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[OM] Re: Lens cleaning

Subject: [OM] Re: Lens cleaning
From: hiwayman@xxxxxxx (Walt Wayman)
Date: Mon, 04 Apr 2005 12:56:04 +0000
>From the Schneider website.  I think they oughta know.

"Lens Cleaning

"A White Paper

"Keeping your lens clean is one of the most important steps you can take to 
maintain your lens? highest level of performance. Dirt, dust, or grease on the 
front or rear surface of a lens can reduce the brightness and contrast of the 
image it reproduces. Regular lens cleaning is a cheap and effective way to 
maximize screen presentation quality.

"While cleaning any lens is a simple matter, there are some guidelines that 
need 
to be followed. Improper cleaning can damage the lens surface resulting in 
permanently reduced contrast and sharpness. First, use a soft camel's hair 
brush 
or air to remove any solid particles from the lens surface. This will prevent 
scratching during subsequent cleaning steps.

"Next, you need to select a cleaning solution and tissue. Use KIMWIPES 
(emphasis 
supplied), Kodak lens tissues, or a clean soft lintless cloth (there are some 
made for the purpose). Never use Kleenex or paper towels as they can contain 
abrasives. It is always best to start with the most benign cleaning fluid and 
progress to stronger solvents if necessary. Glass cleaner, such as Windex or 
Kodak lens fluid, is a good starting point. If it is ineffective, try denatured 
alcohol. For tougher jobs move on to Trek III (trichloroethylene) or, if all 
else fails, acetone.

"Make sure that acetone is only used as a last resort because it can remove 
black 
paint . Depending on what part of the lens is being cleaned, there may be some 
black paint used. Paint is often used over the black anodize to produce a flat 
black matte finish.

"It is important to remember to apply the lens cleaner to the lens cleaning 
tissue before use. Never wipe a lens with a dry cloth! It will scratch the 
lens. 
Never pour or drip a solution directly onto a lens element! It can seep into 
the 
lens and cause a great number of problems. Always make sure to use a new tissue 
each time you wipe the element.

"Take your moist cleaning tissue and, starting at the center, wipe in a 
circular 
motion around the lens. Do this in one direction only. Do not back up. Discard 
the lens tissue frequently, usually after each wipe of the lens. You want to 
discard any dust or grit that the tissue has picked up rather than scratching 
the lens with it on your next wipe. Cleaning should be done gently and quickly. 
It should take no more than 30 seconds to clean one lens surface. If it takes 
you longer than this, you are probably working too hard and may be damaging 
your 
lens in the long run

"After the cleaning of the lens, when you are sure all grit has been removed, 
you 
may wish to lightly polish it with a soft micro pore cleaning cloth, such as 
the 
Schneider Photo Clear cloths. Polishing will remove any small streaks or smears 
left by the cleaning fluid. Again, it is wise to do this quickly and gently.

"This should be the extent of your lens cleaning activities. Do not attempt any 
further disassembly of the lens. This should only be attempted by a skilled 
technician. With this easy-to-follow process, your lens will continue to give 
you the same high quality presentation that it did the day you bought it."

Walt

--
"Anything more than 500 yards from 
the car just isn't photogenic." -- 
Edward Weston

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