Micro fiber cloth and cleaning fluid or LensPen LENSPEN is The superior Camera lens cleaning system for all fine optics, rifle scopes, camcorder and camera viewer screens, binoculars (http://www.lenspen.com/?cPath=&products_id=LP-1&tpid=146) best for cleaning SONY EX1R lens?

Thanks
K

I've been using Lenspen for ages to clean my stills camera lenses and it's great, much much better than microfibre cloth.

As the EX1 has a flat front element, you may consider using Lenspens Filterklear instead of the standard Lenspen.

A couple thoughts on lens cleaning.

I always have a UV or similar filter on all my lenses, just to protect it. I have to replace them every 3-5 years as something usually happens in that time to scratch or chip the filter. Much better than sending lens in for front element replacement.

When cleaning the filter or lens I first use an air blower. Those "rocket" squeeze bulbs work great. If that does not work I use a lens pen, first with the brush, if that does not work then the round scrubber on the other end.

If I get oil or saltwater or something similar nasty on my filter I use a micro cloth with a little water or lens cleaning fluid, in a pinch I use soap or dishwasher liquid and a paper towel, but I think micro fiber is much better.

I also always try to shade my lens so that the sun or bright lights never hits the front element/lens. This really makes dirt show up. I use the built in shade, french flag or mattebox to do this, sometimes my hand or someone holding something, when in a rush. When using mattebox with filter it is usually in a very controlled environment so I then remove the UV filter. I also remove it if I use any other threaded filters, like polarizer or ND etc.

I have used these methods on still cameras and video/film cameras since the 60's (microfiber is a recent development and a very good one), as long as I have been shooting. And I have not had to replace the front element of a lens yet.

Also bear in mind that dirt show up the most when a wide lens is used and the focus is close to the camera and the aperture is closed. I always try to use a large aperture for this reason. The EX3/1 lens also performs best with aperture below 5.6.

Just a few thoughts and I am not saying everyone should use these methods, just that this is how I work. I know a lot of photographers don't like to put any extra filters in front of a great lens, and they have a good point.

Thanks for both replies - that's just the kind of info I needed, appreciate it much - thanks.