Cleaning mud off a lens front element?

applemint

applemint

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Camera slipped off the backpack it was sitting on and tipped lens first into a big patch of mud next to the grass the bag was lying on. Unfortunately I had just removed the square ND filter holder thing and was about to put the hood and lens cap back on when this happened. (If the lens cap had been on it probably would have been fine). Doh!

As mud is basically wet sand I did not want to touch it and 'scrape' it across the front element which may scratch it? Plus it was getting dark so I just put a clean plastic bag over the lens until I got home. When I got home I cleaned all the mud off the lens apart from the front element (where most of it is). The mud has now dried obviously - but a rocket blower does not remove any of it. What is the best way to clean the mud off the front element without scratching it? It's not a weatherproof lens so I am worried that wetting it again or dipping it very briefly in clean water will result in water getting into the lens. Any advice for Mr Clumsy? :)
 
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Please dont dip your lens in water.. clean or not :)

Best way is hard.. Dont know how much there is but most will chip.knock off without touching the lens..rocket blower for whats left and then use proper lens wipes for whats left after those two steps..

again difficult wihtout seeing how much but easier to remove dry than wet i would say
 
My team have some experience of cleaning lenses. A photo would help.
 
Thanks for the replies - here is a photo: I have removed most of the mud from the plastic bits, but so far apart from using a rocket blower I have not touched the glass.

_DSC4282.JPG
 
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applemint said:
No, but could probably get hold of one or buy one - I did think of that but still concerned that the water could get past the front element?
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are you never going to take this lens out in the rain? a little bit of water will not harm it now if your thinking of dunking it in a bucket thats a different matter.just wet the front and wipe away gently no hard circular motions or you'll get scratches.hth mike
 
Well I would use water on Canon L glass no problem but with yours I still use water, water is not as bad as some think, keep the len face down and use a fine mister and get the mud wet slowly it will come off.#You need the wet so it do not damage the glass.
just try and minimise water going inside
 
Scouring pad and some VIM will shift it. :D
Dabbing it with a soft cloth soaked in warm water will get most of it off I reckon then use lens wipes for the final clean.
 
I'd also invest in a 58mm UV or similar filter. Saves the worry.
 
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