TV Hack #1: Leak proof your lens cleaner.

TV Hack #1: never leak lens fluid again

So my problem was, I kept buying Zeiss lens cleaner (I will, without fail spell it Ziess at-least once in this post). I would try to always have one in my bag, (I’m a notorious packer and re-packer). This would be fine when the clear plastic cap was on, but it would eventually crack or break and I would have to leave it in my bag without a cap. Now the cap doesn’t lock, so the bottle would just continuously leak. Some bags have dedicated plastic pockets. But if I was taking a travel bag or just placing it In my regular back pack, then it would leak and soak my bag. Sometimes I could place it more efficiently, but ultimately this required more attention. Because placing it somewhere in a bag where it wouldn’t leak is really just a work around.

I tried looking for a lens cleaning bottle that has locking caps. I figured that would be a no brainer, but I actually had no success. So I started looking for spray bottles that lock and I stumbled upon perfume atomizers. They’re these travel sized spray bottles, that twist to lock and are perfect to throw in your pocket or camera bag, without having it leak all over. You can also buy them empty for making your own perfume.

I’ve shared this issue with people before and got mixed reactions, but maybe it’s due to my failure to properly explain the problem. I think my neurotic over thinking usually routes me to find an alternative, even if there are already common solutions to the problem. This would appeal to companies that manage crews or multiple cameras. Buying bulk lens cleaner and distrusting it amongst several bags, is a great way to know that you’re always prepared. (Not saying you should constantly clean your lenses either, doing so will eventually wear down the coating. However, being in a scenario where something is effecting the image quality and not having the fix handy is what I want to avoid.)

I’ve included links to these products through out this post. They are affiliate links and we do make a few pennies if you happen to purchase through our link. But feel free to search for “perfume atomizer”, if you want to shop around for yourself. We don’t aim to profit off of our readers so aggressively. Click any of the related links or images in this post to open one.

I found a set of atomizers that was plain looking enough to blend in with the rest of my gear, without them being too over the top. Click the image on the left to open the amazon page.

But there are a lot of options available. So if you’re a little extra proud, it can definitely be a unique addition to your bag. I’m sure you could find something impressive.

I use Zeiss Lens Cleaner but some of my filmschool reader may resignate more with Pancro

Fun fact: I spelled Pancro as panko throughout college and could never end up finding it online. DO NOT put Panko on your lens, you can use Pancro instead. It is far more efficient.

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One lens cap to save them all

Losing lens caps is a pain. There are many alternatives like keeping a leash attached to your lens or creating a system of placing the cap in your pocket or bag that you religiously repeat. My method is to make all of my lenses the same filter thread, using step up rings.

Make a list of all of your lenses and their filter sizes and then determine the largest lens you have. The thread is typically determined by a number near the filter thread, that looks like Ø67. It will be a number and this symbol “Ø” If you cannot find the thread size, google your specific lens and you should find the correct size. *For some vintage lenses, I would look them up on Ebay to ensure the lens is the same*

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My largest filter thread is 72mm. Next, I purchase the step up rings for each lens.

I typically make them a little bigger then my largest lens to future proof my filters. Then, I purchase a bunch of lens caps at my specified size and keep a few extra in my bag. 3 Pack Lens caps

This method is also great if you want to only use one filter for all your lenses. Instead of buying multiple, you can focus on getting quality filters.

For details on buying filters click below.

A Guide to Filters for Lenses

Universal lens caps are a great alternative to this practice. Universal Lens Caps

Step Up Rings

Thank You

For taking time to read this post. I hope you found some of this information valuable and look forward to post future articles for you in the future!