How to Clean Your Camera Lens

Sept. 9, 2010 - PRLog -- The lens of the camera must be looked after and cleaned. It is important to clean your lens with great care, so you do not increase the dirt already on the lens. Your camera lens is very delicate. There are some rules to avoid damage to your lens when you clean it.

1. You must first remove any dust or grit that is stuck to your lens. Get a soft brush like a oil painting brush. Gently brush away any dust or grim. Do not be forceful here, as you are only trying to get rid of dust.

Not visible to the eye are small pieces of stone and grim that will cause small scratches on your lens and could ruin it. Always be gentle. If the lens get scratched you are in trouble.

2. Oils build up on your lens and brushing alone will not clean all off. A cloth needs to be used. I have found buying micro cloths they use for car detailing not to bad, however if you go to your local optometrist they normally will give you free some great soft cloths for cleaning glasses, these are ideal. Always wash the cloth between cleaning or use another one. I can not stress enough how one tiny particle of grit can damage your lens.

3. If you feel the lens has a build up of water soluble grim like sea spray or water soluble grim, I suggest buying distilled water that does not have harmful minerals in it. Always put the distilled water on the cloth not directly on your lens-less is better. Water seeping into the camera will spell disaster.

4. There will be a build up of oils that will need a stronger cleaner. At this stage you need a cleaner that is 100% alcohol base, never use turpentine or paint thinners or anything toxic, as your camera goes near your face and especially your eyes. I feel for a small cost go to your local camera store and buy a lens cleaner that is produced for the job. You want to make sure you look after your camera lens and not ruin it, you paid good money for your camera, so a few extra dollars spent on a specialized cleaner is worth it.

5. A tip I use is when I am in a windy area. Should I be on a sandy beach or when dust is in the air is to use a plastic shower hat. Reason I like those rather than a plastic bag is they have elastic to keep on your head and works so well to cover your camera in between shots, why expose that delicate lens to the element until you are ready to use your SLR camera.

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Hope those small tips help to keep your camera in great condition and keep those perfect photos bashing out of your great camera-Look after your camera as it is a big investment.

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