How can I fix a sticky focus ring after soda got into my kit lens?
Asked 9/6/2010
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2 answers
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Soda splashed onto my Pentax 18-55mm kit lens. I cleaned the exterior, but now the focus ring is sticky and hard to turn, although the lens otherwise seems to work. Since it’s a low-cost lens and already difficult to use, I’m wondering whether there’s a safe way to clean it myself or if professional service is the better option.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
4
First of all, my first suggestion is to have a professional cleaning...However, if the cost is prohibitive, this is my second:
I haven't tried it on camera equipment, but I have used 99% isopropyl alcohol to clean computer equipment. This is very similar to rubbing alcohol, but it is higher purity. A typical rubbing alcohol is about 60-70% pure, which means that there can be a lot of water/additives that will not help in the cleaning process, and may leave a residue after cleaning.
My main concern with this approach would be that the alcohol could clean the lens too well, removing some of the coatings that are added to reduce glare. From the sounds of it, that risk isn't too much of a problem in your situation though, as I'd rather have a lens with the possibility of bad coatings than a lens that doesn't focus well.
I would pour a small amount of the alcohol over the areas that are sticky, then gently wipe the excess off with a microfiber cloth. After giving it a little time to evaporate, try the rings, and if they are still sticky, repeat the process.
Originally by user67. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user67
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The safest recommendation is professional cleaning, since sticky soda can get inside the focus mechanism and lens disassembly is easy to get wrong.
If repair cost isn’t worth it for a basic kit lens, a careful DIY attempt may help: use very high-purity isopropyl alcohol (around 99%) rather than ordinary rubbing alcohol. Lower-purity rubbing alcohol often contains more water and additives that can leave residue. Apply it sparingly to the affected exterior area rather than flooding the lens.
Be cautious: alcohol may remove lubricants or potentially affect lens coatings if it reaches the wrong surfaces, so avoid getting it on the glass elements unless you are specifically cleaning optics with proper technique. If the stickiness is internal, surface cleaning may not fully solve it.
In short: best option is professional service; if the lens isn’t worth that cost, a careful cleaning with high-purity isopropyl alcohol is the most reasonable DIY approach, with some risk.
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