Cleaning barrel of lenses (Page 3): He was sans a clue.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

markmmmm wrote:

A smart camera store owner once told me if you put something on the outside of the lens, it ends up in the lens. He would not take a lens of mine on trade because I had obviously cleaned it.

He was sans a clue.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

repleo wrote:

Any tips on light cleaning of the outside barrel and lens shade etc of a lens? I would like to restore that immaculate matte sheen that seems to disappear as soon as you take it out of the box. Are there any waxes or polishes that would work? I have found plenty of articles on cleaning the glass, but not much on the plastic and rubber parts.

I use a microfiber towel every two or three times I use a lens.

If they have a residue or if you were shooting while eating, which I have done many times, I use the NIKON lens wipes as well.

As far as wax, Ive never tried it and it would depend on the finish.

A black plastic lens or painted flat might work if used very sparingly, but don't take that as a guarantee. I would try a small amount of plastic cleaner before I tried that. MEGUIARS makes some good stuff for plastic/vinyl interiors cleaners and Ive used it on radios and other plastic/vinyl. I used that on an old ZEN finish on a SIGMA that was deteriorating and it brought it back.

They also make a plastic polish if the lens in question has a clear plastic window. It should work fine for that. Ive used it on ROLEX plastic crystals. auto gauge covers and the like with very good results.

In any event here's a truism ... start with less that you think you would ever need. You can always add more product but getting too much off can be miserable and make it quite obvious that the finish was doctored.

Also, ALL polishes are abrasive. Use them with extreme caution as I doubt lenses carry much paint out of the factory ... and be especially careful using them on lettering.

I hope this helps.

GENorkus Loc: Washington Twp, Michigan

John_F wrote:

To get at the grooves and ridges, how about a very soft tooth brush, very lightly moistened.

I recommend a toothbrush to many photographers I run into. If you have ever accidently had mud or ??? get on your lens/camera, getting it out from under the dials and levers can be a real chore. A brush can save the day. (Be careful not to pack it further under the dial/lever though.)

Just cut a toothbrush in half and throw it in your bag for a "rainy day".

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

Put it in the dish washer.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

bellgamin wrote:

Sounds feasible. Does the lens cleaner in any way harm the white lettering on the barrel?
~~~~~~~~~~

by the way... when I saw the topic's Title: "Cleaning barrel of lenses" I thought the OP had a barrel of used lenses to clean out (sell) so I came running to search for bargains. But the actual subject is also very interesting so ... 😁😄😇

Same here...

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

repleo wrote:

Any tips on light cleaning of the outside barrel and lens shade etc of a lens? I would like to restore that immaculate matte sheen that seems to disappear as soon as you take it out of the box. Are there any waxes or polishes that would work? I have found plenty of articles on cleaning the glass, but not much on the plastic and rubber parts.

After reading thru the replies I hope whatever you do does not leave the rubber with that tacky or sticky feel. That seems impossible to eliminate. Also real rubber and vinyl may act differently. Personally I would not go beyond a water damp microfiber lens cloth or what ever the manufacturer says.

repleo Loc: Boston

lamiaceae wrote:

After reading thru the replies I hope whatever you do does not leave the rubber with that tacky or sticky feel. That seems impossible to eliminate. Also real rubber and vinyl may act differently. Personally I would not go beyond a water damp microfiber lens cloth or what ever the manufacturer says.

I played safe and just used a blower , lens brush and slightly dampened micro cloth. That is all they needed. Thanks everybody for the suggestions and recommendations.