A.J.R. Loc: Devon, UK

I only clean my lenses when absolutely necessary as I feel more (permanent) damage can be done by any touching of the glass, (even with appropriate cloths). The odd speck of dust that might have settled can easily be removed with a blower brush. If the lenses are covered when not in use the glass surfaces remain pretty clean.

A.J.R. Loc: Devon, UK

I would suggest that you only clean your lenses when absolutely necessary.

Kingman

A "build up" over the years of covered storage sounds unlikely, unless it's mold. What does the build up look like? White spidery looking veins is a mold that grows and eats on the lens coatings. This occurs mostly in dark, damp and humid locations. While the mold can often sometimes be removed from the lens surface (though often not entirely because possible remaining spores left behind that are virtually impossible to get rid of), the mold can damage the lens coatings and even etch the glass. Mold growing on coated glass surfaces is an very insidious and can of spread to other optical surfaces if stored in humid conditions. This is often why people will not purchase used lenses if there is any hint of mold on lens surfaces (me included).

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

These:

https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-Pre-Moistened-Lens-Cleaning-Wipes/dp/B00WFELV1G/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=nikon+wipes&qid=1560869836&s=gateway&sr=8-3

And common sense.

drmike99 Loc: Fairfield Connecticut

I use a Lenspen.

TomV Loc: Annapolis, Maryland

Water will not do anything for fingerprint oils or other non-water-soluble contaminants, that is why lens solutions are offered by the manufacturers. Micro cloths work very well, you either clean or discard them if you feel they are dirty.

Nice instructions by B&H:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/how-to-clean-your-lens-and-filters?BI=572&gclid=Cj0KCQjwl6LoBRDqARIsABllMSZi4ccCJH2XyxBJcuV1jKMIxOSGR7R-rufyD4VKhE_7Nk9v-L9kDMkaApAdEALw_wcB

Canisdirus

Sure if your camera is where you change your vehicle oil.... but if you do a cleaning session every few weeks ... water is all you will ever need. The Qtips do the work.

russraman Loc: New York City

The absolute best way in the world to clean a camera lens video... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBTb1l0jLIw

Bill P

[quote=dpullum]I purchased a 70-300mm Macro classic Minolta [5 contacts] lens $10 at the Hospice shop. Close examination the filter was coated like my windshield. Conventional nice cleaning only left it smeared. Success was using a 70% Alcohol swab used for sugar test before sticking the skin. Using my eyeglass cleaner solution with Q-Tips... was a futile approach. The UV filter and external of the first lense cleaned with the alcohol wipe well.
BUT !!
The internal side of the external lens had a Mold-spot? I bought a spanner wrench on Amazon for $20 and with some adjustment struggle, got it to fit the lens locking ring. Once unscrewed and removed the mold spot on the inner side of the lens cleaned off well.

The second internal [small] lens was dirty as tho when the zoom was used it inhaled pollution. The same swab method worked well. The lens is worth about $100 so the effort was woth it... besides, it was a fun tech adventure.

WOW!! I had to reread this several times, as the language was confusing to me. But I think I have it figured out. You refer to a filter lens, but I do believe you mean the front element of the lens. If it were just a screw on filter, just toss it and get new if you shoot where necessary. But I then get to the part where you disassembled the lens and cleaned elements one by one.

That's a task that even experienced highly qualified repairmen wouldn't attempt. For example, for many years I had access to a repairman that was factory authorized by Nikon. He could do work under warranty back when Nikon allowed that. However, if he received a zoom that would require total or near total disassembly, he would send it to Nikon for repair.

I salute you.

fehutch Loc: gulfport, ms

Re: Cleaning your lens.

I have found that a soft lint free towel will clean the barrel of the lens. As to the glass, I can't remember the last time I even touched the glass. I have had to use lens cleaner on the UV filter that is on the front of the lens.

Whenever I have purchased a lens, I have purchased a UV filter that goes on (and stays on) as soon as the lens comes out of the box. Cheap insurance. Cleaning the UV, CPL, or Yellow and red filters (going back to Leica film days) becomes like cleaning eye glasses. Any method works, even just replacing the filter.

As for storage, the front and rear lens caps are on whenever the lens is off camera. Also kept in its soft lens case. I suppose the air blowers work, but in a high humidity environment, have to think there will be moisture in the air. I have never owned one.

PierreD

1. Blow air to remove dust, sand, etc.;
2. Wipe with alcohol-soaked lens cleaning paper (I use Zeiss toallas limpias - cheap and they do a great job);
3. If not quite enough (but in most cases it should be), finish up the job by gingerly wiping lens with microfiber lens cloth.

This should just about do it....

Davidka

Some one a few weeks ago suggested Nixon wipes. I purchased some on eBay 200 for $10 and change. First dusted the lens with a soft brush then use the wipes. Came out very clean no smears. 👍👍

John O.

Never spray or put any liquid directly on the lens! This liquid can run along the edges of your lens and into your lens body onto the internal lenses! Only spray or pour a liquid on a microfiber cloth and then clean your lens with that cloth

haren

thanks everyone for great advice on care of lens

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

I also use a hood, cap and filer.

The filter, usually SCHNEIDER, gets the front cleaned one to six times per year depending on which lens it is.

The rear of the filter and lens front element very rarely need more than a blower and dangling an optical micro fiber towel over it.

I also use the blower now and then on the rear of the lens cap, inside the hood and around the switches.