With all the experience on this list, has anyone come across an acceptable method to clean the engraved lettering on lens barrels when it gets grimy?

My wife suggested just putting them in the dishwasher, but I'll defer on that one to see if anyone has a better idea!

-jwk-

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2001

Answers

Don't use the dishwasher to clean your lenses! Please!!

Hi James,

Don't use the dishwasher to clean your lenses! Please!! You will probally ruin them because the washer will get water inside your lens and spot the elements inside too. If you want to clean the outside of your lenses a little elbow grease is required with a wash cloth (very lightly damp).

Mike.

-- Anonymous, January 29, 2001

Acckk!

Like Mike, I don't think the dishwasher is a good idea, you two may need a marriage counselor, she's trying to tell you something! ;-)

Seriously, I use a "safe" electronics cleaning spray (Endust I think, blue can), sprayed onto a soft rag, never directly on the lens. Or, as an alternative, a very soft toothbrush (borrow your wife's?). Keep it off the glass elements entirely. Gently clean and don't get too damp or the paint may come off with the grime. If it does, there is replacement paint avail. at www.micro-tools.com

Cheers!

Alan Myers San Jose, Calif.

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2001

Re: Cleaning engraved lettering

I've had success using a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol. With patience (the alcohol is a pretty mild solvent) the dirt and grime comes out and you don't have to worry about cleaning agents getting inside the lens or on the elements.

If it's really dirty you could try an old toothbrush, but you have a good chance of removing the paint from the engraving (and having the alcohol spraying all over the lens).

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2001

Cleaning lenses

Becareful with the off brands. I have a sigma, and just a general light cleaning nearly removed all the settings. FYI.

-- Anonymous, January 30, 2001

Results!

Thanks for the tips! Experimenting with a junk Hexanon (fungus), I first tried straight rubbing alcohol. Then I pre-wet the letters with Formula 409, using a Q-tip, and then dipped a baby(!) toothbrush in the alcohol and carefully scrubbed out the letters. The result was good. Now for my 30-year old 57mm f1.4 that I bought new!

-jwk-

-- Anonymous, February 02, 2001