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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
What's the best way to clean salt spray from a lens?
Allen Murabayashi, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 2:47 AM on 07.08.09 |
| ->> Sometimes when I'm shooting at the beach, i get a fine coating of salt spray on my lens. What's the best way to clean this off? |
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Andy Bronson, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Bellingham | WA | USA | Posted: 2:58 AM on 07.08.09 |
| ->> A shot of tequila and a lime?? |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 9:36 AM on 07.08.09 |
| ->> I usually walk up to the hottest chick on the beach and ask if they'll let me use their bikini top..... |
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Darren Whitley, Photographer
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Maryville | MO | USA | Posted: 10:13 AM on 07.08.09 |
| ->> That's a good one Chuck. I'd like to see that happen. I'm sure it would go well for you. |
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Jeff Snyder, Photographer
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Metro DC Region | MD | USA | Posted: 10:20 AM on 07.08.09 |
->> Allen-
For starters, a Skylight or UV Filter prior to walking out into the salt spray...And you may want to give this a try: http://www.adorama.com/CPECS.html
Jeff
Jeff Snyder - Adorama
jsnyder@adorama.com |
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Louis Lopez, Photographer
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Fontana | CA | USA | Posted: 11:00 AM on 07.08.09 |
->> Allen,
are you referring to the actual glass portion or the body of the lens or both? |
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Brian Blanco, Photographer
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Tampa / Sarasota | FL | USA | Posted: 11:07 AM on 07.08.09 |
->> When I used to work in the FL Keys and worked on and around boats and saltwater, I used to use an eyedropper (generic from Walgreens) that you can pop the top off of and refill. I put a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and distilled water in it and carried it around in my pocket. Then I'd spray it onto a lens cleaning tissue and just occasionally wipe not only the front element but also the entire camera system. Salt is a killer but the 50/50 solution helps soften/remove/kinda neutralize the chlorides which do the damage.
Then when I'd get home I'd sit down and really do a job of cleaning the entire camera again with the same solution. Just make certain that the tissue is moist and not dripping wet. |
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Kent Miller, Photographer
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New York | NY | USA | Posted: 11:21 AM on 07.08.09 |
->> I use ROR Mist http://www.ror.net/
Works great! |
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Ronal Taniwaki, Photographer
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Denver | CO | | Posted: 1:06 PM on 07.08.09 |
| ->> A 50/50 combo of methanol and acetone works well for removing residue from optical elements and when used sparingly leaves no residue. Be sure you use "technical grade" NOT the stuff you get at the drugstore. You should be able to purchase these at any chemical supply company. |
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David Harpe, Photographer
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Louisville | KY | USA | Posted: 1:21 PM on 07.08.09 |
| ->> Carefully use compressed air first to make sure you get anything gritty off the surface. Next, fog the lens with your breath to get some moisture on it, then hit it with compressed air again so that anything stubborn gets blown off. Fog it again, this time use a microfiber cloth to GENTLY wipe it clean. Avoid putting much pressure on the cloth. Once it's as clean as you can get it with this method, follow up with lens cleaner like Eclipse with some swabs to get into the edges. |
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Greg Ferguson, Photographer
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Scottsdale | Az | USA | Posted: 1:53 PM on 07.08.09 |
->> Whenever I have my gear in a place that is likely to get it really covered with foreign matter, whether it is salt-spray, rainwater, mud, dust or flying sand, I'll throw on my AquaTech cover, and make sure I have a UV or skylight filter on the lens.
A camera cover is a hassle compared to working without one, but it's SO much easier to use than having to clean out all the nooks and crannies of a body and lens.
I still have mud in some spots on my 1D from years ago after getting splashed. I've cleaned it again and again and tried getting pointy things in there, but it won't all come out. And, occasionally the dial will get crunchy as some particle works its way loose and spins around. |
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Baron Sekiya, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Keaau | HI | USA | Posted: 2:20 PM on 07.08.09 |
->> Photographer Dean Sensui just answered this to me the other day. He shoots a fishing show so he's always getting hit with salt spray. http://www.hawaiigoesfishing.com/
Dean Sensui at 8:45pm July 3
For me that's standard equipment, kept right in my shirt pocket. Paradise Eyewear has these blue microfiber cloths and a cleaning fluid that does an amazingly nice job on lenses that are messed up with salt spray. Beats the disposable tissues. A lot more "green", too. When I get back they get tossed right into the laundry.
I assume you can get this at your local sunglass store. |
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Robert Beck, Photographer
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Carlsbad | CA | USA | Posted: 2:55 PM on 07.08.09 |
| ->> Microfiber or a tee shirt.Just make sure there is no sand or grit in/on it. The coating on those lenses is pretty tough. |
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