LENS CLEANING - help please!

[jesse1dog]

I've just picked up a Jupiter 9 lens to use on my Leica IIf. The price seemed reasonable and as an extension to using my Elmar 5cm it seemed a sensible addition to extending photographic possibilities. What I hadn't bargained for was that it came with a faint lingering smell of pipe tobacco. And I never thought to ask about 'non-smoker' use before I bought - would you have done?

So firstly I would like to remove the 'smell'.

I suspect that the lens has more than a 'smell' so would also like to clean the front and rear elements. How and with what do I do this? I've head that lens cleaning fluid (what exactly is this?) applied with a cotton bud is one solution. I used to have a booklet of lens cleaning tissues which I tore across and then rolled to form a hairy ended cylinder, and 40 years ago this seemed to be the way.

So what do you advise and what do you use yourself on an everyday basis and then when something more is needed? I think it is probably premature to send the lens away. Incidentally I assume tobacco smoke can also get into the lens.

 

[JohnL]

The smell will likely go away after a while, but if it's a real issue, I'd try putting a few drops of air-freshener on a cloth and wiping the lens barrel - not the glass.
If the glass is dirty, first try to blow away loose dust with a puffer, then put a few drops of lens leaner on a microfibre cloth and gently wipe the dirty areas with a circular motion. If the glass does not *look* dirty, I'd leave it alone.
Commercial lens cleaner contains several ingredients - varies by brand.

 

[Crasis]

The smell will likely go away after a while, but if it's a real issue, I'd try putting a few drops of air-freshener on a cloth and wiping the lens barrel - not the glass.
If the glass is dirty, first try to blow away loose dust with a puffer, then put a few drops of lens leaner on a microfibre cloth and gently wipe the dirty areas with a circular motion. If the glass does not *look* dirty, I'd leave it alone.
Commercial lens cleaner contains several ingredients - varies by brand.

I agree wholeheartedly with this suggestion. Also remember that you should wipe very gently and in circular motions, like polishing a boot. Remember too that if you have residue left over from the lens cleaner, use a dry part of the cloth and wipe it gently.

 

[clintock]

When cleaning the glass, be sure to not turn the tissue or cloth to a place that you have previously had your skin touching. Skin oil is always there no matter how clean your hands, assuming you are alive.
I think kodak lens cleaning fluid is ammonia and distilled water.
There are no non-smoking environments in the fsu.