Something sticky got on the front element of my lens, what is the best thing to use to clean it?
Jim 100 wrote:
Something sticky got on the front element of my lens, what is the best thing to use to clean it?
Any product that is designed to clean optical glass. Just work at it with a prepackaged wet wipe for lens cleaning.
Take off the filter and use any glass cleaner, Windex, etc. When the filter is clean, re-install to your lens.
If you are close to a photo store or lens repair station take your lens to them for the cleaning. The coatings on the lens are pretty thin and the possibility of damage while cleaning is always there.
Paul mentioned "to remove the filter." If that is the case you can do it yourself unless it is a very expensive filter.
I would first use distilled water, try a damp (not dripping) Q-tip or 2 and spin / roll it on top of the spot without letting that dirty part of the swab come in contact with the lens , don't smear the sticky stuff around if you can help it .
NormanTheGr8 wrote:
I would first use distilled water, try a damp (not dripping) Q-tip or 2 and spin / roll it on top of the spot without letting that dirty part of the swab come in contact with the lens , don't smear the sticky stuff around if you can help it .
Right. Depending what is stuck onto the lens, it could be damaging the coating.
Jim 100 wrote:
Something sticky got on the front element of my lens, what is the best thing to use to clean it?
Don't go crazy trying to clean the lens, especially if the spot doesn't affect the images. Gentle, gentle, gentle.
I was taught to only use distilled water or lens cleaning solution. Solutions made for eye glasses may affect the coatings that are on the manufactured lens. And dab, don’t rub, using clean area of swab or lens cloth.
Also, note that some brands of common ‘cotton swabs’ such as in a drug store, are not all cotton. Synthetic material in them may cause scratches.
Yep. One time I got spittle on the front element of my camera lens. I found it difficult to remove. But lens cleaning fluid and a microfiber cloth did the job. Since, I carry both at all times.
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
Any product that is designed to clean optical glass. Just work at it with a prepackaged wet wipe for lens cleaning.
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