NormanTheGr8 Loc: Racine, Wisconsin

Hi

I seem to be having a problem with Static Electricity causing dust to cling on the lens faster than I can wipe it off with a lens cloth .Does anyone have a simple solution for this Wisconsin Winter problem?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Zeiss Lens Wipes will work, they break the bond. We have the same issue here in Montana. The more "dry" wiping you do the worse the issue gets.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

There are static/dust repelling brushes by StaticMaster (among others) that have a radioactive element (usually Poloniam) that are alpha emitters. These have been used for static charge dissipation for decades for everything from vinyl records to microcircuit silkscreening. They are still available: http://www.company7.com/staticmaster/products/staticmaster.html

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

Norm, the best way to remove a static charge on a non-conductive surface such as glass, plastic, etc., is to place the material in a stream of ionized air. Ionizers are standard tools used in the electronics industry to protect static sensitive electronic components. Companies such as Wassco sell ionizers starting in the $200-$300 price range that will do a terrific job for you in a studio environment. Outside the studio, I would use a Static Master brush.

Some additional things you should be aware of are that blowing air on your lens will increase the static charge because of the friction of the air upon the glass. Static charges are generated when two non-conductors (triboelectric charge) are separated or rubbed against each other, so wiping with a lens cloth is not a good solution. In fact, it will make matters worse by increasing the static charge. Therefore, a Static Master brush is probably the best all around solution.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

My wife repeatedly suggests that the Indiana Winter problems would be solved if we moved to Hawaii, but I'm guessing that's not the type of solution you're looking for.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

Simple, easy, inexpensive!

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

Wassco is now known as Techni-Tool. Couldn't find the Static Master brush, tho. One winter-time trick is to after moving around in your house that you touch the metal screw of any light switch cover before placing your hand on your camera. Bleeding charge off the lens is limited by the low conductivity of dry air. Try a bathroom shelf while you shower might be a temporary fix.