Proper lens cleaning technique

Rob · Jan 30, 2006

Jen said:
I know that it has been said that there is no such thing as a dumb question, but I am pretty sure I have heard lots of them in my life. With that said, I am going to ask one. Compressed air - this is the same can of air I use to clean my computer keyboard? I am always so afraid of messing up when I clean my camera or lens that most of the time I just don't bother. My photographs are starting to look like Markc's though...

The trouble with compressed air is that it isn't just compressed air. They are normally pressurised CO2 or another gas. When they're compressed, a good proportion of them will be liquid, some of that propellant and some just gunk. Some of that liquid can come off and evaporate on the target surface, leaving a nasty, sometimes abrasive stain. This is especially true of things like CCD sensors, as you can't just wash them in distilled water afterwards!

Air blowers like little puffers are better as they only blow air and don't risk getting nasty liquids on the surface. However, I find that most dirt is too stubborn for them.

There isn't much in this world (that you're likely to get on a camera lens) that can't be removed with distilled water and a t-shirt!

Rob

Rob · Jan 30, 2006

Also, it's really important to keep your camera bag clean. Cameras should be in one of two places - in your hand/tripod, or covered in your bag/storage. I recommend turning your bag inside out and wiping with a damp cloth then leaving it on the radiator overnight. If you're fastidious like me, just stick it in the dry cleaners for £2.50!

Rob

Jen · Jan 30, 2006

Rob said:
The trouble with compressed air is that it isn't just compressed air. They are normally pressurised CO2 or another gas. When they're compressed, a good proportion of them will be liquid, some of that propellant and some just gunk.
Rob

That's what I thought...

Jen · Jan 30, 2006

Wow... such disipline! Not loosing lenscaps, putting cameras away when not in use, I am not sure I can keep up with this group! Next your gonna say you keep your offices clean!

duelinthedeep · Jan 30, 2006

lol...i thought everyone cleaned their camera bag?!?.....i also thought
cameras went into the camera bag when not in use?!?

hmm.....maybe i'm just picky.

zedin · Jan 30, 2006

There are actually some differences in canned air. The ones you get at the computer store have a different chemical propellent then the ones you find at the photo stores. I like my small can since it can often blow stuff off that is being stubborn with a blower.

duelinthedeep · Jan 30, 2006

i tried the ol' t-shirt trick today and its working juuuuuuust fine:thumbup:

PachelbelsCanon350D · Jan 30, 2006

duelinthedeep said:
lol...i thought everyone cleaned their camera bag?!?.....i also thought
cameras went into the camera bag when not in use?!?

hmm.....maybe i'm just picky.

Mine's brand new so it hasn't needed cleaning yet, but considering I always clean out my purse and backpack I'm sure the habit will transcend into camera bags for me too.

It's also VERY easy to just slip the camera back into the bag when not in use, so why not do it....it is simple 2-second insurance against something awful happening. I can just see one of those slow-motion nightmares where the dog or the toddler comes in and sees a dangling camera strap hanging off the edge of your desk and gets curious and.....oh my. That's reason enough to keep the camera put away. :lol:

Fate · Jan 30, 2006

lol i had this compressed air thing for my computer (cleaning the keyboard) im so glad that i didnt use it on my lens... its like a freaking water pistol.... i think there must be some condensing or something going on inside it........ basically, it sucks!

Hertz van Rental · Jan 30, 2006

Proper photo compressed air is OK - just make sure you hold the can upright and don't shake it when you use it.
It is also a good idea to give the first spray away from the camera to clear anything out of the nozzle.

Hertz van Rental · Jan 30, 2006

duelinthedeep said:
no matter what it is, Hertz has been there done that.

Experience is one of the few consolations about getting old.

ChopstickHero · Jan 30, 2006

compressed air... at a good distance and at a steep angle to blow away all that bad dust. for the body sensor, use those little puffers.

Jen · Jan 30, 2006

confession... one of my camera's is sitting on my kitchen counter, one is burried under papers on my desk, one is put away in a drawer and one is actually in a camera bag! guess i should work on this...

duelinthedeep · Jan 30, 2006

PachelbelsCanon350D said:
Mine's brand new so it hasn't needed cleaning yet, but considering I always clean out my purse and backpack I'm sure the habit will transcend into camera bags for me too. It's also VERY easy to just slip the camera back into the bag when not in use, so why not do it....it is simple 2-second insurance against something awful happening. I can just see one of those slow-motion nightmares where the dog or the toddler comes in and sees a dangling camera strap hanging off the edge of your desk and gets curious and.....oh my. That's reason enough to keep the camera put away.

oh lord!....my sisters' kids are always home and they always find a way to get to or around my camera :madass: