Finger oil and lens coatings

[ericyoung]

...I use Kimwipes to clean each element and most importantly, I NEVER use a kimwipe more than once. After it has touched the element, it goes in the trash... PERIOD...

Kimberley Clarke make lots of different wipe products (some which are quite abrasive!) so if you can specify the product number or name would be great.

 

[Steve Sherrick]

I've thought about making a short video that would detail how to properly clean an element. Would anyone be interested in such content?
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

Yes, PLEASE! That would be great. Can you also explain what to look out for with certain multicoated filters. I had a nice B+W ND filter that I attempted to clean very carefully, using a similar technique to the one you described, but as soon as I started to apply Panchro moistened lens tissue to the filter I got weird smudges and it even looks like some of the coating may have come off. And this was with a very light touch, starting from the center and working my way out to the edges. I only clean lenses and filters when they really need it, as I find it's a fine art. I suppose if you are cleaning dozens of lenses every day you probably get the hang of it eventually.

 

[Matthew Duclos]

I think if you included a lens primer as well this could do pretty well.

Not sure I follow... What do you mean?

This is the exact same product that I have on my bench at all times.

 

[Stephen Lovett]

Lens Primer

Lens Primer

Hi Matthew,

By lens primer I mean some of the information you've shared in the past and general guidance in addition to lens cleaning.

In particular I'm thinking of a conversation we had at NAB where you explained the difference in manufacturing tolerances of Cine glass vs still lenses. The floating elements, the breathing and lack of consistent focus through the zoom range on the still lenses while in motion etc.

Also addressing some of the other common question regarding the advisability of UV filters (protection vs. image degradation), the various mounts available, the formulas for figuring out field of view for various focal length lenses for particular sensor sizes.

I imagine that an overview of field test procedures for setting back focus, what to look for when buying a lens, and other topics that would be of general interest.

Kind of like what Vast does for the prosumer level cameras, but on the care and feeding of lenses.

Make sense?

Steve

 

[Matthew Duclos]

So basically... A digital video version of my brain. Yeah?
I might be able to do that.

 

[Birns and Sawyer]

Yes, Kimwipes are great. Their also pretty cost effective, since you get 280 in the box.

 

[Nick Gardner]

So basically... A digital video version of my brain. Yeah?

I'll come shoot it in exchange for some lens service ;-)

Nick

 

[Matthew Duclos]

280 per box... hmm.
6 days a week @ 3 boxes per week...
3x52=156
156x280=43,680..

So I estimate I use an average of about 43,680 kimwipes per year.
So approximately 349,440 wipes since I started doing this stuff.
I suppose after 349,440 wipes, you get the hang of it.

 

[Harry Lipnick]

I've thought about making a short video that would detail how to properly clean an element. Would anyone be interested in such content?

Very much so.

So basically... A digital video version of my brain. Yeah?
I might be able to do that.

Yeah. That'd basically be cool.

I'd been tempted to try Sontara wipes as they have done a terrific job on my aircraft windows which are VERY prone to scratching, but never worked up the nerve. Plus they are pretty expensive.

Stephen, what kind of plane do you fly? I just got my PPL about a year ago. Friend of mine flys a Piper Saratoga, and swears by Lemon Pledge and a rag for his windshield. I traded him a little elbow grease for a flight (although that never happened...fouled plugs.) Okay, that was off topic. Sorry.
Peace,

-Harry

 

[DS Williams]

Alot of great info pouring in to this little thread I started! Thank you everyone.



I ended up quitting the microfiber cloth rubbing.... I realized I was just smearing hand oil over the lens.


But I did purchase a lenspen, and WOW, it worked PERFECTLY. I mean my lens is spotless. No oil, marks, anything. And it was a pretty nasty fingerprint.

I've talked to union professional ACs who use lens pens on expensive cine glass, so I don't see why there are complains on here about them.

Is there something I don't know?

I mean obviously, any time when you're rubbing something on or across your lens you better be damn sure there is no particles or dust or debris on the element...that's a given. But if you've air-blasted all the dust off, I don't see the problem with using a lens pen...

(I agree that micro fiber cloths, because they come into contact with your hand, can eventually just spread oils around and do absolutely nothing)

 

[Stephen Williams]

Alot of great info pouring in to this little thread I started! Thank you everyone.



I ended up quitting the microfiber cloth rubbing.... I realized I was just smearing hand oil over the lens.


But I did purchase a lenspen, and WOW, it worked PERFECTLY. I mean my lens is spotless. No oil, marks, anything. And it was a pretty nasty fingerprint.

I've talked to union professional ACs who use lens pens on expensive cine glass, so I don't see why there are complains on here about them.

Is there something I don't know?

I mean obviously, any time when you're rubbing something on or across your lens you better be damn sure there is no particles or dust or debris on the element...that's a given. But if you've air-blasted all the dust off, I don't see the problem with using a lens pen...

(I agree that micro fiber cloths, because they come into contact with your hand, can eventually just spread oils around and do absolutely nothing)

Not the first time you have ignored good advice, probably not the last!

 

[Nuno Ribeiro]

field solution

field solution

i use rolling paper, Smoking Black, very good combination with breath.

 

[DS Williams]

A bit unneccessary Stephen. :sifone:

Anyways, thanks all for your useful info! Lens pen worked best for me but I also purchased some Panchro

 

[Shawn Booth]

I've talked to union professional ACs who use lens pens on expensive cine glass, so I don't see why there are complains on here about them.

Funny, I bought one when I first started... it has never been used and I don't know where it went... I don't know anyone who uses or would use these.

I do know I would never bust it out on LOST (or any other show). Tissue (Kimwipes) and Pancro only. After a puffer/air blast...

some other thoughts:
http://www.cinematography.com/index.php?showtopic=20044&hl=lens+pen

 

[ericyoung]

Now this is why I'd rather go with advice from either Matt or Jorge, or manufacturer service engineers or other seasoned lens specialists who have had to fix or service lenses after dodgy lens handling every working day for years.

Everyone else has their pet cleaning techniques who swear by their own method and tend to dismiss others.

I personally think most methods so far mentioned will work fine some of the time with some lens coatings in certain circumstances.

I'm interested in a hierarchy of best practice that covers the range from in the field in adverse conditions to semi-clean room. Eg. If you're shooting in a dusty environment, you're not likely to want to bust out Pancro and Kimwipes on set - maybe only risk a blower, or soft brush then?

 

[david farland]

Matt,
I thought Acetone (nail polish remover) was quite a bit more stronger than some of the alcohols, i.e methanol, iso-propyl, so I tended to use iso-propyl. Is this correct?
Maybe I'm giving acetone a bad rap as it seems to dissolve certain plastics. Still, I'm only worried about the coating or black around lens, but after years of experience I'm sure you know. I suspect % concentration may have an influence.
The other thing is brand of cleaning fluid. I find Eclipse fluids seem purer and leave far less residue than say any Visible Dust product or general methanol, iso-propyl products I have.
D

 

[Shawn Booth]

I'm interested in a hierarchy of best practice that covers the range from in the field in adverse conditions to semi-clean room. Eg. If you're shooting in a dusty environment, you're not likely to want to bust out Pancro and Kimwipes on set - maybe only risk a blower, or soft brush then?

In a harsh environment like the one you described, I'd recommend using a dust cover and an optical flat in the m.box...

Also, a pop up tent with sides can be set up for lens changes/cleaning etc.

 

[jonnycom]

I never thought about using a film tent for lens change in a harsh environment .... good idea Shawn

 

[DS Williams]

To clarify..I know many of you have advised against using lenspens.

I only used mine because there was no notiveable grit or grime or small particles on the lens. And I carefully blew any dust off I could see. The lenspen simply worked to remove the finger oil. Which my microfiber didnt do

 

[david farland]

I'd be more concerned about 'diamond polishing' with dust/grit on the lens pens.
Also my lens pens (still in packaging) doesn't have a cap on the brush end, only on the cleaning tip end.
D