How to clean metal lens body? e.g. Biotar?

hk300 · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 1041 Location: Hong Kong

Got a few Biotar and other metal body lenses.

A few are in used shape, and the bodies are dull.
What is the proven way to clean these bodies?

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

You can use specific chemicals to clean aluminium (commonly they have a slight acidic content), someone uses calcium bicarbonate instead, in my experience it's better to avoid these chemicals on a lens barrel.
I have obtained very good results with microfiber cloths (buy a good expensive one not a cheap one), and what we call here "elbow oil" Wink

if necessary, you can slightly (slightly!) dampen the microfiber cloth with a little warm water, taking care to squeeze out the excess before using.

hk300 · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 1041 Location: Hong Kong

so standard alu cleaning stuff could be good?

Orio · Expire: 2012-12-04

I would not use it.
I always use microfiber cloth, either as it is, or lightly damped with little warm water if necessary.

hk300 · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 1041 Location: Hong Kong

ok ... elbow grease ... that is what i will use.