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condensation inside lens
Jan 20, 2012 21:46:22   #
Goldengatebill
 
I have a lens that seems to have condensation inside. Anyone know how to dry this up?

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Jan 20, 2012 22:00:47   #
heltonjkv96 Loc: southwest Virginia
 
Might try setting it in the warm sun with the lens cap off, front of lens faceing up where the sun can shine down in it...!

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Jan 20, 2012 22:07:17   #
Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert
 
heltonjkv96 wrote:
Might try setting it in the warm sun with the lens cap off, front of lens faceing up where the sun can shine down in it...!


+1, or you can place the lens under a desk lamp but check to make sure the lens doesn't get too hot

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Jan 20, 2012 22:14:00   #
ShakyShutter Loc: Arizona
 
Hair dryer from the rear, this has the most opportunity for warm air to enter. Keep ahold of the lens so you don't get it too hot. After it is all warm and cozy i.e. warm to the touch, let it cool check it out and go again. You should only be warming it to about 100 ~ 110 degrees like being locked in the trunk on a warm sunny day.

It is likely that you will not be able to clear the spot. It is likely there will be spots where the condensation was. It will probably have to be sent in for a cleaning ultimately.

There's camera repair fella on the Hog hopefully someone will post his contact information here for you.

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Jan 20, 2012 22:20:35   #
heltonjkv96 Loc: southwest Virginia
 
ShakyShutter wrote:
Hair dryer from the rear, this has the most opportunity for warm air to enter. Keep ahold of the lens so you don't get it too hot. After it is all warm and cozy i.e. warm to the touch, let it cool check it out and go again. You should only be warming it to about 100 ~ 110 degrees like being locked in the trunk on a warm sunny day.

It is likely that you will not be able to clear the spot. It is likely there will be spots where the condensation was. It will probably have to be sent in for a cleaning ultimately.

There's camera repair fella on the Hog hopefully someone will post his contact information here for you.
Hair dryer from the rear, this has the most opport... (show quote)


http://www.discountcamerarepair.com/
Here's his web page..His name is Rick..

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Jan 20, 2012 22:38:16   #
MT Shooter Loc: Montana
 
Put about a pound or two of dry rice in a good pillowcase, or other cloth bag. Make sure it is sealed so the rice doesn't spill out. Microwave the rice for 3 to 5 minutes, if it smells burnt you went too long. It should be hot to the touch, but not so hot you cannot hang onto it. Lay it flat on the table, spread the rice out so its flat and lay your lens on one side of the mat, roll the lens up in it and let it sit overnight. The hot rice will act as a natural desicant and draw all the moisture from the lens.
I have a corduroy bag I made just for this that has been sewn shut to avoid leaks. The rice can be used over and over again. It also makes a nice heat pad for sore muscles!

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Jan 21, 2012 01:01:58   #
Guy Johnstone Loc: Ocean Shores WA
 
put it in a ziploc bag, stick the hose from the vac in the bag for about 5 mins. May need duct tape here. It should work. I never had one that didn't clear up by it's self once temps equalized.

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Jan 21, 2012 06:30:13   #
kamoopsipooh Loc: Big Island
 
Try putting it in a closet with a dehumidifier.

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Jan 21, 2012 08:31:23   #
Cappy Loc: Wildwood, NJ
 
I've heard of the rice trick for cell phones, never thought of using it for a lens. Luckily, never had that problem (knock on wood).

MT Shooter wrote:
Put about a pound or two of dry rice in a good pillowcase, or other cloth bag. Make sure it is sealed so the rice doesn't spill out. Microwave the rice for 3 to 5 minutes, if it smells burnt you went too long. It should be hot to the touch, but not so hot you cannot hang onto it. Lay it flat on the table, spread the rice out so its flat and lay your lens on one side of the mat, roll the lens up in it and let it sit overnight. The hot rice will act as a natural desicant and draw all the moisture from the lens.
I have a corduroy bag I made just for this that has been sewn shut to avoid leaks. The rice can be used over and over again. It also makes a nice heat pad for sore muscles!
Put about a pound or two of dry rice in a good pil... (show quote)

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Jan 21, 2012 09:23:55   #
Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert
 
Cappy wrote:
I've heard of the rice trick for cell phones, never thought of using it for a lens. Luckily, never had that problem (knock on wood).

MT Shooter wrote:
Put about a pound or two of dry rice in a good pillowcase, or other cloth bag. Make sure it is sealed so the rice doesn't spill out. Microwave the rice for 3 to 5 minutes, if it smells burnt you went too long. It should be hot to the touch, but not so hot you cannot hang onto it. Lay it flat on the table, spread the rice out so its flat and lay your lens on one side of the mat, roll the lens up in it and let it sit overnight. The hot rice will act as a natural desicant and draw all the moisture from the lens.
I have a corduroy bag I made just for this that has been sewn shut to avoid leaks. The rice can be used over and over again. It also makes a nice heat pad for sore muscles!
Put about a pound or two of dry rice in a good pil... (show quote)
I've heard of the rice trick for cell phones, neve... (show quote)


It's an Asian thing. After it dries the lens ya eat the rice to celebrate yuk, yuk, yuk

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Jan 21, 2012 13:40:25   #
rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
 
Condensation inside a lens is a problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. If left untended a fungus will develop that can ruin the coatings. I've used a hair dryer to warm many lenses in the past but some residue and spotting remains. If you have a food dehydrator you can place the lens in it overnight but again, you may incounter spotting inside the lens. The best way to take care of the problem is to disassemble the lens and clean the elements individually.

My name is Rick and I would be happy to repair the lens for you at a minimal charge. Please visit my website at http://www.discountcamerarepair.com.
Goldengatebill wrote:
I have a lens that seems to have condensation inside. Anyone know how to dry this up?

Reply
 
 
Jan 21, 2012 15:42:31   #
kamoopsipooh Loc: Big Island
 
rjriggins11 wrote:
Condensation inside a lens is a problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. If left untended a fungus will develop that can ruin the coatings. I've used a hair dryer to warm many lenses in the past but some residue and spotting remains. If you have a food dehydrator you can place the lens in it overnight but again, you may incounter spotting inside the lens. The best way to take care of the problem is to disassemble the lens and clean the elements individually.

My name is Rick and I would be happy to repair the lens for you at a minimal charge. Please visit my website at http://www.discountcamerarepair.com.
Goldengatebill wrote:
I have a lens that seems to have condensation inside. Anyone know how to dry this up?
Condensation inside a lens is a problem that shoul... (show quote)


How can I evaluate if the lens is worth the shipping and the money? I have got quite a few with anomolies.

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Jan 21, 2012 15:57:26   #
rjriggins11 Loc: Colorado Springs, CO
 
Most lenses can be repaired for around $65. You can't replace it for that amount. I'd really need to take a first hand look at the lenses before giving you an exact quote. The post office has medium size flat rate shipping for around $11 or large for around $15 anywhere in the country. It might be worth the shipping to see if the repair is viable.
kamoopsipooh wrote:
rjriggins11 wrote:
Condensation inside a lens is a problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. If left untended a fungus will develop that can ruin the coatings. I've used a hair dryer to warm many lenses in the past but some residue and spotting remains. If you have a food dehydrator you can place the lens in it overnight but again, you may incounter spotting inside the lens. The best way to take care of the problem is to disassemble the lens and clean the elements individually.

My name is Rick and I would be happy to repair the lens for you at a minimal charge. Please visit my website at http://www.discountcamerarepair.com.
Goldengatebill wrote:
I have a lens that seems to have condensation inside. Anyone know how to dry this up?
Condensation inside a lens is a problem that shoul... (show quote)


How can I evaluate if the lens is worth the shipping and the money? I have got quite a few with anomolies.
quote=rjriggins11 Condensation inside a lens is a... (show quote)

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Feb 25, 2012 18:10:38   #
wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ
 
Retired camera tech says- The rice thing'll work, I use silica gel packets with the equipment inside a plastic zip bag.

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