Cleaning legacy lenses

[ChrisR]

I realise that we don't appear to know a legacy lens when we see one, but if we do, are there special precautions for cleaning? To make this specific, I have several SMC Pentax-M lenses that appear to have gathered the odd fingerprint, spray, dust etc, and old filters ditto. I'm a bit worried the multi-coating may be a bit softer than modern lenses. So, how should I go about cleaning them?

 

[TheGreatSoprendo]

I'm not aware of any difference in that respect. Just follow normal good practice, esp powerfully blow off any gritty looking deposits before wiping as that's what usually causes damage when cleaning lenses, rubbing abrasive matter on the lens surface.

 

[srichards]

Microfibre cloths are quite good. Mildly damped. You'd be amazed at the crud they seem to shift. Even dry they'll take fingerprints off tablet screens.

 

[freecom2]

A good rocket blower (such as the Giottos rocket). That is probably the most effective - after that, I use a lens pen for things like smears and fingerprints. Nothing more than that though!

 

[excalibur2]

Well if I can clean my M42 Pentax lenses easily by huffing on the lenses then wiping with a very soft brush, I wouldn't think you'd have a problem with SMC lenses......but the common method for a dirty lens is a cotton bud and lighter fuel or Isopropanol. Anyway it you did remove the coating the sharpness of the lens would still be there but the lens would be more prone to flare and maybe contrast would change slightly.

 

[ChrisR]

OK I have the microfibre cloth, the rocket blower and a lens brush... I've even realised I have one of those blower/brush cmbined thingies, though I don't think they're as good as the separate devices. I'm never sure about the isopropanol though. Maybe I'll give it a go tomorrow...

 

[RaglanSurf]

If you're talking decent lenses that would have been classed as good quality back in the day then treat with care and respect. If you're talking old car boot tat that would have been classed as poor quality back in the day that we now seem to assign the term legacy onto so as to add value, along with terms like 'rare' and 'vintage' then a Brillo pad will probably do the job.

 

[ChrisR]

I am shocked, to the core, that Nick might think my SMC Pentax-M lenses were brillo-worthy!!!