Section 1 The Basics
36
Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Protecting Lens Elements
Most lens elements are inside the lens
barrel, where they are protected against possible
causes of damage. The front element, however, is
exposed to both abrasion damage from dust or
sand and physical damage from bumping against
hard objects.
An inexpensive form of protection used
by many photographers is the virtually clear
ultraviolet (UV) filter, also called a haze filter or
skylight filter. Screwed into place on the front of
the lens, Figure 2-24, the filter protects the front
lens element from dust, salt spray, and bumps
against hard objects. A damaged UV filter can
be replaced easily and at much less cost than the
front lens element.
Some photographers claim that a UV filter,
even one of good optical quality, can degrade the
quality of the image. Others consider the slight
quality loss to be offset by the protection the filter
provides. A compromise is to leave the filter in
place except when actually shooting, although
constantly removing and replacing the filter is
cumbersome.
Cleaning a Lens or Filter
Frequent lens or filter cleaning is important
to maintain optical quality, and proper cleaning
methods are vital to preventing damage. See
Figure 2-25. If a UV filter normally remains on
the lens, the front lens element seldom, if ever,
needs to be cleaned. However, the filter should
be cleaned frequently to minimize its effect on
optical quality. When the back element of a lens is
accessible, it should be cleaned from time to time.
Cleaning is a two-step process. First, hold the
lens facing downward so any loose material falls
away and use a soft brush or squeeze-bulb air
blower to clear away any particles. Second, place
a drop of lens cleaning solution on a piece of lens
cleaning tissue (a soft, lint-free paper), then gently
rub the lens in a circular motion. Work outward
from the center of the lens to the rim to remove
oily deposits such as fingerprints. If left on the lens,
fingerprints can permanently etch the surface. Many
photographers carry a small microfiber cleaning
cloth and use it in place of cleaning solution and
tissue. The cloth must be washed regularly to
remove particles that can cause scratches.
Camera Body Cleaning and
Maintenance
Keeping equipment clean and in good
working order is the mark of a skilled professional
who shows pride in his or her work. Keeping
equipment clean helps to minimize wear and
damage and make the equipment easier to use.
Cleaning the Camera Body and LCD
Screen
Examine the camera body regularly, and use
a soft brush to remove dust, grit, or lint from any
Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 2-24. Mounting a UV filter on a lens protects
the coating on the front element and helps to eliminate
atmospheric haze in landscape photos.
Jack Klasey/Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Figure 2-25. Tools used for cleaning a lens or filter include
a blower or soft brush for loose dirt and lens cleaning
paper used with a cleaning solution for oily deposits.