How to Clean a Camera Lens: Three Methods to Safely, Easily, and Quickly Clean Dust, Dirt, & Smudges

[@milanmedek3555]

Usually, I don't have any cleaning stuff with me or time to clean it properly when shooting outside, so I prefer the 4th method. Just my shirt : )

[@DavidHancock]

Ah! I forgot that method. 😀

[@jonakibd]

Thank you

[@Sea_Tales]

Thank you!

[@chrissnyder4439]

Honestly have always used the same lens cloths I use for my glasses. The glass on the lens is much more durable than my polycarbonate glasses, and if it's safe on them, it's good enough for my lens; 10 years without a problem. My favorite are the MagicFiber cloths from Digital Goja

[@DavidHancock]

That's a good point. For me the issue isn't the fabric but the concern that dirt in it could be a later problem. But yes, I keep one of those in my sunglasses case to protect the (poly) lenses from the case lining, and have for years, with no issues like the glasses lenses being scratched.

[@nareyubr]

Please make a video shooting and reviewing some Vision3 250D

[@sbarronmd]

also ultrafine finesse.

[@DavidHancock]

As a cross-processed black and white film, that's the August All About Film video.

[@DavidHancock]

@@sbarronmd I started shooting that this year but I don't have an ETA yet. So far I haven't had a single roll turn out well.

[@sbarronmd]

@@DavidHancock well, there is a spoiler. apparently not the ultrafine extreme replacement i was hoping for

[@DavidHancock]

@@sbarronmd It is not. I liked Extreme a lot. Finesse I have not yet learned to use well.

[@buyaport]

I would recommend putting a drop of fluid onto a cotton swab, and using this to gently clean the lens in small circular motions. Then use one or two dry ones to wipe off any residue of the fluid (and dirt that is solved by the fluid). I have done this for years,.But unless you use your lens in a harsh environment, like on a windy seaside, I wouldn't clean the lens too often.

[@DavidHancock]

I had always thought of cotton swabs as too rough for coatings.

[@buyaport]

@@DavidHancock Hmm... I guess that the cellulose of cotton fibres is softer than the keratin of a horse hair brush (and also than the plastic of a microfibre cloth). But as you rightly mentioned in your video, it all depends on using such tools lightly, like "caressing" the lens -- one definitely should not try to "scrub" the dirt away.

[@NeverTalkToCops1]

@@buyaport Yes, a cotton swab may lift particles and there is no damage done by "spritzing". Also, cotton swabs are use once. Brushes are used more than once, so they ACCUMULATE gunk and spread it around the lens.

[@DavidHancock]

@@NeverTalkToCops1 Brushes can be cleaned.

[@hanindyo]

I got my lens filter cracked, and it leaves some glass dust on the lens, do you have any tips to remove this glass? is it safe to use compressed air / air brush?

[@DavidHancock]

Start with a blower and brush over a trash can once it's as clean as possible then clean with lens fluid and tissues working from the center of the front element outward.

[@luillierstephane1463]

Compressed air (using an airbrush is the best) works great, but only if having a filtering/oil suppressing unit mounted on the air output. NEVER...NEVER use compressed air for cleaning lenses or any sensitive optical device without such filtering unit mounted as the last component before the air hose input. Moreover, if you previously used the hose WITHOUT the filtering unit, DO NOT, DO NOT use it afterward for lens cleaning, you'll be better to buy another length of hose.

[@greatpennylane]

I found a shop on eBay that sells brushes very similar to yours except they are camel hair. Would that be acceptable? He has vintage unused stock of the lipstick brushes!

[@DavidHancock]

Camel hair is great. I'd be happy using those.

[@Reallskovar]

Hi so I followed your steps I have an issue with a smudge not going away. It almost seems like it’s oil based. Any tips?

[@sarmatiko]

You can try lenspen. Or makeshift soot+cotton\qtip method. Lenspen, in a nutshell, is basically a sponge filled with fine carbon powder. Carbon molecule has ability to absorb oils that's why it's great for cleaning fingerprints and oil smudges. The only problem with lenspen - it deteriorates relatively quickly.

[@DavidHancock]

@@sarmatiko I concur. This would be a use for which I'd suggest a lens pen. Oil might also respond to rubbing alcohol,

[@Reallskovar]

Thank you for replying! I will try them both.

[@WaschyNumber1]

Hello Do anyone know Wher to get the refill powder for the lenspen not the tips or pads that are available but only the cheaper invisible version of the powder that's in the newest original lenspens, I think it's a wast to buy anytime a new lenspen instead to buy refill powders lije it's for laser printers with toners paint ? 🤔

[@DavidHancock]

I do not and also don't recommend harvesting toner powder as that stuff is very hard on the lungs.

[@WaschyNumber1]

@@DavidHancock I know that with the toner and it was only a comparison to the refill part.

[@robertyoung1777]

Dirt/dust on the inside lens element is more problematic than on the outside element.

[@DavidHancock]

True, in some cases and related to how light sources enter the lens. Most people don't have the specialist tools -- spanner wrench, rubber cups, and extended suction cups -- to disassemble and clean a lens, however.

[@2o4II112II26o2]

yes it's much more important to have a clean rear lens element, i.e. the last bit of glass before the sensor.

[@sarmatiko]

Oldschool method with soot and cotton ball (hold the spoon over burning candle, then apply this soot to cotton ball or qtip) works pretty well for my old soviet lenses. You can prepare those soot-balls beforehand and place them into ziplock bag, works better than shirt ;)

[@DavidHancock]

I have never heard of that. I'll look it up. Thank you!

[@NeverTalkToCops1]

Oh, please. Tell us how you clean sensors with diesel particulate. Please.

[@Twobarpsi]

Great well explained video!

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@Dillon_music-u2l]

what should I spray? water?

[@DavidHancock]

Definitely not. Use lens cleaner.