Ink on the camera lens?

Question

My son made some lines with a pen on the lens of camera, what would be the best to remove it (alcohol, gasoline etc.)?

Answer 1

First see if you can find a camera repair shop (professional) and let them do it.

If you cannot have a professional clean the lens here are some recommendations:

Most antireflection coatings these days are pretty durable when it comes to solvent resistance, but they can be scratched.

The standard lens cleaning solution is a very weak solvent and will not remove ink. (unless it is from a roller ball pen - these tend to be water soluble).

The best solvent to use would be pure acetone, especially lab grade so that it will not leave a residue. Do not use nail polish remover. It is acetone based, but also includes a lot of other crap that you won't be able to get off the lens.

When cleaning any optic use lens tissue - nothing else.

DO NOT WET THE TISSUE AND THEN RUB THE LENS - this is sure a formula for scratching the coatings.

Apply a drop of solvent near the center of the lens. Then with very little pressure contact the lens tissue to the solvent and draw it to the edge of the lens. It might take several passes, but this is the safest (and professional) way to clean coated optics.

Answer 2

Definitely not gasoline! Actually, most modern lenses have thin coatings to help render colors more accurately. Anything that's strong enough to remove permanent ink will most likely damage or remove some of that coating.

If your camera's not a very expensive one, you could try Goo-Gone, a very readily available solvent. Another choice might be WD-40. In either case, put the solution on a soft cloth, not directly on the lens. Rub it GENTLY in a circular motion. If it starts to come off, turn over the cloth or change cloths often, so you get maximum ink removal.

Warning: Do this at your own risk. There's a chance this could permanently damage the front element of your camera's lens.

My first suggestion is to call a camera service center in your area. Check your camera maker's website or your owner's manual for one that's authorized to service your camera. There may be a possibility that they could replace or recoat the front element.

I hope this is helpful for you. Good luck!

Answer 3

Before I try George Y's suggestion, I would call a repair center to ask them what can be done to remove the ink. As he mentioned, there is a coating on the surface of the lens and if removed, it will permanently damage the lens.

Answer 4

One more reason why you should ALWAYS have a Skylight or HAZE/UV filter on your lens at all times. Protect that front element.

Never use any kind of solvent other than lens cleaning fluid on your lenses.

NEVER NEVER NEVER use gasoline or any other flammable solvent for cleaning anything. There are plenty of non-flammable cleaning solvents that won't burn your house down.

Answer 5

Gasoline! You've got to be kidding. Sandpaper is the way to go or maybe lens cleaning solution now that I think about it...