Lens Maintenance

Periodic cleaning is recommended in order to help keep the lens looking good and to prolong its operation over its lifetime. This information will help prevent mold or mildew from forming on the lens surface, as well as on the inside.
The following instructions explain how mildew is generated and how to maintain lenses.

• Types of stains on the lens.

  Dust, fingerprints, sweat, saliva, rain, mildew, pollen, etc.
  
  Various types of stains can adhere to a clean-looking lens, This will depend on lens usage and storage conditions.
  
  <How mildew grows>
  When the lens is moved suddenly from a warm to a cold place, condensation may form on the outside of the lens surface, as well as the front and rear lens elements.
  Conversely, when a lens is brought from a place in cold weather into a warm room, the temperature difference between the lens and room atmosphere may cause condensation to form inside the lens.
  Water stains occur when the lens fogs up, which appears cloudy, after the fine moisture generated by condensation or other such phenomena remains on the lens surface for an extended period of time. More permanent staining can occur when dust, contaminants, or other substances settle onto the lens while condensation is present. If the lens is not cleaned properly, mildew will begin to grow, furthering the staining of the lens.
  
  A water stained lens cannot be completely returned to its former state.
  To avoid condensation forming put your lens in a lens case or pouch to help prevent any sudden fluctuation in temperature around the lens. After the lens has acclimated to the ambient temperature, remove it from the case or pouch and use it as usual.

• Lens storage method

  • Avoid storing your lens in environments with high temperatures or high humidity. Store it in a well-ventilated place.
  • When using desiccants, store your lens in an airtight moisture-proof case or plastic bag.
    (Be aware of the expiration date. Desiccants that have absorbed moisture can cause adverse effects.)
  • When storing lenses in a moisture-controlled cabinet, remove the lens from the camera body, filter, and any other attachments, and store the lens with only the lens caps attached.
  • Even if a lens is not used for a long time, regularly attach the lens to a camera, take some test shots to ensure everything is working and remove it. Turn the zoom and focus rings to ventilate the inside of the lens.

  
  Shooting conditions that require extra care

  • Locations with high humidity.
    When you return from mountains in the winter (e.g. ski resorts) or the sea, extend the zoom position of the lens to its maximum focal length to dry the lens. After the lens has dried well, store your lens.
  • Dusty locations
    When you return from a dusty location such as a playground, sandy beach, or desert, remove all dust and dirt using a blower or a similar tool.

• Lens maintenance methods

  Use a blower, lens cloth, lens cleaner, and lens cleaning paper.
  Note: Never use benzene, thinner, or other organic solvents.

  

  1. 1. Remove dust and debris from the lens surface using a blower or soft brush.
     
     
  2. 2. Absorb a small amount of the cleaning solution using the cleaning paper. Gently wipe the lens in a spiral pattern starting from the center moving to the outside.
     Note: Do not use lens cleaners on lenses with a fluorine coating. Use only a dry microfiber cloth to clean the lens.
     
     
  3. 3. Wipe the lens barrel with a cleaning cloth. Do not use lens cleaners or other substances.