Cleaning XL-2 Lens at DVinfo.net

Jason Hilton · May 31st, 2005, 09:47 PM

Like a total idiot, I reached into the lens for a lens cap that wasn't there, and got a couple of huge finger prints on the lens! I useds some glasses cleaning clothes, which didn't work, and ended up leaving streaks everywhere instead. Could anyone reccomend a good option for cleaning the XL-2 lens?

Thanks

-Jason

Pete Bauer · May 31st, 2005, 09:59 PM

Hi Jason,

Use compressed air first to make sure no traces of grit are on the lens. Then you can carefully use standard lens cleaning solution and paper. I also find that the LensPen works great; you can find a LensPen at most any photo/video supply store for under $10, marketed under a variety of names including Nikon and Celestron. Just make sure to get the one for camera lenses, and not the one for eyeglasses.

And if you don't already have a UV filter on your lens to protect the glass, go get one right away and thread it in place as soon as your lens is clean!

Jason Hilton · June 4th, 2005, 03:05 PM

Thanks for the help! Especially the tip about the compressed air. Hadn't thought of that. I bought some Zeis premoistening cleaning clothes, which worked very well. I ordered a UV filter from B&H that should be here monday!

Thanks a lot!

-jason

Meryem Ersoz · June 5th, 2005, 10:41 AM

i love those zeiss cloths because i shoot outdoors, and they are super-portable, compared to air or even liquid cleaners and tissues. the past few weeks there has been huge pollen in the air in this area (and on my lens), and the zeiss cloths are perfect for frequent cleanings. so far, they seem like the best portable option.

does anyone know any downside to them? just curious.

Jason Hilton · June 5th, 2005, 01:50 PM

I noticed it takes some work to get rid of the residue. I bought some dry lens paper and I wipe the damp part of the lens before it evaporates.

-jason

Jim Sofranko · June 6th, 2005, 08:29 PM

Has anyone successfully cleaned these cloths in the wash or anything??

Jason Hilton · June 6th, 2005, 09:54 PM

The type we're referring to are disposable.

-Jason

Per Johan Naesje · June 7th, 2005, 02:02 AM

Jason,
personally I use a lenspen like this:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=*&shs=lenspen

Do some circular movements with the brush, removes even fingerprints!

- Per Johan

May 31st, 2005, 09:47 PM	#1
Jason Hilton Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: United States Posts: 26	Cleaning XL-2 Lens Like a total idiot, I reached into the lens for a lens cap that wasn't there, and got a couple of huge finger prints on the lens! I useds some glasses cleaning clothes, which didn't work, and ended up leaving streaks everywhere instead. Could anyone reccomend a good option for cleaning the XL-2 lens? Thanks -Jason __________________ http://www.tumblemonster.com

May 31st, 2005, 09:59 PM	#2
Pete Bauer Wrangler Join Date: May 2003 Location: Eagle River, AK Posts: 4,100	Hi Jason, Use compressed air first to make sure no traces of grit are on the lens. Then you can carefully use standard lens cleaning solution and paper. I also find that the LensPen works great; you can find a LensPen at most any photo/video supply store for under $10, marketed under a variety of names including Nikon and Celestron. Just make sure to get the one for camera lenses, and not the one for eyeglasses. And if you don't already have a UV filter on your lens to protect the glass, go get one right away and thread it in place as soon as your lens is clean! __________________ Pete Bauer The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. Albert Einstein Trying to solve a DV mystery? You may find the answer behind the SEARCH function ... or be able to join a discussion already in progress!

June 4th, 2005, 03:05 PM	#3
Jason Hilton Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: United States Posts: 26	Thanks for the help! Especially the tip about the compressed air. Hadn't thought of that. I bought some Zeis premoistening cleaning clothes, which worked very well. I ordered a UV filter from B&H that should be here monday! Thanks a lot! -jason __________________ http://www.tumblemonster.com

June 5th, 2005, 01:50 PM	#5
Jason Hilton Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: United States Posts: 26	I noticed it takes some work to get rid of the residue. I bought some dry lens paper and I wipe the damp part of the lens before it evaporates. -jason __________________ http://www.tumblemonster.com

June 6th, 2005, 09:54 PM	#7
Jason Hilton Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: United States Posts: 26	The type we're referring to are disposable. -Jason __________________ http://www.tumblemonster.com

June 5th, 2005, 10:41 AM	#4
Meryem Ersoz Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 3,015	i love those zeiss cloths because i shoot outdoors, and they are super-portable, compared to air or even liquid cleaners and tissues. the past few weeks there has been huge pollen in the air in this area (and on my lens), and the zeiss cloths are perfect for frequent cleanings. so far, they seem like the best portable option. does anyone know any downside to them? just curious.

June 6th, 2005, 08:29 PM	#6
Jim Sofranko Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: West Shokan, NY Posts: 217	Has anyone successfully cleaned these cloths in the wash or anything??

June 7th, 2005, 02:02 AM	#8
Per Johan Naesje Trustee Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Akershus, Norway Posts: 1,413	Lensepen Jason, personally I use a lenspen like this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...=*&shs=lenspen Do some circular movements with the brush, removes even fingerprints! - Per Johan