How Do You Clean Up An Aluminium Lens?

[Max Power]

Can anyone tell me, in his experience, what is the best compound or material to use to clean up the aluminium barrel of an FSU lens? I know that doing so will damage the original varnish, but if a lens is so far gone that damage to the varnish is no longer a concern, what can one use?

Cheers,
Kent

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I've been using 99% Isopropyl Alchohol.

 

[George S.]

I don't think you really can do much if there's already "damage" and not just a light haze. That's the way it is with aluminum.

 

[je2a3]

I've used a jewelry polishing cloth from Wal-mart. Works on aluminum mounts that are unvarnished.

Joseph

 

[Kim Coxon]

Flitz or silver polish

Kim

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

I'm with Kim on Flitz. Worked well on an old Fed 2 and a Jupiter 9.

The only problem on th eJ9 waas that th ealuminum was extremely reflective after using flitz. I found myself wondering if I could get a satin finish on it somehow.

 

[pshinkaw]

The nature of aluminum is that naturally forms a hard oxide that acts to protect the underlying metal from scratches. The purpose of the varnish is to keep the oxide from forming and thus keep the metal shiny. If you want shiny, you have to keep polishing. If you want scratch resistance, just polish once and let it oxidize.

I use a paste aluminum polish I found at the grocery store. It has a chemical that softens the oxide and an abrasive that takes it off. Also works well on chrome body tops and brass.

-Paul

 

[doubs43]

Flitz is excellent and a very small amount is normally enough for a fair-sized area.

You may "grin" at this suggestion but ordinary toothpaste is a very mild abrasive and will clean things better than you think. I apply it with a Q-Tip (cotton bud) and then remove with a liquid on a Q-Tip or a paper towel.

Walker

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

now I know. I could have just dry wiped it with a soft cloth and in time it would have become more satin like.

 

[Kim Coxon]

Another way to get a "brushed satin" look is to use a fibreglass burnishing pen. If you use this make sure the part is separated from the main body and clean it well afterwards.

Kim

 

[kmack]

I have been using Brasso. For the most part I do not polish my cameras or lenes until or if they are really grundgy. I keep a bunch of soft cotton flour sack towels handy for a quiick wipe down of the metal afer a hard day of handling.

My wife knows not to wash my "camera cloths" with the rest of the wash. They get special treatment to keep perfumes and oils out of the cloth.

 

[Kim Coxon]

If the "Brasso" is the same stuff as in the UK, it can be a bit harsh for alloy. It's sister, "Silvo" has a softer action and is better recommended for alloys even by the makers.

Kim

 

[w3rk5]

I'm with Kim on Flitz. Worked well on an old Fed 2 and a Jupiter 9.

The only problem on th eJ9 waas that th ealuminum was extremely reflective after using flitz. I found myself wondering if I could get a satin finish on it somehow.

Steel wool Super Fine (#0000) should do the trick.

 

[w3rk5]

Here's a link you can check out. This is a little hard core but I'm sure it's the best way to make your lens look brand new.

http://www.modelairplanenews.com/how_to/polishSpinners_1.asp

 

[Max Power]

Here's a link you can check out. This is a little hard core but I'm sure it's the best way to make your lens look brand new.

http://www.modelairplanenews.com/how_to/polishSpinners_1.asp

Yup, that looks a little hardcore to me too 😀

However, I really like the idea of using my Dremel...I have a tiny soft polisher that I bet I could use. It's very small and would certainly not to any damage.

Thanks for the idea!

Kent

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

Even a soft wheel on a Dremel tool can do damage- fast. Just keep the speed low and the pressure soft.

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

One more thing wear goggles - please. You need your eyes for photography. Right?

 

[peter_n]

I saw a photo about a year or more ago either here or on PN that showed a bunch of very clean aluminum lenses. The bloke just polished them with a chamois.

 

[T_om]

For many years the primary polishing material for fine metal was powdered chalk rubbed out with a chamois.

Tom

 

[w3rk5]

I've once used baking soda to get a mirror finish on my computer case. The last grit I used was about 5000 before I tried the baking soda. Did it work? I guess if I spent enough hours I'd be able to tell. 😛