How to Protect & Clean Camera Lens and Screen
Use a Filter and Appropriate Cleaning Products
Dec 15, 2008
Such a preventive measure is suggested for film or digital SLR (single lens reflex) cameras or advanced point and shoot cameras that look like SLRs. Often the filter size is printed on the rim of the lens in millimeters (mm). When the lens is dirty again, most likely you will need to only clean the protective filter. In addition to keeping the protective filter on at all times, keep a lens cap on when the camera is not in use.
In general, since the lens of a simple point and shoot camera is well-recessed and is smaller than that of a SLR or SLR-like camera, it usually needs no protective filter. However, if the lens has screw threads, a filter might be available if you want one.
Removing Dust
You can buy the items necessary to clean a camera lens and LCD screen either in a kit or separately. The first step in cleaning is to remove dust or particles so that in performing later cleaning and protective measures there is little chance that particles will be ground into the lens, thereby scratching it. Choices for particle removal include a blower brush, an ear syringe purchased from a pharmacy or one of the powerful blowers made particularly for photographic use. Before using a blower, squeeze it a few times away from the lens to get rid of any dust that might be in it.
A soft bristle brush will also remove dust. If you are going to use a brush to clean the camera body too, buy two brushes, one for the body and one for the lens. Do not touch the bristles with your fingers, as finger oils can be harmful to camera optics. Another method of removing particles is to use compressed air. Make sure the can says the product is designed for use on camera lenses. Use the product only as directed. You have to keep the can upright, not tilted, to ensure that air rather than liquid contacts the lens. Do not hold the can too close to the lens.
Next, put a drop or two of camera lens cleaner on a balled up camera lens tissue or use a premoistened lens wipe that too has been balled up. Never put lens cleaner directly on the lens or filter. Start cleaning at the center of the lens or protective filter in a circular motion, ending at the edge. Use a clean, dry lens tissue to dry the lens or let it air dry.
Use Liquid Cleaner to Remove Smudge
If your camera has a dirty viewfinder, remove the dust and then very gently clean it by using a 100% cotton swab on a plastic stick that has been moistened with lens cleaning fluid. (The viewfinder is the small viewing area that you can put your eye to at the rear top of the camera.) To clean a LCD screen, remove dust or particles first and then use a microfiber cloth designed for LCD screens. Some of these cloths work without liquid cleaners, but if you need to moisten a cloth, many liquid cleaners available today are designed for both camera/computer LCD screens as well as camera lenses. Read the product label or consult a reputable seller of camera supplies.
For the camera lens, if you run out of lens cleaning tissue or wipes, use a piece of a clean, white 100% cotton t-shirt as a emergency cleaning cloth. As soon as possible, restock your supply of lens cleaning tissues, as they are the safest way to clean a camera lens. But, of course, dear reader, you are cleaning your ultraviolet filter and not your lens, right? Protect a clean LCD screen from scratches and fingerprints by putting a camera screen protector, a clear film that adheres to the screen, over it.
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