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  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Posts
    6

    Cleaning a sticky DSLR lens? (D5100)

    I've made a huge mistake.

    Geocaching, drinking a beer, and taking pictures is not a particularly good combination of things to do when one only has two hands.

    On bending over, I accidentally tipped some sticky IPA goodness where it shouldn't belong — right into my practically-brand-new D5100's 18-55mm lens. Oops. It didn't really get on the glass itself, but rather slid down the crack where one would twist to zoom. I tried using gravity and a small amount of water to clean it straight away, but now, a few days later, it's REALLY sticky.

    Autofocus still works FINE, thankfully. It's really more that it sticks when I'm changing the zoom. It seems to noticeably stick HARD if I haven't used it in a day or so, and even after loosening it up, it still isn't the same as before.

    I'm pondering the possibility of dripping some 99% isopropol alcohol in a similar fashion, but I'm scared. I don't really want to leave it like it is in fear of it getting even worse and I don't think it will get better unless I do something. I also don't have the funds to get it professionally cleaned or replaced.

    Thoughts?

  2. #2
    Senior Member volks's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2011
    Location
    North Vancouver, BC, Canada
    Posts
    506

    Re: Cleaning a sticky DSLR lens? (D5100)

    Accidents happen. If I were you, I would not attempt at cleaning it any further as it may cause permanent damage. If it is the standard 18-55 kit lens, repair cost would probably be close to the cost of a new lens. If you can find a good used 18-55 lens which should not be difficult, you can probably pick one up fairly cheap.
    Volker
    Nikon D7200
    Nikon P7100
    Nikon 16-80/2.8-4 ED VR
    Nikon 55-200 VR II

    Keeping it light and simple.

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