Finally got the hang of cleaning those old Zeiss lenses without scratching them

For years I used to just wipe them with a standard microfiber cloth (like the ones for sunglasses) and ended up with micro-scratches on a few customer lenses. Then about 6 months ago I switched to using a lens cleaning solution from Photographic Solutions and a Pec Pad method I learned from a forum post. Now I can clean a 50 year old lens from a Rolleiflex in under 10 minutes with zero damage. Anyone else have a go-to technique for stubborn fungus or haze?

3 comments

3 Comments

reese1242d ago

Oh man, the Pec Pad method is an absolute game changer, right? I had the exact same issue with micro-scratches until someone on a vintage camera forum recommended the same technique (I think they called it the "gentle drag" method or something like that). For stubborn haze, I actually use a bit of distilled water on the Pec Pad first, then follow up with the solution - it seems to loosen the gunk without being too aggressive. And for fungus, I've had surprising luck just leaving the lens in direct sunlight for a few hours, believe it or not, before even touching it with a cleaning cloth.

rosebarnes2d ago

Right there with you @reese124, got the same tip from a forum last year and swear by it now.

ivan_mason2d ago

Wish I'd known this sooner, changed my mind completely.