14-54mm lens cleaning

[seabrookjohn]

Help! I have an E510 that came with the 14-54mm kit lens. I can hear a grinding sound in the lens when I zoom it out and back. (I think it can from a recent excursion to the beach. Does anyone out there have any experience in cleaning this lens?? thanks

[Ken.]

Oh, that's so very bad. And damaging. I'd contact Olympus immediately and get an estimate on a tear down and clean. The clearances are so tight I can't think of anything that could slide down a lens tube to dislodge the grit.

[seabrookjohn]

Thanks
I have considered using compressed air but am a bit concerned that it woudl just move the contamination further into the lens. Opinions?

[raven15]

Is that the "dust sealed" 14-54mm lens? Should I be concerned about using mine in dusty/sandy places?

[Ken.]

I'd try drawing it out rather than blowing it in. A lightweight vacuum with an upholstery brush. They make adapters for computer cleaning that come with tiny brushes. I use that for cleaning out printers, keyboards, fan assemblies....

I never bring an expensive camera to a beach for casual shooting. Besides the sand you have the heat, humidity, corrosion factor, etc. It's not worth the hassle.

[seabrookjohn]

It is the kit lens so I doubt it.