Cleaning Old Lenses

[Dracotype]

What would anyone suggest for cleaning an old view camera lens I have? It might a have a bit of fungus on the inside, but am not entirely sure. Isopropyl alcohol? I heard ammonia and hydrogen peroxide mentioned as well. Thanks.

Drew

 

[Dracotype]

Hi Dracotype,

It depends which type of fungus you have - don't kill it all off before inspecting it.

Depending on the vintage of your lens, some lenses developed an evenly coated bloom.

Isopropyl alcohol is fine, as is hydrogen peroxide. Most people use standard lens cleaners,
however it depends as much on how you clean it, as well as the actual substrate.

Before you clean the lens, have you made an image with the fungus? You might be pleasantly surprised 😉

I used some outdated film and it looked okay, but then again, too many variables. Old film, quasi-dirty lens, leaking film holders, etc. I think I will just try cleaning it, but I am pretty sure I will have to get a new lens for it anyways. Thanks for the input.

Drew

P.S. Would anyone like to see pictures of the lens dirt/fungus(?)?

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

yes- would be interesting to see.

 

[Dracotype]

Pics

Pics

Here they are. I shone a light on the lens so that you could see the spots/fungus/dirt/who-knows-what-stuff. Hope this helps.

Drew