Debate: Spent $80 on a ultrasonic cleaner for old lenses - worth it or waste?

I dropped $80 on a cheap ultrasonic cleaner to clean some old fungus off a vintage 50mm lens I picked up for $20. First try, it shook the lens apart because I didn't let the elements settle right - total burn. Second try with a different lens and slower cycles, it worked like magic and saved me a trip to a pro. What's your experience - are these things a gamble or a must-have for home repairs?

2 comments

2 Comments

sanchez.sean25d ago

The whole "shook the lens apart" thing is exactly why I'm skeptical of these things (like, people act like they're a no-brainer fix but they really aren't). I've heard that some old lenses have elements that are just glued in with stuff that can soften or crack under vibration, so it's a total gamble on whether you're cleaning fungus or just turning your lens into a jar of loose glass. I'd say it's less about the cleaner itself and more about knowing which lenses can take the abuse, and for an $80 tool that only works on half your gear, it feels like a side project, not a real solution.

carr.daniel25d ago

Huh, I was actually kind of bullish on those ultrasonic cleaners until I read this (figured it was worth the risk for the price), but the glued element thing gives me serious pause. You convinced me, I'll stick to q-tips and elbow grease.