Apologies if Proper Lens Cleaning has been Discussed Previously

[BobsFirstLeica]

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Hello,

On holiday in Europe last week there was some precipitation.  Even the best of camera care technique while shooting can lead to spots on a lens.  Very rarely do I ever get anything on any lens I own save the occasional dust which an air blower works well.

So the question:  What is the safest liquid to use with a thin microfibre cloth to safely clean small water spots or other material from the front of that wonderful Summilux lens?  Also please let me know if any of you have used anything that you regretted.  Yes, I could go to a Leica Store and ask them do it but my closest is 40 miles away.  However, if I need to and have them assume the liability, I will do so.

Thanks,

Bob

[bobtodrick]

Any of the good cleaners will do the trick...I myself  use the Zeiss fluid.

The one thing is to not put the fluid directly on the lens as it could seep into the edges and affect the cement the elements are glued with...at least that's what they tell us all the time.

Put a few drops on your cleaning cloth and then use that to GENTLY clean the lens...very GENTLY as if there is any grit you don't want to be pressing hard.

Everyone has to at one time or another clean a lens...you may as well get used to doing it...as the saying goes it ain't rocket science 😄

Edited May 15, 2023 by bobtodrick

[Anbaric]

Not rocket science, but I do use a Giottos Rocket blower to get any dust and grit off first (the genuine one, not one of the knockoffs from ebay). Then I use a disposable Zeiss lens wipe, gently, which comes pre-moistened in a sachet (the regular kind, not the version sold as 'alcohol free'). You can get boxes of 200 on Amazon etc.

Edited May 15, 2023 by Anbaric

[LocalHero1953]

Doesn’t anyone wear a tie these days? The old methods are the best.

[bobtodrick]

20 minutes ago, LocalHero1953 said:

Doesn’t anyone wear a tie these days? The old methods are the best.

The old methods rock 😂

Never bought a soft focus filter in the past (like 40 years ago)…a little nose sweat applied to a UV filter worked great 😀

[Siriusone59]

A few drops of diluted isopropyl alcohol on a kimwipe works wonders on oily residue like fingerprints.

[BobsFirstLeica]

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13 minutes ago, Siriusone59 said:

A few drops of diluted isopropyl alcohol on a kimwipe works wonders on oily residue like fingerprints.

I've used diluted Isopropyl many years ago on a coated lens and the coating dissolved.  After that experience I am a little reticent.  But, ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Bob

[Siriusone59]

12 hours ago, BobsFirstLeica said:

I've used diluted Isopropyl many years ago on a coated lens and the coating dissolved.  After that experience I am a little reticent.  But, ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Bob

I suppose I should elaborate a bit more on my statement.  I rarely ever clean the actual lens with that method, but I have used it on the newly acquired that came with someones fingerprint.  It does require a very gentle touch and a bit of patience.  After that a clear filter protects the lens and I'm not quite as concerned about cleaning the filter, any old tie will do.😉

[Ko.Fe.]

Buy clear filter. And use original hood. No reason to have front element exposed.

With filter you could just use clean  microfiber.

[wizard]

Dusting off the lens surface before attempting to clean it is always recommended to get rid of any hard particles. For the cleaning process, I always use a clean old cotton cloth (with old meaning the cotton has been laundered lots of times) and a small glass of water. Dissolve one drop of dishwashing detergent in the water, stir the water, and then dip an edge of the cotton cloth into the water to moisten part of the cotton cloth. Gently wipe away any stains on the lens surface with that moistened portion, using a rotating motion starting from the center of the lens surface towards the edges thereof. If necessary, repeat with another portion of the cotton cloth. Then use a dry portion of that cloth to take up remaining moisture from the lens surface, again from the center to the edges, and you should be just fine. A microfiber cloth works well, too, but I have made better experience with that old cotton stuff. Make sure no softener was used when laundering the cotton cloth.

[BobsFirstLeica]

Well, I took the Q2 for a ride to my favorite Leica Store and watched the owner's method of getting grease and marks off the lens.  He blew off any dust, took some ROR on his finger initially and lightly rubbed the front element.  Then lightly cleaned with a disposable tissue.  The tissue he used was a Kimtech wipe, something I had not heard of.  He said he does not like microfiber towels because at times it can make micro scratches.  Couldn't argue with the result, though.  Beautiful result.

There was an added bonus to the trip.  Decided to put my name on the list for a Q3.  Don't know if I'd ultimately spring for it but at least I'm in the queue if the reports are glowing and people can't live without it.  Don't get me wrong.  I really like the Q2 and it was a great companion during my trip.  Just keeping my options open.  😁

Bob

 

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[LocalHero1953]

I have a pack of Kodak disposable tissue wipes from years back which I use with fluid if necessary. I don't use filters for protection, but, with a hood, I rarely get a finger print on the lens. I don't trust a reusable microfibre cloth either - too easy to pick up a small piece of grit.

[GethinOgwen]

We use Pancro Lens Fluid and either Kimtech Wipes, or Rosco Lens Tissue Booklet in the film industry. The booklets are great to have in your bag out in the field as it's got 100 disposable sheets.

Start with a rocket blower to get rid of grit/dust etc. Then if needed spray a sheet of rosco tissue with the fluid, wipe from centre to outside in a straight motion rather than circular if you can (if there's small grit you don't want to move it in a circular motion around the entire lens). Then finish with a second dry tissue to get rid of any remaining fluid residue. Best not be obsessively cleaning the front element though, only use air unless you really need to clean with fluid as it can deteriorate the coating over a long time (apparently).

[jaapv]

The tail of my T-shirt - even better cleaning if it is a bit sweaty.

Seriously, on occasion I have when nothing else was around. A lens coating is pretty resilient today and you won't see any difference (except occasionally flare) if a front element has some dirt or spots on it.

In normal circumstances: a few drops of Sensor Cleaning Fluid on a clean tissue.