Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2006/08/15
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]That is precisely the same complicated routine that have used for 40 years. I couldn't have invented it, so we must have both read the same thing. It can be difficult "cleaning" with the frayed end of ripped lens tissues, but I do it anyway. Jeffery Smith New Orleans, LA http://www.400tx.com http://400tx.blogspot.com/ -----Original Message----- From: lug-bounces+jsmith342=cox.net@leica-users.org [mailto:lug-bounces+jsmith342=cox.net@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of G Hopkinson Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 7:57 PM To: 'Leica Users Group' Subject: RE: Re: [Leica] Lens caps Jeffery, I absolutely agree regarding keep the caps on, not using a filter and no spit. I do have the Zeiss alcohol wipes as well (got a bulk lot on eBay somewhere). I don?t know whether the agent is the same as in their bottled cleaner. However I don't get streaking when using a second dry clean microfibre cloth to polish gently after the first. For what it's worth, when I was working in retail a long time back my routine was: Clean blower brush, hold the lens above your mouth if you need to fog it (to have larger droplets fall away) clean in a circular motion from centre to outside. For lens tissue, fold a couple of pieces and tear horizontally then roll so that the torn edge forms a stub, then use that stub as the contact surface. I do have the Kodak fluid on hand and it seems to work fine. However using the Zeiss routine results in a sparkling surface, subjectively the best result I have ever seen. Zeiss claim that this is the method used in the factory during lens assembly. Cheers Hoppy Shooting BW with the new to me Tele Elmar 135 today. -----Original Message----- From: lug-bounces+hoppyman=bigpond.net.au@leica-users.org [mailto:lug-bounces+hoppyman=bigpond.net.au@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of Jeffery Smith Sent: Wednesday, 16 August 2006 10:06 To: 'Leica Users Group' Subject: RE: Re: [Leica] Lens caps I have to side with Marc on this. DO use a lens cap when you aren't shooting. DON'T use a filter (light hitting anything will cause some degradation), and DON'T USE SPIT!!!! If you want to breathe on the lens to fog it, have your mouth OPEN so spittle doesn't go from your lips to the glass. I have tried some of the Zeiss alcohol lens wipes, and they do seem to leave some streaking and residue. So I'm back to Kodak lens cleaner and Kodak lens tissue. I tend to treat the front elements of my lenses like they are my cornea. Jeffery Smith New Orleans, LA http://www.400tx.com http://400tx.blogspot.com/ -----Original Message----- From: lug-bounces+jsmith342=cox.net@leica-users.org [mailto:lug-bounces+jsmith342=cox.net@leica-users.org] On Behalf Of Marc James Small Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 6:41 PM To: Leica Users Group Subject: RE: Re: [Leica] Lens caps At 09:19 AM 8/16/06 +1000, G Hopkinson wrote: >Don't do it Adam! >I'm sure that Walt, Ted and many others are fearless enough to get away >with this and bring back the great pictures. > >Here's the litmus test, are you: >a. a serious hard hitting photojournalist for whom the gear is just a >tool (If it dies, it dies, it's just a stinkin' camera) or >b: an enthusiast photographer who also enjoys the ownership and >pleasure of having fine Leica equipment (how many sales have you passed >on because the seller says, some wipe marks on the glass) Hoppy Modern glasses are REALLY tough. I was shocked, ten or fifteen years back, to be working a camera show with the Zeiss Maven, Charlie Barringer, who started cleaning a $4,500 lens with a shirt-tail. I spluttered in protest, and he simply reminded me that the Gnomes of Jena knew what they were doing when they made the lens and also that HE knew what he was doing, and would I mind my own washing? He was absolutely correct. When I have walked across a sandstorm-driven wind across an arid desert, then I avoid using my shirt-tail, as I probably have some grit in the cloth. But, beyond that, I go for it. I clean my lenses with ROR when they need it and use a Kleenex as the medium -- but, in the field, I'll pull out a handkerchief to do the job, and have used spit on occasion when that was the only lubricant on hand. Avoid grit on the lens. Beyond that, modern lens glasses and coatings are really tough. And avoid filters. Erwin Puts disagrees with me on this, but the addition of another layer of glass degrades the final image. Marc msmall@infi.net Home Phone 540-345-5012 Cha robh b?s fir gun ghr?s fir! _______________________________________________ Leica Users Group. See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information _______________________________________________ Leica Users Group. See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information _______________________________________________ Leica Users Group. See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information