Dear Kev.Pride, thanks for reading and the feedback.
a) But you are not cleaning the lens elements at all. Request please read the post again. The rubber on the Zoom + Focus Rings only are getting cleaned. b) Also I mentioned adding a wee bit of liquid detergent - double emphasis on the WEE BIT - and only IF the rubber is greasy / oily. Other wise use plain water only.
c) I mentioned wetting the brush and wiping off the excess with a cloth, so that the tooth brush is just DAMP. There is absolutely NO DRIPPING WATER. No way any water, let alone
moisture gets inside the lens.
d) Both ends of the lens are covered with caps. No chance of even moisture entering the lens, as the tooth brush is very slightly damp. There is no water spray from the tooth brush at all.
Why did I mention this cleaning?? We were at the Santa Cruz Beach & Pier with our family. It was a full day outing with Lunch and an early Dinner with lots of snacks in between. My camera would be handled by various members. I always ensure my fingers are clean, but can't say the same with the other folks. So the lens rubber had plenty of oil on it - NO DUST, maybe some dirt from dirty and soiled fingers.
The tooth brush was the only and the best way to get between the ridges. And Kev.Pride Sir, no WET tooth Brush, just ever so lightly damp - emphasis, a wee wee bit damp.
I have some (13) Lenses, some Limited & Star ones, and they remain in the best like new condition last (6) years with this tooth brush methodology.
Regards.
---------- Post added 08-04-16 at 11:35 AM ----------
Originally posted by promacjoe I totally agree. If the photographer keeps his hands clean, there is less need to clean your equipment. But this doesn't mean your equipment can't get dirty from other sources. But you should take a minimalistic approach to cleaning your camera and equipment. Do only what is necessary, nothing more nothing less. And I would avoid using bleach. At most, use a dry Toothbrush to remove any mud or visible dirt from the rubber portion of your lens. Use a damp toothbrush only when absolutely necessary, No soap. And dry the lens immediately.
Note: if I think my lens may get dirty, I will use a lens coat, or a towel wrapped around the lens to keep it clean. In nearly 40 years of photography, I have not had to do any significant cleaning on any of my lenses. Only the occasional smudge, dust and dirt on the lens glass itself. And I only used the proper lens cleaning solution for that. if you keep your lens dry, you do not have to worry about bacteria. bacteria only grows in moist environments. so anytime your equipment gets wet, make sure you dry it thoroughly, and don't put it in the bag until it is thoroughly dry. Inside and out.
Joe.
OH MY GAD, Promacjoe Sir, I mentioned thorough cleaning and disinfecting the tooth brush with bleach before using it on the lens rubber, and NOT wetting the tooth brush with bleach to clean the lens rubber. BLEACH WILL KILL THE RUBBER Promacjoe Sir. GAD HELP ME - never thought my English was so bad after my stint at the University of Cambridge, England. Obviously you will wash the brush with plenty of water so that there is no trace of bleach on it.
I beg you to re-read the post slowly, please please Sir.
With my humble regards and apology.