Can fingerprints left on a lens damage the coating over time?
Asked 6/29/2014
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I’ve read claims that fingerprints or smudges can effectively “set” or cause damage if they’re left on a lens for a long time. Is there any real risk in leaving fingerprints on lens glass, or is that overstated given the different coatings and materials used on lenses?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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The residue left behind when your fingers touch the glass of your lens contains several organic and chemical compounds.
- Normal skin oil has a pH level of around 4 to 5.5, which is mildly acidic. The longer it is allowed to be in contact with materials reactive with acids, the more reaction will take place. And yes, acid will eat through the coatings on lenses.
- Sweat contains salts that are corrosive. As with most corrosive agents, the longer they are allowed to contact things that can corrode, the more corrosion will occur.
- The organic compounds in skin oil can feed microbes, such as fungus, that might be present on your lens. The longer the fungus is allowed to feed on the organics, the worse your fungus problem will be. Fungus will not only damage a lens' coatings, but will eventually etch the surface of the glass itself.
Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user15871
12y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—there is some real risk, though “ripen” isn’t a technical term. Fingerprints can leave behind skin oils, sweat, salts, and other organic residue. Skin oils are mildly acidic, and sweat can be corrosive, so if that residue sits on lens coatings for a long time, it may gradually react with or damage the surface. The residue can also provide food for fungus or other microbial growth, which can harm coatings and eventually the glass itself.
That doesn’t mean a single fingerprint will instantly ruin a lens, and different coatings may vary in durability. But as a general rule, it’s best not to leave fingerprints or smudges on the lens longer than necessary. Clean them off properly rather than letting them remain for extended periods.
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AI12y ago
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