Fingerprint On Camera Lens. . .What to use/buy?

Danger_Fourpence

Being prone to periodic dumbness while I was setting up some eBay photos I accidentally reached for something and instead picked up my digital camera sticking a whacking great fingerprint on the lens.

I already have a little airblower, some isopropyl alcohol and microfiber cloths that I use for CDs. I'm cautious about using the alcohol and cloths as they seem a little harsh and well it's not like cleaning a cheap and cheerful disk.

Now I've never cleaned a lens before as I've well never needed to. I am suitably paranoid about damaging it, so what's genuinely good? Google around and you read allsorts.

Ta.

[Deleted User]

I use a bit of bog roll but hey, that may just be me!

Farway

As I wear specs I use my specs cleaning cloth, maybe you have a speccy wearing mate?

kwikbreaks

A lens pen

Cheap as chips on eBay and designed for the job.

Danger_Fourpence

kwikbreaks wrote: »

A lens pen

Cheap as chips on eBay and designed for the job.

Are they all created equal? I'm not inclined to randomly buy from HK.

buglawton

don't use loo paper or kitchen roll as it can have abrasive ingredients

alanwjones

Go for the lens pens, they really do work

mr_fishbulb

buglawton wrote: »

don't use loo paper or kitchen roll as it can have abrasive ingredients

If you feel your loo roll contains abrasive ingredients, can I recommend the Andrex Shea Butter range?

For a lens pen, I'd recommend this one - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lenspen-LENLP1-LP-1-Original/dp/B000KO0GY6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1252252316&sr=8-2

What type of camera is it? I have UV filters on my digital slr lenses for protection. Doesn't stop fingerprints but I can be a bit more aggressive when cleaning without worrying about damaging the lens.

sharkie

buglawton wrote: »

don't use loo paper or kitchen roll as it can have abrasive ingredients

buglawton is correct and are to be avoided. I've scratched at least 2 pairs of glasses using the above two even with 'scratch-proof' coating. You may though get away with it more on a glass lense, but why take a chance an d ruin a camera.

Paper always leaves small bits behind.

Danger_Fourpence

mr_fishbulb wrote: »

What type of camera is it?

Canon PowerShot SX110 IS

With regards to lenspens. . .Ok they're not designed for cleaning them, however I know someone who damaged a laptop screen with one of them. So I'm mildly cautious.

I was considering these. . .

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PEC-PAD-10x10cm-25-Cleaning-Wipes-for-Lens-Filters_W0QQitemZ350241560057QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Photography_DigitalCamAccess_RL?hash=item518c0615f9&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

d123

a new (or definitely spotless) microfibre cloth or lens cloth and a little methylated spirit will actually clean the lens perfectly.

When I used to photograph weddings I always kept a lens cloth in a pocket, a little breath and the cloth will even do the job.