Fujinon has put out recommended cleaning procedures for its broadcast and cinema lenses that tell you how to effectively remove germs and contamination without damaging the optics or mechanical performance.
In a COVID-19 world, you need to be very careful if you are still working out in the field. This is especially true for news crews who are still having to venture out and film. Not only do you have to take precautions for yourself, but you should also be taking precautionary measures with the gear that you are using. This includes cleaning and sanitizing your equipment after you have been out using it.
While these guidelines were issued with Fujinon lenses in mind, there is no reason why they can’t be applied to any lens that you own or use.
The guidelines
To most effectively clean your Fujinon broadcast and cinema lenses of germs and contamination without damaging the optics or mechanical performance, follow these instructions:
When cleaning a Fujinon broadcast or cinema lens there are two separate areas of concern:
- All coated glass surfaces
- All other surfaces including lens barrel/housing, servo handgrip, and accessories.
All coated glass surfaces
When cleaning the Fujinon glass surfaces the following steps are recommended:
- It is recommended rubber gloves are worn when cleaning the lens
- Blow/brush the surfaces clean of any debris.
- Dab a new/clean lens towel/tissue in 99.9% alcohol and wipe the surface clean in a circular motion from center to edge of the optical element.
- Discard the cleaning tissue after every wipe.
- Ensure 99.9% isopropyl alcohol is used to ensure fast evaporation and minimize the chance of streaking. (alternate lens cleaner option in link below)
- Kimwipe style dust free tissues are recommended.
- Never spray alcohol or any other liquid directly onto the lens elements
- Wash hands thoroughly when complete
If the glass surfaces of the lens need to be cleaned in the field, Fujifilm recommends the use of: https://nanomagic.com/product/ultra-clarity-1oz-spray-packs/
All other surfaces
When cleaning the other surfaces of a Fujinon lens barrel, handgrip or accessory product:
- It is recommended rubber gloves are worn when cleaning the lens.
- Blow/brush the surfaces clean of any debris.
- Dilute a clean microfiber towel/rag in a 70% alcohol solution.
- Wipe all surfaces until they are thoroughly cleaned.
- Allow all surfaces to dry
- Never spray any liquid solution directly onto the lens for risk of droplets penetrating the barrel and contaminating internal surfaces.
- Denatured alcohol is NOT recommended for lens cleaning
- Used microfiber towels should be cleaned regularly
- Wash hands thoroughly when complete
