Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

My friend Paddy Fields told me about the sprouting rice problem.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Also heard it from my two Irish mates Ben Dover and Phillip MeCracky.

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

If your lens has a resale value under $150.00, DIY is probably ok. If it would resell for $10,000, probably want a pro. Your cutoff may be between these figures.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Good point! I have lenses, however, that have little or no "book" value or street value but I would invest in their repair or maintenance because of the "look" of the effect they produce. Some are rather rare and can not be easily found or replaced. Some of the lenses would only be appreciated or desired in a very small niche market.

If a lens or any piece of gear can be replaced by the same model in good condition for less than the cost of repair, it may be prudent to simply replace it.

My argument is simply that I won't advise DYI repairs or application of unorthodox repair methods that I know to be incorrect or have no experience with. I have seen recommendations on this and other forums for folks to use all kinds of household, industrial, and pharmaceutical products to clean, lubricate and repair precision photographic gear- things like candle wax, shoe-polish, nailposlh remover, Windex, WD-40, axel grease, sandpaper, volatile solvents, and foodstuffs. Someof it may actually work and someof it may be extremely problematic or destructive. If the equipment in question is dispensable or of no monetary or practical value, it's a matter of personal judgement.

I do have some view camera lenses with between the less shutter, where the front and rear components can simply be unscrewed for cleaning without major disassembly.

Another thought- It's the old adage about prevention or cure. It's more practical and economical to perform ongoing preventative maintenance on all your gear. Provide storage methods that are appropriate for the atmospheric conditions in your geographic location to prevent extremes of temperature, excessive humidity or dryness, vibration and airborne contaminants from getting into your gear. Routine cleaning of electronic contacts, keeping lens mounts clean and free of dust, dirt or any particles, appropriate lubrication of tripods and other support gear, and not allows capacitors in flash gear to deform from non-usage- this all goes a long way in preventing equipment malfunction and costly repairs.

gitano48 Loc: Houston

A big thank-you to all who answered my query on the foggy lens. Your suggestions are appreciated.
It appears the best solution is to take the lens apart and physically wipe the elements of moisture and residual dirt.

Carl1024 Loc: Kaneohe, HI 96744

Do you have the proper tools 4 this tasked?
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