Lee Bogner |
Cleaning My Camera Lens Dear BetterPhoto Q&A forum, I want to know the best way to clean my OLY D490Z lens, as a regular practice, and now in particular as I notice some specs on the lens that may be grains of sand - so I am worried about scratching the lens when I clean it. Here is the lens cleaning equipment I have now - should I use these items? 1. PecPad Non-Abrasive Wipes from PhotographicSolutions; 2. 4x6 Camera Lens wipes (from B&H)described as new, strong, wet strength filter wipes; and 3. ROR (Residue Oil Remover) Photo Formula Mist #1 by V-VAX Products Chicago. 2 & 3 were recommended by B&H sales people. PecPads I have seen used by professionals I have met while traveling. Lastly, I am surprised that my OLY manual nor the OLY web site (or any Google, Jeeves searches) addresses this important issue. Any input is greatly appreciated. Sincerely,
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Joseph |
MOST important MUST MUST use a uv or skyfilter over your lens at ALL times. Prevention is the best part of the cure. Either of these will keep out everyhing. The above methods you mention are all good. Good luck and please get a filter.
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Ernest |
The first thing that you need to do is get a blower of some kind to blow away any sand or dust on your lens or filter so that you do not have anything left on there to scratch it. Be sure to discard all cleaning tissue after use. The use of a filter is a must as it will help keep dust and moisture of the expensive lens. Do not cheat on the filter (getting a cheap one) or that will degrade you image.
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Lee Bogner |
Thanks for your input Joseph and Ernest. By way of a blower, do you recommend a compressed air blower such as those from Kensington that are sold for blowing dust and debris off computer equipment? Thanks, Lee
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John A. Lind |
Somehow I feel The Great UV Filter Debate coming on. For as many who feel as Joseph does about *always* using a UV or Skylight filter, there are at least as many who would tell you to *never* *ever*, under any circumstances, use a Skylight or UV. Me? I absolutely, positively, will not use any filter, for any reason, when shooting existing light photographs at night. The front and back filter surfaces are a source of obvious light reflections that end up in the photograph, ruining it, especially from point sources of light. Even filters with optical AR multi-coatings will do this. Use a filter if you wish to, but recognize any time you do it's a compromise to your optics, and under some conditions even the finest filters can be a source of severe problems that ruin the photograph. -- John
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Stephanie J. Seto |
Actually I'm pretty sure putting a filter over the lens of the Oly D490Z isn't an option, because it's a point-and-shoot camera with a telescoping lens, so you couldn't simply attach a normal screw-in filter. But the blower is a good idea, or a blower brush.
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Lee Bogner |
Thanks all for your kind responses! Need more info on the blower please. What is it? Where do I get one? I cannot find it in my B&H catalog. Is the blower the same as the compressed air blowers sold for PC computer cleaning of dust? Regards, Lee And yes, the filter is not an option for the Oly D490z point and shoot!
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John A. Lind |
Lee, These "blowers" are a can of compressed air with a small tube on the end to direct its "blast." They are a relatively new device, and can be found (usually) at any camera store. The object is to remove any loose crud before using anything else on the lens. The older method for this is a soft lens brush, and it's one still used by many. Carrying the compressed air can in a camera bag is too bulky for most photographers (about the size of two smaller lenses). Lens Cleaning 101: A last remark about fingerprints: -- John
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