Internal Lens Cleaning

[ynot]

Is it advisable to get dust cleaned out of a lens?
I have one that has quite a bit of dirt and dust in the lens. It doesn't seem to effect the images at all but id rather it not there.

Are there any risks in getting the lens cleaned?
Where would you get it done?
And at what cost would it be?

 

[StewartR]

Are there any risks in getting the lens cleaned?
Where would you get it done?
And at what cost would it be?

1. No risks. I get it done all the time, even though internal dust doesn't affect image quality, because when people are hiring lenses they expect them to be clean.

2. I always send Canon lenses to Canon, Nikon lenses to Nikon, etc. But you could use one of their authorised service agents (eg H Lehmann, Colchester Cameras, Fixation) instead if that's more convenient.

3. Depends. Some manufacturers have fixed price service schedules; some don't. And it can depend on the size / complexity of the lens. Probably £50-£100.

 

[ynot]

Thanks Stewart.

Should just leave it then?
Cant it cause lack of contrast in certain light?

 

[MartinCornwall]

My front element of a nikkor 18-200 was full of tiny dust particles. They only showed up in long exposure night photography whilst shooting brighter objects. Ie fairground rides. This did wreck the images so I got a quote from an authorized dealer and with postage it was a little under £100. A quick google search showed how to take apart and clean a front element and it was a 5 minute job. Very easy to do. But as far a rear elements go then they are a total different ball game and best sent in for professional cleaning.

 

[nicholi]

A quick google search showed how to take apart and clean a front element and it was a 5 minute job. Very easy to do. But as far a rear elements go then they are a total different ball game and best sent in for professional cleaning.

i love taking things apart but i don't think i have the manhood to try that to my lens. i had dust in my lens when i brought it and googled about it and i read somewhere that all lenses have dust in them and if it doesn't effect the picture don't worry about it. i wish dust was the problem why my pictures are no good