Bought a $20 ultrasonic cleaner from Harbor Freight expecting it to be junk. Actually works great for lenses.

I've been fixing cameras for about 4 years now and always just used lens cleaner and a microfiber for stubborn spots. Last month I had this old Pentax K1000 with some fungus on the rear element that would NOT come off with manual cleaning. Figured why not try the cheap route first. Threw the lens in for 3 cycles with some distilled water and a drop of dish soap. Came out spotless. No scratches, no residue. I'm still in shock. Has anyone else had good luck with budget ultrasonic cleaners on glass?

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1 Comment

ninag1020h ago

Funny how spending 20 bucks makes you feel like a genius when it actually works. My first attempt with a cheap cleaner was for some old glasses I found at a thrift store. Pulled them out looking like they just came off the assembly line. Now I just tell people I'm a professional lens rehabilitator, like a physical therapist for optics.