 BetterPhoto Member |
How to Clean My Lens I have a Nikkor D-type lens (28-80mm) for my Nikon F-601 film camera and noticed a spot on the glass. I slightly wiped it with a special lens cloth but it's still there. I'm worried on the change of color in the spot in the green-colored coating on the glass. Is this a major problem that needs servicing? Will it decrease the quality of my shots? I'm a novice SLR photographer. Thanks a lot.
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Mark Feldstein |
Well, first of all Ron, I'd get rid of the lens cleaning cloth, whether it's a micropore or some other variety. Why? Because even though they're a nice idea in theory, in practical use, they can tend to hold embedded particles that don't rinse out. Those in turn, could end up scratching the lens. To properly clean your lens, first take a burst or two of compressed air and blow off the front elements to get rid of the loose chunks. Next take some LENS TISSUE, apply a few drops or a quick spritz of good quality cleaner to the lens tissue, never directly on the lens. (My own preference is ROR (residual Oil Remover) available from bhphotovideo.com. Then gently, in a circular motion, wipe the lens - move the tissue from the inside of the lens to the outermost edges. Take a couple of dry pieces of tissue and continue until you remove all the excess lens cleaner. That should do it. As you clean, you may notice some changes in the reflection, which doesn't mean the coating is or has deteriorated. It's just how the lens reflects whatever lighting you're working in. Now, if you really think you've got a damaged coating, it can't be fixed. It's a part of the glass. But if you take it to a competent Nikon repair shop, they can look at it and let you know if it's really OK or has a problem. I did know a guy once who spent almost an entire evening trying to remove what he called a bright spot from his lens. Turned out to be a reflection from the work lamp he was using. And, if it is a flaw in the coating, yes, it could impact your image quality depending on what you're shooting and the lighting conditions, how your lens is positioned to the light sources, etc. Take it light. Mark
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Bill Boswell |
I have used the Sam's Club lens cleaner on the front element and filters with great success. I find it works as well as or better than the ROR and is only $3 for a whole kit with cloth and refill. I tried it first on an older lens and filter and was so pleased I had no hesitation using it on my high-end Nikon lenses and Hoya SMC filters.
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Mark Feldstein |
Not for me thanks. Us old(er) school guys think that any time you have to bear down using a brush to clean a glass surface then you risk scratching the surface with anything embedded in the brush. In fact, if I can't remove whatever might be on the surface of my lenses using a blast of Dustoff, then I'll just use a piece of folded lens tissue to knock it loose (gently of course) and then clean the lens afterwards in the usual way. I think ROR runs about $5 bucks a 3 or 4 oz spray bottle (that lasts it seems forever) from B&H. Plus a buck for a 200 sheets of lens tissue, and that seems like a pretty good value to me. Mark
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Kix Pix |
I've found some great products as far as cleaning solution and wonderful lens tissue at peca products. I do like the ROR for the harder stuff though.
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Bob Cammarata |
If that spot is lens fungus, I read somewhere that a 50/50 mixture of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide will melt it away. Dip a Q-Tip into the solution and gently rub it onto the spot. Then dry the area with lens tissue and follow Mark's advice to give the surface a thorough cleaning.
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