How to Safely Clean Camera Lenses Without Damaging Coatings
You've likely heard the warnings about using certain tools to clean your camera lenses.
The common concern is that brushes, microfiber cloths, and even some cleaning solutions can "ruin" the delicate lens coatings, causing permanent damage.
But is this true?
Let's check the facts and separate the truth from the fiction when it comes to caring for your camera's optics.
The Importance of Lens Coatings
Modern camera lenses are engineered with specialized coatings that serve several important functions.
These coatings can:
Reduce reflections and glare, improving image quality
Protect the lens surface from scratches and wear
Repel water, oil, and dust for easier cleaning
This is why photographers want to preserve these coatings to maintain the performance and longevity of their lenses.
The Risks of Bad Cleaning
The primary risk with cleaning camera lenses is introducing abrasive particles that can scratch the delicate coatings.
This can happen if you use a dirty cloth or brush that has picked up grit and debris.
Essentially, you're creating a makeshift sandpaper that can slowly wear down the lens surface over time.
Additionally, using too much lens cleaning fluid can allow it to seep into the lens assembly, potentially causing internal damage.
This is why it's important to use these solutions carefully and with a clean, high-quality microfiber cloth.
Safe Lens Cleaning Techniques
Here are the recommended steps:
Start by using a manual air blower to remove any loose dust and particles from the lens surface.
Gently brush the lens with a soft-bristled brush made of camel or goat hair to dislodge any remaining debris.
Apply a small amount of lens cleaning fluid to a clean microfiber cloth and wipe the lens in a circular motion.
Avoid reusing dirty clothes, as they can redeposit grime and abrasives onto the lens.
Store your lenses properly and keep them capped when not in use to prevent dust buildup.
The key is to be gentle, use high-quality cleaning tools, and avoid introducing any abrasives that could cause long-term damage.
Protecting Pinhole Lenses from Dust
While the main focus of my post is on cleaning traditional glass lenses, it's worth it that I also addressed considerations for pinhole lenses as well.
Pinhole lenses work by allowing light to pass through an extremely small aperture directly onto the sensor/film plane without any glass lens elements in between.
Don't Add Glass in Front of Pinhole
For pinhole lenses, you should not put a piece of glass in front of or behind the pinhole aperture.
Doing so would degrade the image quality and negate the purpose of using a pinhole lens design.
Adding glass would introduce potential aberrations, reflections, and diffraction that the pinhole aims to avoid.
The pinhole needs an unobstructed path for light to reach the sensor.
Use a UV Filter for Protection
Instead, I'd recommend protecting a pinhole lens from dust using a high-quality UV filter threaded onto the front of the lens body.
A UV filter provides a protective glass barrier while still allowing unobstructed light to reach the pinhole aperture.
An excellent option is the Urth Plus+ UV filter, made with high-quality optical glass from Germany.
It features multi-coatings to minimize reflections and maintain color fidelity, housed in a durable aluminum frame designed specifically for protecting high-end lenses.
Other reputable brands to consider include Tiffen and Hoya.
When selecting a UV filter, look for ones made with high-quality optical glass and multi-coatings to avoid image degradation.
A quality UV filter serves as an affordable sacrificial layer, shielding the precious front lens element from dust, moisture, scratches, and impacts while allowing unobstructed light to reach the pinhole.
Other Dust Prevention Tips
Alternatively, you can take precautions like:
Changing lenses in clean environments
Using an air blower to clean the sensor regularly
Keeping the pinhole lens capped when not in use to minimize dust entry
But having a glass element right at the pinhole would defeat the purpose of this simple lens design.
Refreshing Text/Markings on Used Lenses
While proper cleaning is key for maintaining optical performance, the text and markings on used lenses can also become worn or faded over time, detracting from the lens' overall appearance.
There are several options available to refresh or replace these markings, giving your used glass a fresh, revitalized look.
Professional Lens Engraving Services
Companies like Optikal Care offer professional lens re-engraving services where you can send in your used lens.
And they will re-engrave the text and markings with precision tools to restore crisp, legible engravings.
DIY Repainting Technique
For repainting faded text/markings, you can try this DIY technique:
Cover markings with clear tape and trim with an exacto knife
Paint over the exposed markings and let dry
Peel off tape, then scrape off any paint that got under the tape
This requires a steady hand but can be a cost-effective solution.
However, for valuable vintage lenses, I’d recommend consulting a professional repair service before attempting any DIY methods.
DIY Lens Engraving
For those comfortable with a DIY approach, specialty lens engraving kits allow you to carefully re-engrave or etch the markings yourself:
Armour Etch Glass Etching Cream - This allows you to etch into glass and metal surfaces
Electric Cordless Engraving Pen, Etcher Engraver Tool - Comes with stencils and engraving pens for detailing
This requires a steady hand but can be a cost-effective solution.
Temporary Marking Pens
As a quick fix, there are specialized pens formulated for writing on lens barrels that can be used to re-ink faded engravings temporarily, though this is not a permanent solution.
Steelwriter Metal Marking Paint Pen - Designed for writing on metal, glass, rubber surfaces
Sharpie Oil-Based Opaque Ink Markers - The oil-based ink adheres well to lens barrels
A few tips though:
Read reviews carefully to ensure the product works well specifically for camera lenses
For DIY kits, look for ones that include stencils/guides to help with precise text
For pens, opt for ones that are smudge/water-resistant once dry
Bonus: Properly Cleaning Your Camera Sensor
The Risks of Using a Q-Tip
Do not clean your camera sensor with a regular Q-tip.
Using a Q-tip can leave behind lint and residue that can further contaminate the sensor and damage your sensor forever.
The Proper Sensor Cleaning Process
The proper way to clean a camera sensor is to use a specialized sensor cleaning kit or solution.
Use a blower to remove loose dust.
Then wipe the sensor with a clean, lint-free swab dampened with a small amount of sensor cleaning fluid.
Here are a few recommended cleaning kits:
VSGO Sensor Cleaning Kit for Full-Frame Cameras (Model VS-S02-E)
UES APC-C Camera Sensor Cleaning Kit for DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras
UES APS16 Digital DSLR Reflex and Mirrorless Camera APS-C Sensor Cleaning Kit (14 x 16mm Sensor Cleaning Swabs + 15ml Sensor Cleaner Solution)
And That’s It
As long as you take the necessary precautions, these tools can be safely used to maintain your camera's optics in great condition.
Your lenses are a significant investment.
So it's worth taking the time to care for them properly.
I hope that helps,
-Hakan.
Additional Resources
For more information on safely cleaning camera lenses, check out these recommendations:
Lens Cleanse Natural Cleaning Kit - A specialized lens cleaning kit that uses enzymes to break down grime without damaging coatings.
How to Clean a Camera Lens: Three Methods to Safely, Easily, and Effectively Clean Your Lens - A helpful video tutorial demonstrating various lens cleaning techniques.
Adorama's Guide on How to Clean Your Camera Lens - A comprehensive guide covering the dos and don'ts of lens cleaning.
How to clean your camera sensor - DPReview
How to clean the sensor on your camera - BH Photo Video
