Removing Scratches from Lenses

matt_hcp

matt_hcp

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Hi All,

I recently acquired my DSLR and am quickly becoming more and more intrigued by photography. The only downside to receiving a used DSLR was that the standard kit lens, (18-55mm canon kit lens) has a very small scratch on the lens. I have shot many shots with it and am struggling to see any affect it is having on the image quality.
I have seen many DIY methods on the net on removing scratches but do any of them actually work. I probably won't worry about refurbishing it anytime soon as I'm experimenting with a new lens, but I was just intrigued if anyone has had any experience or advice on this and if any of these DIY methods work? Alternatively if anyone can tell me if Jessops, London camera exchange or anywhere else refurb lens scratches and a rough idea of cost??

Thanks everyone,
Matt
 
matt_hcp said:
Hi All,

I recently acquired my DSLR and am quickly becoming more and more intrigued by photography. The only downside to receiving a used DSLR was that the standard kit lens, (18-55mm canon kit lens) has a very small scratch on the lens. I have shot many shots with it and am struggling to see any affect it is having on the image quality.
I have seen many DIY methods on the net on removing scratches but do any of them actually work. I probably won't worry about refurbishing it anytime soon as I'm experimenting with a new lens, but I was just intrigued if anyone has had any experience or advice on this and if any of these DIY methods work? Alternatively if anyone can tell me if Jessops, London camera exchange or anywhere else refurb lens scratches and a rough idea of cost??

Thanks everyone,
Matt
Click to expand...

If its not affecting the pictures then leave well alone. The kit lens is not expensive (or worth much on resale) so I wouldn't bother getting it repaired.
 
Hi Matt

As Jim says, I really wouldn't bother about it or do anything about it ...

just enjoy your new purchase
 
Same as above. If you really are concerned kit lenses sell for peanuts on here and eBay as its the one everyone sells to upgrade so the market is full of em.
 
a scratch on the front element should not affect picture quality, just be more careful of flare.
 
I wouldn't worry about it either, but...you can use a black felt tip marker to stop any lens flare (if the scratch produces any, that is). Find a marker with a very fine tip (Sharpie makes one) and carefully draw a line along the scratch. If you draw outside the scratch line, don't worry. Use a bit of naphtha on a soft cotton cloth to wipe off the excess. Wipe gently and perpendicular to the scratch. Please do not use a ball type marker...get a felt tipped one. In a glass scratch, the open edges of the scratched glass are what will catch light and cause flare. By coloring them black, you've stopped their tendency to do this. Old trick, but it works.
Jon
 
Thanks everyone. Like a lot of you said I will probably let it be for now as it isn't causing any issues with the image quality.

Thanks for all your advice, and t,hanks for the tip with the marker. Had seen it on the net but wanted to double heck it would work should I decide to try it :-s
 
matt_hcp said:
Thanks everyone. Like a lot of you said I will probably let it be for now as it isn't causing any issues with the image quality.

Thanks for all your advice, and t,hanks for the tip with the marker. Had seen it on the net but wanted to double heck it would work should I decide to try it :-s
Click to expand...

The default answer to questions about scratches on the front element is to direct the person asking to this page

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2008/10/front-element-scratches

If the damage is worse than this then it needs attended to.......
 
Flash In The Pan said:
The default answer to questions about scratches on the front element is to direct the person asking to this page

http://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2008/10/front-element-scratches

If the damage is worse than this then it needs attended to.......
Click to expand...
Graham, you do make me laugh.

To the OP, as said above really slight load on contrast and higher possibility of flair as shown by FITP link,
 
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