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Vaseline on the lens- best lens cleaner?


Guest Tim Partridge

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Whenever I use to do stills, from time to time I'd stick vaseline over the lens for an old fashioned stylistic effect. Whenever cleaning up afterwards I'd use an oardinary lens cleaner (like the type you folks with glasses or contacts have to use to remove marks). I am aware however that given the electronic set up of the Sony DSR 500, going directly onto the lens with a high street lens cleaner might not be the best solution?

 

Would it be best to apply the vaseline to a plain filter inserted into the mattebox? Actually, wouldn't that be even messier?

 

Vaseline, Ladies stockings- some people say we have no lives ;)

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Mitch has the right idea. Video/cine lenses typically have an anti-reflection coating that helps the absorption of light and performance of the lens. This delicate coating is what you should always protect.

 

If you've only used the vaseline trick with stills, you may notice the effect is quite different with moving images. Motion quickly calls attention to the distortion of the vaseline, and creates a visible separation between filter and subject -- unlike the seamless, integrated image you get with a still. But by all means try it, and see what you like.

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Mitch and Michael,

 

thanks very much for your help! SEE? the simplest and most OBVIOUS solution is often overlooked-

 

Michael Re:vaseline lens

 

Lee Garmes use to use the technique all the time on b/w and early technicolor movies- trick is a stationary camera and a wide lens (well for what I need it for anyhoo)- I once used vaseline on a SuperVHS home video camcorder as a gag I shot messing around with some friends at university- Just one of those quirks I'd feel happier doing myself than in post. :)

 

As for the rest of you: Curious how you all came out of the woodwork for that one! :P

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Guest Daniel J. Ashley-Smith
Whenever I use to do stills, from time to time I'd stick vaseline over the lens for an old fashioned stylistic effect. Whenever cleaning up afterwards I'd use an oardinary lens cleaner (like the type you folks with glasses or contacts have to use to remove marks). I am aware however that given the electronic set up of the Sony DSR 500, going directly onto the lens with a high street lens cleaner might not be the best solution?

 

Would it be best to apply the vaseline to a plain filter inserted into the mattebox? Actually, wouldn't that be even messier?

 

Vaseline, Ladies stockings- some people say we have no lives ;)

You will need something slightly acidic to cut through the vaseline. Trouble is, it MAY cut though any coatings on the lens. Personally, I'd stick the vaseline on a skylight filter. You can clean it sure, but you really don't want to be taking risks with lenses.

 

I know this sounds disgusting but I heard human saliva is slightly acidic.. give it a go, at your own risk. But be prepared to take the lens to a specialist, when he asks what's on it, vaseline and gob. Lovely...

Edited by Daniel J. Ashley-Smith
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