Electronic Focus lenses are precision pieces of equipment.
Camera lenses can be precision pieces of optical and mechanical design. EF or electronic focus lenses contain a number of glass lens elements and small electronically driven motors that adjust the lens and provide sharp focus. While there shouldn't be much need to clean the inside of an EF lens, should you need to, you can do it at home as long as you exercise caution in taking the lens apart and putting it back together. Before you take the lens apart, you should make sure no warranty is left on the lens because taking the lens apart will void any existing warranty.
Instructions
1. Remove the lens from your camera by pressing the lens release button and rotating the lens until it disconnects from the camera.
2. Install a body cap on the camera to prevent dust from entering the camera.
3. Use a small precision screwdriver to remove the screws from the mounting ring and the barrel of the lens. Depending on the make and type of EF lens, whether it is a zoom or prime lens, the number of screws used will vary.
4. Carefully remove the mounting ring from the rear of the camera. The mounting ring has a ribbon cable running from it to the inside of the lens. The cable carries the electrical signals from the camera and power to run the electronic motors of the lens.
5. Carefully pry the lens open. Inside you will see a number of glass lens elements, and depending on the lens, it may have anywhere from four to seven different glass lenses.
6. Using a microfiber cloth, clean each lens, leaving it installed in the lens housing. These elements are placed at precise measurements and angles to one another.
7. Reassemble the lens by placing the lens housing together, and then reattach the rear mounting ring. Replace and tighten all the screws you removed from the lens.
8. Attach the lens to your camera, and you are ready to start shooting again.
Tags: mounting ring, lens apart, from camera, glass lens, glass lens elements