How to clean a filter with OIL on it. . .

[sf]

I noticed a strange sort of speckling on the surface of my B+W 62mm UV filter. . . then noticed that it smeared when wiped with a lens cloth. It left a very durable hazy smear no matter what I did.

TOday, I bought some Kodak lens cleaning fluid and some Kodak wipes, and followed the directions to clean my filter.

Horrible. The fluid and wipes, even though the oily residue had been largely removed, only made things much much worse. No matter what I do, I can't seem to get this filter clean.

I have no idea who sneezed this evil grease on this filter. . . .

what would you do?

 

[davidbivins]

That really sucks. Have you considered a gentle detergent to cut the oil, then a healthy rinse in tap water to clear it, then a bath in purified or distilled water to clear as much of the junk in the tap water that you may or may not have in your area? I would consider that, but no wiping of the surface.

 

[peterc]

Wash with dish detergent or PhotoFlo, rinse well with tap water, then distilled water, dry. Worked fine for my B&W filters.

Peter

 

[Bill58]

I'd start w/ Acetone twice, then do the distilled water w/ a couple of drops of Simple Green in a quart, the dry. Use Q-tips w/ all cleanings fluids/ drying.

 

[ChrisN]

Not kidding, but I do my filters in the kitchen sink, warm water, detergent, final rinse warm water, then warm breath and microfibre cloth to finish off. Sounds just like Peter's routine.

 

[GWHomeyer]

As simple as it sounds, you might want to just try a good quality microfiber cloth, followed by a bit of alcohol if needed and another wipe with a (clean) section of microfiber cloth. I've had microfiber cloths remove stuff that cleaners didn't seem to be able to touch.

 

[sf]

I'd start w/ Acetone twice, then do the distilled water w/ a couple of drops of Simple Green in a quart, the dry. Use Q-tips w/ all cleanings fluids/ drying.

acetone?????? Yikes. A bit excessive, no? I'd think acetone would kill the coating. Maybe not?

 

[kaiyen]

I'd think acetone would affect the coatings, too. Just the dishwasher works If you're in the field, ROR is the best bet.

 

[billbarber]

add a little of rubbing alcohol + ammonia to your water with the dishwashing detergent and you will be fine. Acetone or nail polish remover sounds a little harsh.

 

[mike goldberg]

Hi...
I've read all the replies, and this feels good to me:

- Rinse the filter in cool water with a few drops of dishwashing detergent.
A bit of alcohol can be added if the oily streak is really stubborn.
- Rinse it again with dilute Photoflow.
- Drain the excessive liquid and let it drain & dry... standing & supported vertically.
- When it appears dry, gently soak up the excess wetness down the bottom with a kleenex tissue... with NO rubbing.
- When the flter is absolutely dry, gently clean it DRY with a square of old -Tshirt, that is soft, having been washed many times.

Why all of the above?... so as not to damage the delicate coating on the filter.
NOTE: Thanks to Ruben for some of the info herein.
Mike

 

[ZorkiKat]

Tried Kiwi Glass cleaner? It does wonders in cleaning pesky oily smudges. Use long-fibred cotton wool or high grade facial tissue. You could use any good glass cleaner as well. These are alcohol+detergent+ammonia.

Roll up the tissue in small balls and dampen one lightly with glass cleaner. Wipe the smudge in a gentle but definite way. Follow up immediately with another gentle wipe with a fresh, dry tissue ball.

Then breathe on the wiped surface and wipe the condensation with another tissue ball. This should "rinse" any glass cleaner left on the surface. Use the tissue balls only once.

Some may not agree with the use of the "unorthodox" materials like tissue and glass cleaner here. But many camera technicians use this method not only for filters but lenses as well.

Jay

 

[ErnestoJL]

What I do is to clean filters under warm (35-50ºC) with a normal dishwasher, then allowing it to dry in clean air(no rubbing with anything). If some oil specs are still there, then another wash, same way as before, and for final touch any ammonia based grease removing fluid (usual kitchen supply). Allow it to dry in clean air for some hours (three or four and reinspect.
I wouldn´t use any chemicals (hydrocarbon based) as it would impair coatings or leave another problem to be fixed.

Ernesto