I was skeptical about ultrasonic cleaning for old lenses... now I'm a believer

For years I swore off ultrasonic cleaners for vintage glass. Thought they'd shake something loose or mess up the coatings. But last month I had a Super Takumar 50mm that was absolutely caked in haze and stubborn fungus. After trying everything else I finally caved and ran it through a $80 ultrasonic tank from Amazon. 3 cycles at 40 degrees for 5 minutes each and that lens came out looking like new. No damage, no haze, no fungus residue. I still won't use it on lenses with radioactive elements or super thin coatings, but for the tough stuff it's legit. Anyone else had a change of heart on a tool they used to avoid?

2 comments

2 Comments

joel_young1d ago

Felt the same way till I tried it on a stubborn Yashinon. Total game changer.

cole_patel411d ago

Ngl, I had the exact same thing happen with a beat up old Pentax 50mm that wouldn't stop sticking. Hit it with a tiny bit of lighter fluid on a q-tip, worked it back and forth a few times, and it freed up like new. Just gotta be patient and not force it too hard or you'll strip something.