How should I clean my camcorder lens? at DVinfo.net

Doug Fearman · October 21st, 2004, 03:51 PM

Hi everyone,
This may seem like a no brainer to most of you but:
What product(s) and materials should I use to clean the lense on my cam corder?
Doug

Michael Bernstein · October 21st, 2004, 05:22 PM

See this thread on cleaning your lenses for the experience of others.

For my experience:

Don't buy the $5 Vidpro lens cleaning kit. At the least I can attest that the solution leaves smears on the lens. Smears that aren't visible unless you shine a flashlight across the lens--or unless the lens sees any kind of strong light. And the so-called lint-free wipes left lint everywhere. The blower brush seems OK, but you could buy one separately.

Yesterday at B&H I bought some Eclipse Optic Cleaning System (very pure methanol) and some Pec*Pads (both by Photographic Solutions). It took a couple of passes, but smears went down to practically zero, and the Pec*Pads are indeed lintless as promised. It's not cheap, but at $7 for 2 oz of solution and $7 for 100 additional Pec*Pads, I'll live.

Especially since I'm cleaning the optics of a $2500 camera.

Michael

PS: And you can always use your Pec*Pad to white balance your camera!

Doug Fearman · October 21st, 2004, 05:47 PM

Thank you Michael. I'll order the cleaning system from BH tomorrow.
Doug

October 21st, 2004, 03:51 PM	#1
Doug Fearman Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: upstate new york Posts: 97	How should I clean my camcorder lense? Hi everyone, This may seem like a no brainer to most of you but: What product(s) and materials should I use to clean the lense on my cam corder? Doug __________________ Would someone turn on the lights!?

October 21st, 2004, 05:22 PM	#2
Michael Bernstein Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 114	See this thread on cleaning your lenses for the experience of others. For my experience: Don't buy the $5 Vidpro lens cleaning kit. At the least I can attest that the solution leaves smears on the lens. Smears that aren't visible unless you shine a flashlight across the lens--or unless the lens sees any kind of strong light. And the so-called lint-free wipes left lint everywhere. The blower brush seems OK, but you could buy one separately. Yesterday at B&H I bought some Eclipse Optic Cleaning System (very pure methanol) and some PecPads (both by Photographic Solutions). It took a couple of passes, but smears went down to practically zero, and the PecPads are indeed lintless as promised. It's not cheap, but at $7 for 2 oz of solution and $7 for 100 additional PecPads, I'll live. Especially since I'm cleaning the optics of a $2500 camera. Michael PS: And you can always use your PecPad to white balance your camera! __________________ Michael Bernstein, actor & film maker. 10 films in 10 weeks: www.amplecatnap.com

October 21st, 2004, 05:47 PM	#3
Doug Fearman Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: upstate new york Posts: 97	Thank you Michael. I'll order the cleaning system from BH tomorrow. Doug __________________ Would someone turn on the lights!?