Changed my mind about UV light for fungus after seeing a lens clean up

I used to think UV lamps for cleaning fungus were a gimmick. But last month a buddy brought in a Takumar 50mm that looked like someone spilled soot inside. All those little threads of fungus coating the inner elements. I hit it with a UV-C lamp for about 20 hours straight then did a proper clean with peroxide and alcohol. The difference was night and day. The haze just lifted right off, no scrubbing needed. I had tried cleaning a similar lens a few years back without UV and spent like 2 hours fighting residue. Now I keep a cheap UV lamp in my shop and use it as step one on anything with mold or fungus. Has anyone else tried UV on older glass with balsam separation or does that need a different approach?

2 comments

2 Comments

tyler_hernandez5d ago

Got a UV lamp after seeing the same thing with a Helios 44, now I use it on old dusty thrift store glass before even trying to clean them. It's like how I let a soapy sponge sit on a burnt pan for a few minutes before scrubbing, just makes everything come off way easier.

lucas_carr243d ago

UV lamp seems like a lot of work for some old dust. Do you really need special equipment for a quick lens wipe? Feels like overkill for something that'll just get dirty again.