kenspix
Established
What is the correct technique for cleaning the outer surface of lenses, if a dusting won't do.Can you use any liquids?
What's the correct cleaning technique for glass
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ForeverUnknown
Let's Go Ducks!
I've been using Formula MC from 2filter.com and lens tissue with good results.
Xmas
Veteran
Use a lens hood to keep your fingers off. Get a snap in cap for the hood.
Optical glass is not like window glass, it is soft and the 'hard' coating can be scratched by quartz particles, liquid can capillary into the lens.
Noel
Optical glass is not like window glass, it is soft and the 'hard' coating can be scratched by quartz particles, liquid can capillary into the lens.
Noel
wontonny
Well-known
Water is called the universal solvent for a reason
Get a lens cleaning cloth, not the fuzzy ones, but the ones with a uniform texture. and make sure it's clean
Get a lens cleaning cloth, not the fuzzy ones, but the ones with a uniform texture. and make sure it's clean
ferider
Veteran
Hi Ken,
after blowing it off with compressed air, try breath first, then isopropanol.
More important to use the right cloth, I use the little cleaning cloths that
come with new sun glasses (they feel like thin chamois, you can probably
get them for free from your optrician) ... After using them a
few times, use new ones, when you touch them a few times they
become in-effective (same as micro-fiber, etc).
Be careful on older Leitz glass - easy to leave marks with anything.
Roland.
after blowing it off with compressed air, try breath first, then isopropanol.
More important to use the right cloth, I use the little cleaning cloths that
come with new sun glasses (they feel like thin chamois, you can probably
get them for free from your optrician) ... After using them a
few times, use new ones, when you touch them a few times they
become in-effective (same as micro-fiber, etc).
Be careful on older Leitz glass - easy to leave marks with anything.
Roland.
Pablito
coco frío
😀 Windex!
maitrestanley
Established
ferider said:
I've read somewhere that you shouldn't use the cleaning clothes for eyeglasses on lenses. Apparently these cloths are impregnated with chemicals that can eat away at your lens surface.
I use careful handling and an Ilford Microfibre lens cleaning cloth.. It's bright orange. You can't miss it.
kenspix
Established
Thanks all, i will be careful....
Steve Bellayr
Veteran
I use Xmas' method. I keep the lenses covered with filters. Clean the filters. If they go...new filter. There are lens cleaners available from camera shops which I use. I also use a 100 cotton handkerchief that has been washed a "million" times. But as I said I am cleaning the filters.
mc_vancouver
Established
highly effective at getting rid of pretty much everything...
highly effective at getting rid of pretty much everything...
These two methods of cleaning lenses have proven to be very effective at getting rid of anything that might be on the front of the lens, including coatings and the first element. Note you should use safety goggles when using these cleaners.
highly effective at getting rid of pretty much everything...
These two methods of cleaning lenses have proven to be very effective at getting rid of anything that might be on the front of the lens, including coatings and the first element. Note you should use safety goggles when using these cleaners.
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ray_g
Guest
I don't touch the old leica lenses. I keep a filter on them all the time.
For newer coated lenses, I use a blower and brush to remove dust. If necessary, I use a tiny bit of alcohol on microfiber cloth. Same method for cleaning the VF.
For newer coated lenses, I use a blower and brush to remove dust. If necessary, I use a tiny bit of alcohol on microfiber cloth. Same method for cleaning the VF.
georgefspencer
Member
Leica Cleaning Cloth
jkelly
Analog hobbyist
I use my breath and a microfiber cloth when the glass gets really dirty. I also use filters, but eventually you just gotta clean those puppies.
Avotius
Some guy
filters and a lens pen, never had a problem
Bill58
Native Texan
Awhile back on the LUG it was suggested to: 1.) blow off lens surface w/ a rubber lens bulb 2.) use clear, unscented Acetone on a Q-tip, then dry using same (the other end) REPEAT W/ TWO DIFFERANT Q-TIPS 3.) make a wetting solution w/ a bottle of distilled water and a couple of drops of liquid dishwashing detergent on Q-tips and dry using same (the other end) REPEAT W/ TWO DIFFERANT Q-TIPS . Finished!
I've used this method often and works fine.
Don't do it frequently--use air from bulb in-between to remove dust. Never use compressed air can or microfiber cloths (too many fakes on the market that can damage lens coating) Not my opinion, just quoting sources on the LUG.
I've used this method often and works fine.
Don't do it frequently--use air from bulb in-between to remove dust. Never use compressed air can or microfiber cloths (too many fakes on the market that can damage lens coating) Not my opinion, just quoting sources on the LUG.
Last edited:
jackp510
Member
An ameteur astronomer gave me the same suggestion that Bill58 gave which is how he cleans his telescope lenses. It cleans the surface of oils and prints very well. Just have to be conservative with the amount you saturate your q-tips. You don't want liquid sloshing all over the lens which increases the risk that it will seep into the edges btw the glass and the barrel.
Jack
Jack
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