How to Care for a Camera Lens

Since the advent of disposable and small digital cameras, people have grown less accustomed to having to care for their cameras. Especially difficult for some is to go to the trouble of caring for individual parts of the camera. However, if one is using a professional or personal camera with a detachable lens, then lens care is essential in order to take good pictures.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lens tissue

Film SLRs

1. Release the lens using the lens release button or other device.

2. Brush or blow off loose grit from the lens.

3. Apply lens fluid to the lens tissue.

4. Wipe the lens gently with a lens tissue.

Digital SLRs

5. Blow off any dust or dirt, using a blowing brush or compressed air.

6. Apply lens fluid to a cleaning tissue.

7. Wipe the lens gently, motioning toward the center.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using a Skylight or a UV filter as full-time protection for your lens. Shoot your pictures through it and remove it only when using another filter for special effect.
• Protect lenses from shock at all times.
• Changing lenses with a digital SLR can be particularly harmful to the lens, as it allows dust to enter the system.