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If you are new to the fast-paced world of high-end photography, you may wonder how to fix a scratched camera lens. After all, many of the best digital cameras are DSLR models, and the lenses within these cameras are susceptible to scratches. So why learn about lens repair with the best DSLR cameras, and what exactly are your repair options? Keep reading to find out.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Learning how to fix a scratched lens is just as important as learning how to reset a DSLR camera. The lens is the light’s first stop in your camera if you are learning the definition of a lens adapter. The lens directs light to the mirrors, prisms, and, ultimately, the image sensor, which is important when learning how to set up a DSLR camera. This is true even when using a DSLR for video.
Insider Tip
There are plenty of DIY options here, but how well they work depends entirely on the severity of the scratch.
Each lens is unique, and each scratch differs in severity. Here are some things worth trying when your lens gets scratched.
The easiest way to fix a lens is by purchasing and using a dedicated lens repair kit. These kits vary in price and which cameras they work with. Do your research when purchasing one of these kits, and make sure to read the directions ahead of time, as they include a number of components.
Wait, toothpaste? It’s true. Toothpaste is a natural astringent, making it quite handy for buffing out scratches. Slightly dampen a clean cotton swab and add a tiny bit of toothpaste. Rub the lens gently in concentric circles from the middle out. Keep rubbing until the scratch is buffed away. It helps to clean your lens before attempting this trick.
STAT: There is no major difference in principle between a lens used for a still camera, a video camera, a telescope, a microscope, or other apparatus, but the details of design and construction are different. (source)
Another decent DIY option is to use a standard pencil eraser. This old-school trick has been serving shutterbugs for over a century. Make sure it is a new eraser on the softer side. Clean the lens ahead of time with a dry microfiber cloth and then gently rub the eraser with the scratch, following the contours. Repeat this several times until the scratch buffs out.
This is a decent option, but rubbing alcohol can damage lenses, so exercise caution. Clean the lens ahead of time, apply a bit of alcohol to a cotton swab, and rub slowly, starting at the center in circles.
