Cleaning my 35 1.2?

[morgan]

So after stupidly forgetting to put my ND filter back on my 35 1.2, it's acquired a fair amount of crud on the front glass. I usually don't let my lenses ever get this bad, but I just didn't notice it (until I downloaded my last batch of pictures). Should I have it professionally cleaned or should I attempt to do it myself? It's pretty dirty. And any recommendations for cleaning?

 

[Tom A]

The worst mistake is to pour lens cleaning liquid on the lens (dont know why anyone would - but I have seen it done). Try to find a good lens cleaner (Kodak or any of the ones camera stores have). use the lens cleaning tissue you can get from the same source. Take a Q-tip and lightly moisture it with the lens cleaning fluid and warp the tissue around it. Very lightly start to work the lens surface. Of course. prior to this you have brushed off any loose specks and removed them with a very soft brush.
The biggest no-no is to apply a lot of pressure, just gently 'work" the Q-tip and the lens cleaning tissue. If the stuff is stubborn you can apply a bit more lens cleaning fluid - but be sure that it doesn't migrate to the edge of the lens as it can migrate to the inside!!!
A small can of cleaner and a couple of packages of lens cleaning tissue will last a long time. The price tag on my small bottle of Kodak lens cleaner is stamped $0.99 and the 1978 date!
I haven't really tried the lens pens (still have 1/2 bottle of that cleaner) but someone is bound to let us know if they work.
Modern lenses have a pretty durable front coating anyway.

 

[morgan]

Thanks, Tom. I'll give it a shot tomorrow. I've cleaned a few of my cheapo russian lenses with tissue and hot breath, but I'm a little nervous about my nokton baby. I'll try try the cleaner/q-tip/tissue combo - that sounds doable for my meager hamfisted skills.