Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/03/02
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]> What is the best way to clean a Leica lens? I'm looking for brand name > recommendations and the best technique. Any suggestions? > David W. Almy There is no reason to be overly concerned about the lens coatings on Leitz lenses, or any other high quality lenses for that matter. I use Kodak lens cleaning fluid and paper with fine results. I'm always getting salt spray on my lenses and they have to be cleaned frequently as a result. Roll the tissue up and tear it in two. Double up the tissue and soak the torn end in cleaning fluid. After blowing any loose dirt off the surface, gently wipe the surface of the lens with the fluid soaked tissue. Next, while it's still wet, take another tissue that's been torn and mopistened the same way and repeat the process. At this point all of the dirt should be off the lens. Another piece of tissue also torn but dry should be used to dry the surface of the lens. If when you've finished you have any streaks, moisten another tissue slightly and wipe the lens again. That should do it. Keeping a filter on the lens dramatically reduces the need for cleaning the lens, but of course you then have to clean the filter. I almost always use filters but even changing filters on the shore or on a windy day can result in dirt on the lens. The important thing is to have the first tissue wet enough to carry off any dirt into the tissue without scratching the lens coating. Once all the grit is off the lens, all you are concerned with is cleaning any oils left behind. Peter Jon White