[LRflex] Re: formula for lens cleaning fluid
- From: Steve Barbour <steve.barbour@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: leicareflex@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:20:53 -0800
On Jan 17, 2010, at 3:19 PM, David Simms wrote:
> Protect your front elements from stray branding irons. Duh !
> no more. This cowboy has changed his ways.
the story does go something like that...
Ted, where are you?
:-)
Steve
> Dave
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Steve Barbour <steve.barbour@xxxxxxxxx>
> To: leicareflex@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Sent: Sun, January 17, 2010 3:12:16 PM
> Subject: [LRflex] Re: formula for lens cleaning fluid
>
>
> On Jan 17, 2010, at 2:46 PM, <tedgrant@xxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>> David Simms asked
>> Subject: [LRflex] Re: formula for lens cleaning fluid
>>
>>
>>> Thanks for the tip.
>>> Now, why the reluctance to use filters ? Do you actually they'll reduce
>>> the performance of your R lenses ?
>>> I know that filters represent another pair of optical surfaces but, when
>>> your lenses are big-time expensive, would you not think that the trade off
>>> is worth protecting that front element from dust, accidental abrasion,
>>> possible damage from pollutants in the air and so on ? Also, a skylite or
>>> UV does filter out wavelengths that lie outside the visible range and
>>> which can alter the response of some films.
>>> Anyone aware of studies or tests done on the subject ?
>>
>> OK here it is one more time and if you look in the LUG archives you'll find
>> I've posted this at least a half dozen time in the past 10 years. :-)
>>
>> The only time you need a filter on a lens is to enhance the scene!
>> Protection???/ What do you do walk around banging the front element on
>> concrete blocks? And as for those sneaky wave length thingies in the sky?
>> It's who cares, it's more important to protect your eyes. Leica have never
>> suggested using filters on their incredible glass.
>>
>> Besides if you have a filter on a lens and drop the lens 15 ft to a marble
>> floor? Trust me the filter is the first thing to be into a million pieces
>> followed by whatever is left of the lens. Been there done it 2 days after
>> taking a brand new lens to Europe on assignment!
>>
>> "Lens cleaning solution?" Here's what LEICA technicians do all over the
>> world and in the factory, I've seen them do it in both locations during
>> assignments and vists to the factory.
>>
>> Give the front element a good blow with your breath or a hand rubber blower
>> of some kind. That gets any big stuff off. Then breath hard and hot again,
>> take a soft cloth. I've used the rear end part of worn out under shorts on
>> and off over 50 years on a ton of Leica lenses both M and R from 15mm to
>> 800mm. Rub in circles vigorously and maybe another breath or two and bingo a
>> beautiful Leica front element.
>>
>> If you've never seen a Leica technician do this you haven't come close to
>> wetting your pants the first time you see one of them do it! If you are a
>> newbie to the cleaning they'll make you near have a fit and when they're
>> done they'll turn right to your face and give you a great big smile knowing
>> they just made you pee your pants! :-)
>>
>>>>> Now, why the reluctance to use filters ? Do you actually they'll reduce
>>>>> the performance of your R lenses ?<<
>>
>> YES!
>>
>>>>> I know that filters represent another pair of optical surfaces but, when
>>>>> your lenses are big-time expensive, would you not think that the trade
>>>>> off is worth protecting that front element from dust, accidental
>>>>> abrasion, possible damage from pollutants in the air and so on ?<<<
>>
>> The filters are a pain in the ass because they create internal reflections
>> and if not "prime super expensive filters" they will effect the quality of
>> the recorded image.
>>
>> DUST?
>> Unless you happen to be shooting in a sand storm or the desert or a location
>> where sand dust is heavily in the air you don't need filters. If you get
>> some dust on the front surface blow it off or just leave it and keep on
>> shooting.... sometimes if the dust is heavy it actually acts as AN enhancing
>> effect to your image. Understanding this comes from experience because the
>> chances are you'll not believe any of this anyway even though it comes from
>> a professional shooting with Leica's for 60 years! ;-)
>>
>> The Leica front elements are probably the hardest front glass on any lens in
>> the world. And unless you go around like a Klutz banging your glass on brick
>> walls and rocks it's likely you can use the same lens for years every day
>> and the front element will look just as good at the end of the 50 years as
>> it did the first day!
>>
>> DON'T THINK ABOUT ALL THIS STUFF.............. go take pictures! :-)
>
>
> I love the story about a piece of hot metal ? gouging your front
> element....etc...
>
>
> Steve
>>
>> cheers,
>> ted
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