cleaning

In Nikon’s support forums, there is an inquiry about how to clean camera lenses. And apparently, Nikon states that you shouldn’t breathe on the lens because your breath contains harmful acids that could damage the coatings. According to the statement:

“How do I clean the camera lens?

The best way to clean a lens is to use a piece of lint free lens cleaning tissue and a small amount of Lens Cleaning solution. Do not use anything containing abrasives or solvents, only use Lens Cleaning Solution.

First we recommend taking a small blower brush to blow off or brush away loose dust or debris.

Next, place a drop or two of cleaner on the tissue (never directly onto the lens) and then wipe the lens in a circular motion, beginning in the center and working your way outward, removing any marks or smear.

If the above supplies are not available a clean, dry, soft, lint free cloth can be used to clean the lens. Do not breathe on the lens to fog it for cleaning. There are harmful acids in breath that can damage lens coatings. Just use the blower bulb, then brush, and wipe the lens in a circular spiral from the center outward.

The same method can be used to clean the viewfinder eyepiece of Nikon cameras.”

Interstingly enough, the method still works for your eyeglasses according to more than one source. Just don’t use soap and tap water–that’s just dumb.

(Via Petapixel)

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No matter what your photography knowledge level or equipment are, you can take better photos today than you did yesterday without spending a dime. Every one of my suggestions can be applied whether you’ve had professional training or not, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re using a $100 point-and-shoot or an expensive DSLR. Geared primarily towards amateur hobbyists, perhaps those of you with more experience can get some ideas as well. Here are some suggestions that are independent of gear.

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Though not a new product at all, VisibleDust’s Arctic Butterfly is still something that photographers may want to keep in their bags as it can prove invaluable to cleaning their camera. Though some photographers may prefer their Zeeion Blower for safety reasons, the Butterfly has served me well over the past year that I’ve used it (I got it at least years Photo Plus) with only minor problems. More after the jump.

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