BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Answers

Matthew Cannedy

Does cigarette smoke damage lenses?

I'm curious if anyone has any information on whether cigarette smoke can get inside SLR lenses and make them cloudy causing damage. I'm beginning to accumulate a large collection of expensive lenses that I would like to keep for a long time. However, I live in a place where my roommates smoke heavily. Two to three packs a day inside the house, with no ventilation becuase the air conditioning is on. I've seen what smoke can do to things such as mirrors, TVs, white paint, etc... It leaves a cloudy yellow residue. I'm worried that the same residue will accumulate in my lenses. Putting the lenses in a plastic bag may reduce the exposure to smoke, but may increase the liklihood of fungus growth. Does anyone have experience in this area? Known cases of lens damage or clouding? Ways of storing lenses with adequate ventilation without subjection to smoke? Obviously, the best solution for the health of my lenses and myself is to move into a non-smoking environment, which is in the works.... Any help or experience on this matter would be appreciated. Thanks. -MC

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July 04, 2006

- Gregory LaGrange

BetterPhoto Member

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Greater threat to the outside obviously, but it probably could over time. Dust can get inside thru the lens barrel going in and out, but that's a loose particle, not a sticky thing like the tar in smoke. So I'm speculating that after it attaches to the outside, especially with glass' affinity for a static charge, it's more likely to coat the outside and stay there more than loose dust or humidity.
You can keep it in a lens case, or with a plastic bag, always keep a supply of silica gel packs and routinely replace them.

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July 04, 2006

Ariel Lepor

Cigarette smoke damages many things. I'm more worried for the lenses in your eyes and for your interior (lungs). Second hand smoke, especially when you live in small, unvented rooms with two heavy smokers, is very dangerous. Better to live outside in a tent than in there.

As far as your camera goes, the smoke will stick to it and it's lenses, too, causing them to smell, and after time, duller images. Is your room very moist, and is there history of fungus growth in there? If not, I wouldn't worry about plastic bags.

Remember, you need to keep yourself longer than your cameras! Cameras and lenses are replaceable, you're not.

Ariel
ScrattyPhotography

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July 04, 2006

anonymous

Matt

By the sounds of it, you won't have to put up with it long, if your room mate is smoking that much - he'll kill himself shortly! Then you'll have a nice smoke free room.

Also, I would be careful, if you are around that much smoke all the time, you are at risk just as much as he is - your life is definiately more valuable than a lens!

My advice - move out for the sake of your lungs and lenses!

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July 04, 2006

Ariel Lepor

YES, YES, YES! Natalie is right on!

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July 04, 2006

Ariel Lepor

Instead of writing 1000 more words, enlarge this image.

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July 04, 2006

Jagadeesh Andrew Owens

Come off it, Ariel!! Move on!! LOL!Even the smokers here (including myself) know it's not good for you!!!
Matthew - Gregory's advice about the plastic bags and dessicants is spot on!