Lens cleaning (Page 3): Saw this on web. http://www.steves-digicams.com/knowledge-center/how-tos/troubleshooting-repair/lens-repair-how-to-take-scratches-off-digital-camera-lens.html...

Brandmic Loc: Alabama

Saw this on web.

http://www.steves-digicams.com/knowledge-center/how-tos/troubleshooting-repair/lens-repair-how-to-take-scratches-off-digital-camera-lens.html

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Brandmic wrote:

I recently watched a utube video where a man bough... (show quote)

True, as the front element is inside the focus distance of the lens. But, it can cause a blur similar to dust/dirt on sensor and every time the wife took a bad shot, it would be the lens' fault. I would rather blame her.... lol... (Actually, she has a better eye than me.. I am a better technician with the camera and get better "difficult" shots.. She gets better composed shots)

Brooklyn-Camera Loc: Brooklyn, New York City

I use the LENS CLEANING WIPE by ZEISS, it's a pre-moistened wipe. Works wonders, I purchased a box of them from AMAZON.com

Mark7829 Loc: Calfornia

I use a 40 grit sandpaper on the end of 10,000 rpm drill. I first prepare the surface with navel jelly that I mix with 4 parts of comet cleanser. I finish it off with acetone and a match which tends to melt any remaining residue and most plastic parts.. The end result is the opportunity to buy a new lens.

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

dcampbell52 wrote:

No, it wasn't. My point is that the clear filter did what it was supposed to do and protected the lens. A lens hood would have worked too but is more bulky.

But a lens hood isn't between your sensor and your subject. Any glass between your lens and your subject has the potential to increase flare and degrade your images, especially when you don't use a lens hood.

Brooklyn-Camera Loc: Brooklyn, New York City

I myself prefer a belt sander, a lot faster if you have a few lenses to go through. The rest of the mixture sounds just right to me.

Mark7829 wrote:

I use a 40 grit sandpaper on the end of 10,000 rpm drill. I first prepare the surface with navel jelly that I mix with 4 parts of comet cleanser. I finish it off with acetone and a match which tends to melt any remaining residue and most plastic parts.. The end result is the opportunity to buy a new lens.

RRS Loc: Not sure

Trynforpar wrote:

Looking for recommendations on the most effective method of cleaning the front glass of a lens. I accidentally scratched one of my favorite lenses and not a happy camper.

There's one hell of a difference from cleaning a lens to removing a scratch. I feel for you. You can do tests and see if it shows up in your images and use a lens shade to keep off any glare. I don't know about you but I'd be checking with service to see what it is going to cost to fix it. There are pro's and con's to using a UV filter, I don't use them but I always use the lens shades and if you break one on a long prime you'd better get out your checkbook. Good Luck!!

Michael O' Loc: Midwest right now

LFingar wrote:

There are probably as many ways to clean lenses as there are people cleaning lenses. I can't help you in that regard. I use high quality clear lens protectors so that I never have to touch the lens and its coatings. I have yet to find a downside to using a properly designed protector.

Amen !

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

mcveed wrote:

But a lens hood isn't between your sensor and your subject. Any glass between your lens and your subject has the potential to increase flare and degrade your images, especially when you don't use a lens hood.

Yes it does but it is "ultra clear" and kept clean. If it isn't clean, it is easer to clean than the lens element or can be changed. I too am not a fan of putting any more glass between the sensor and then image, but when in an environment like that and given the attitude of the wife, I choose my battles

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

okey, dokey.
so, if the scratch is deep and causes flare, black paint is the usual solution. if there is no flare, don't worry, nothing focuses on the front element.

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

wj cody wrote:

okey, dokey.
so, if the scratch is deep and causes flare, black paint is the usual solution. if there is no flare, don't worry, nothing focuses on the front element.

true, but it does leave a "spot" of out of focus or mar in the image... almost like a weak pixel

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

dcampbell52 wrote:

true, but it does leave a "spot" of out of focus or mar in the image... almost like a weak pixel

thanks for your reply - i'll check with Erv and see what he might be able to contribute. just one thought, and forgive me, i'm not being facetous, but is the sensor clean?
will get back with you.

wj cody Loc: springfield illinois

hello again.

sorry to be so late getting back - health issues. got hold of Erv and he indicated your situation might be different with digital than from film. he suggested to try another lens and see if you get perfect results. if so, then you know it is your lens which is the problem. if not, then you know it is your sensor.
if the lens, Erv did not have a suggestion beyond what i've written earlier.
i'm sorry this took so long and don't have any other ideas for you.
kindest regards,
cody