent since purchase - which I really do need to do something with. The prime has tiny strands on the inside of the front element and so that should be relatively easy to get at. The zoom - well there is a speck a bit further in and unless I’m feeling brave - then it’ll have to stay as is and be described as such.

The thing is, for those of us who have cleaned lenses successfully, we are probably not as put off by the word fungus or mould, as someone who has no experience of legacy lenses in the same way. I can understand why the word fungus may send some running a mile, even if the glass has been cleaned.

Thoughts appreciated.
 
goinggreynow said:
And as a follow up, does anyone who may have sold a lens - where the mould has been “properly” cleaned - feel that there is a need to disclose this fact to interested parties?

The reason for asking is that I have a zoom and a prime - neither of which I’ve used to any extent since purchase - which I really do need to do something with. The prime has tiny strands on the inside of the front element and so that should be relatively easy to get at. The zoom - well there is a speck a bit further in and unless I’m feeling brave - then it’ll have to stay as is and be described as such. For my own use - these things don’t bother me and I’m still happy to mount both on my Sony as they are.

The thing is, for those of us who have cleaned lenses successfully, we are probably not as put off by the word fungus or mould, as someone who has no experience of legacy lenses in the same way. I can understand why the word fungus may send some running a mile, even if the glass has been cleaned.

Thoughts appreciated.
Click to expand...
 
goinggreynow said:
And as a follow up, does anyone who may have sold a lens - where the mould has been “properly” cleaned - feel that there is a need to disclose this fact to interested parties?

The reason for asking is that I have a zoom and a prime - neither of which I’ve used to any extent since purchase - which I really do need to do something with. The prime has tiny strands on the inside of the front element and so that should be relatively easy to get at. The zoom - well there is a speck a bit further in and unless I’m feeling brave - then it’ll have to stay as is and be described as such.

The thing is, for those of us who have cleaned lenses successfully, we are probably not as put off by the word fungus or mould, as someone who has no experience of legacy lenses in the same way. I can understand why the word fungus may send some running a mile, even if the glass has been cleaned.

Thoughts appreciated.
Click to expand...

Interesting question. I'm a "mint geek" meaning all photographic equipment I buy is always in mint or close to mint condition or I won't keep it. I then like to keep it in that condition. If I bought a legacy lens that was described as being completely free of fungus/mildew etc.. then as long as it was completely free of said fungus then I wouldn't personally be bothered whether it had been cleaned prior to coming to me or not, so I'm not sure it needs mentioning. Free of fungus is free of fungus. Obviously if the cleaning process introduced any other problems such as coating damage, that would need to be mentioned but otherwise..
 
I'm 100% certain there are dealers in legacy lenses operating on e.bay etc that clean there lenses before sale
 
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