How to Clean Fungus From Camera Lenses
Camera lenses are prone to fungal infections that can eventually cause significant damage. It begins in the body of the camera and then appears as lines inside the camera lens. You may first notice your pictures becoming dull or dim. The lenses come in contact with fungus from moist environments. An acid is secreted from the fungus that can eat away the lens, causing cracking and breaking. This usually goes undetected in its beginning stages.
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Instructions
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Determine if you have fungus on your lens. Your pictures may become grainy or dull. Use a light to shine inside the lens. Spider lines that run all along the inside of the camera lens are usually a sign of fungus.
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Soak the camera lens and the lens element in a solution of hydrogen peroxide or bleach for approximately an hour before trying to clean the lens. This will help loosen any fungus and dirt. It should only be done if the lens is removable. The hydrogen peroxide will also destroy any fungus that is growing in the lens case.
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Remove the lens from the solution; allow it to dry. Use a soft, dry cloth to rub all around the edges to remove any dirt and fingerprints.
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Expose the camera to direct sunlight. Place your camera in an area that will receive a lot of sunshine. This will only kill the fungus on the outside of the camera lens. Most camera bodies will only allow light in when the shutter is pressed.
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Take your camera to a professional camera shop. Allow the professionals to perform a yearly cleaning. They will take your lens apart and clean all parts completely. They may recommend re-polishing and re-coating to completely remove the fungus. The costs are usually less than $100, but the cleaning will extend the life of your camera.
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Prevent your camera from getting fungus by allowing the camera to air dry after each use. Store your camera in an airtight container to prevent moisture from getting to your camera. It may also help if you place a small bag of silica gel in with your camera to absorb any moisture. Maintain a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
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