Best Lens Cleaning Solution?

[Anduins]

Hi All,

I'm wondering what you use for a lens cleaning solution. I see the Nikon makes a kit but I don't recognize any of the other brands.

Does anyone have suggestions on what to use?

Thanks!

oe

 

[Ed MacDonald]

Hi,
When I have to, I use Eclipse on a PEC pad. It seems to work ok.

--Ed--

Hi All,

I'm wondering what you use for a lens cleaning solution. I see the
Nikon makes a kit but I don't recognize any of the other brands.

Does anyone have suggestions on what to use?

Thanks!

oe

--
--Ed--

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[Anduins]

Never thought of that, what a great suggestion!

I have both and will try them today.

Thanks Ed!

oe

--Ed--

Hi All,

I'm wondering what you use for a lens cleaning solution. I see the
Nikon makes a kit but I don't recognize any of the other brands.

Does anyone have suggestions on what to use?

Thanks!

oe

--
--Ed--

http://www.pbase.com/edmondm
http://www.bytephoto.com/photopost/showgallery.php?ppuser=367
PBase supporter
Member FCAS
CP990
CP5000
D100

 

[Thy2]

Get the blue bottle that you use for windows

--
Thy

 

[Bob Grace]

I did a lot of research on this and tried Eclispe w/ Pec Pad and Optyl-7 w/Pec Pad. I found that both of these left a film of their own on the glass. I finally settled on Formula MC w/ lens cleaning tissue from the Filter Connection (www.2filter.com). This is the best of the three by far IMHO. No film (NPI) and squeaky clean.

 

[paulchiu]

..unless the lens is really dirty. Why risk damaging the coating....

Paul

 

[Ed MacDonald]

My approach is to keep a haze filter on all of my lenses. The only thing that I have to clean is the filter. If I damage that it's no big deal.

--Ed--

..unless the lens is really dirty. Why risk damaging the coating....

Paul

--
--Ed--

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CP5000
D100

 

[Chris101]

Take these steps in order until it comes clean:

1) blower bulb
2) very soft, clean brush

3) microfiber cloth - excellent for fingerprints, but blow and brush the lens off first, as dust will adhere to the prints.

Then, if it still won't come off, cautiously
4) alcohol swab, just like sensor.

Do not wipe with 'lens tissue' until all particulate material has been blown or swept off, as all this will do is grind micro dust into the lens coating causing tiny scratches that you can't see but it will cause image degradation in the form of bad flare.

If something is still stuck on, take the lens to a repair facility, as scouring with windex will certainly ruin your lens.

..unless the lens is really dirty. Why risk damaging the coating....

Paul

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[paulchiu]

...you really do not need to clean it. Those tiny water condensation, spot, or pit like things that you can only see at a 45 degrees angle will probably never affect your images.

This even goes for the rear element as well. I also used to be really concerned over those lint or tiny dust like things inside the lens. You know, everytime you look through your naked lens against the light. Yeah! Those. They will also never affect your beautiful pictures.

It's always more trouble as you try to clean those tiny spots, then create swirls or streaks. Next you get frustrated and apply more force. Now we're literally pressing down on the glass, and half the coating is lifted off. ARGH!!!

Kiddin's aside, the thing that does affect your pictures is your CCD on digital cameras. Unfortunately, for our D-SLR's, we must clean the sensor filter. Oh well.

Paul

 

[Anduins]

Thanks Bob, I ordered everything I needed from 2filter.com

oe

I did a lot of research on this and tried Eclispe w/ Pec Pad and
Optyl-7 w/Pec Pad. I found that both of these left a film of their
own on the glass. I finally settled on Formula MC w/ lens cleaning
tissue from the Filter Connection (www.2filter.com). This is the
best of the three by far IMHO. No film (NPI) and squeaky clean.

 

[Anduins]

It's mostly fingerprints and I do have filters on all my lenses so I'm really talking about cleaning filters.

Next up is cleaning the sensor. I have Nicholas's SensorSwipe and tutorial and am hoping that will do the trick:

Thanks!

oe

...you really do not need to clean it. Those tiny water
condensation, spot, or pit like things that you can only see at a
45 degrees angle will probably never affect your images.

This even goes for the rear element as well. I also used to be
really concerned over those lint or tiny dust like things inside
the lens. You know, everytime you look through your naked lens
against the light. Yeah! Those. They will also never affect your
beautiful pictures.

It's always more trouble as you try to clean those tiny spots, then
create swirls or streaks. Next you get frustrated and apply more
force. Now we're literally pressing down on the glass, and half
the coating is lifted off. ARGH!!!

Kiddin's aside, the thing that does affect your pictures is your
CCD on digital cameras. Unfortunately, for our D-SLR's, we must
clean the sensor filter. Oh well.

Paul

 

[paulchiu]

OH! In that case, if just the filter. Do the human breath, and high tech lens cloth. Making sure after breathing (DON'T have an accident, and spit! ) , circular motion either from center out, or edge in.

CCD's cleaning is an art. In reality, it's really a filter cleaning. The hard part is developing the dexterity to maneuver the tools in that tight tight space. And not screw up something else.

But it's a D-SLR fact of life. After 1/2 a dozen cleanings, you'll be a PRO.

Cheers,

Paul

Next up is cleaning the sensor. I have Nicholas's SensorSwipe and
tutorial and am hoping that will do the trick:

Thanks!

oe

...you really do not need to clean it. Those tiny water
condensation, spot, or pit like things that you can only see at a
45 degrees angle will probably never affect your images.

This even goes for the rear element as well. I also used to be
really concerned over those lint or tiny dust like things inside
the lens. You know, everytime you look through your naked lens
against the light. Yeah! Those. They will also never affect your
beautiful pictures.

It's always more trouble as you try to clean those tiny spots, then
create swirls or streaks. Next you get frustrated and apply more
force. Now we're literally pressing down on the glass, and half
the coating is lifted off. ARGH!!!

Kiddin's aside, the thing that does affect your pictures is your
CCD on digital cameras. Unfortunately, for our D-SLR's, we must
clean the sensor filter. Oh well.

Paul

 

[Boris]

Hi All,

I'm wondering what you use for a lens cleaning solution. I see the
Nikon makes a kit but I don't recognize any of the other brands.

Does anyone have suggestions on what to use?

Thanks!

oe

Calumet lens cleaner solution w/microfiber cloth that I wash often...have the same 38ml bottle for 10 years! Don't need to clean glass too often..when I am near water,beach,rain stream,snow etc I place a filter on my lens.
Boris
http://public.fotki.com/borysd/

 

[Anduins]

To follow up, I was able to successfully clean my filters and lenses with the Eclipse and Pec-Pad solution, thanks for all the suggestions, I did end up ordering some other cleaning solutions from http://www.2filter.com .

One other item, if you haven't used it, I tried the SensorSwipe today from forum member Nicholas:

It was my first attempt at cleaning the sensor and it took me 3 tries but the difference is amazing. My sensor is virtually spot free. It was very easy although you have to be very delicate in your attempts. Like I said, it took me 3 times and about 60 minutes to complete but that's a small price to pay for having blemishes in my photos or worse, having to send the camera in for screwing it up.

FYI.

oe

Hi All,

I'm wondering what you use for a lens cleaning solution. I see the
Nikon makes a kit but I don't recognize any of the other brands.

Does anyone have suggestions on what to use?

Thanks!

oe

 

[tony field]

I'm wondering what you use for a lens cleaning solution. I see the
Nikon makes a kit but I don't recognize any of the other brands.

Lens cleaning is different than sensor cleaning. Sensors are usually cleaned with an alcohol base fluid like Eclipse. I think lenses are normally cleaned with a mild detergent. For example, I use ancient Kodak lens cleaning solution and cleaning tissues.

I suspect the alcohol in Eclipse might not be very friendly with the super-thin multi-coating on the lenses.

Try to find a photo store that sells "lens cleaning fluid".

I did a google search for "lens cleaning":

Kodak web page:

http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=441&pq-locale=en_US

Zeiss:

http://www.zeiss.de/C12567A8003B58B9/ContentsWWWIntern/67576F9E7D2784A3C1256C76002A90B7

http://www.eagleoptics.com/pid1402

tony

 

[Anduins]

Thanks Tony,

I had no choice as I have to shoot a very big party tomorrow so I went with the Eclipse. I have ordered lens cleaning fluid per your suggestion.

Thanks!

oe

I'm wondering what you use for a lens cleaning solution. I see the
Nikon makes a kit but I don't recognize any of the other brands.

Lens cleaning is different than sensor cleaning. Sensors are
usually cleaned with an alcohol base fluid like Eclipse. I think
lenses are normally cleaned with a mild detergent. For example, I
use ancient Kodak lens cleaning solution and cleaning tissues.

I suspect the alcohol in Eclipse might not be very friendly with
the super-thin multi-coating on the lenses.

Try to find a photo store that sells "lens cleaning fluid".

I did a google search for "lens cleaning":

Kodak web page:

http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=441&pq-locale=en_US

Zeiss:

http://www.zeiss.de/C12567A8003B58B9/ContentsWWWIntern/67576F9E7D2784A3C1256C76002A90B7

http://www.eagleoptics.com/pid1402

tony

 

[Jsimmons]

I read the same tutorial and I've been waiting for some one else (you?) to be the guinea pig. Tell us all how it goes when you do it!!

Jeff

Next up is cleaning the sensor. I have Nicholas's SensorSwipe and
tutorial and am hoping that will do the trick:

Thanks!

oe

...you really do not need to clean it. Those tiny water
condensation, spot, or pit like things that you can only see at a
45 degrees angle will probably never affect your images.

This even goes for the rear element as well. I also used to be
really concerned over those lint or tiny dust like things inside
the lens. You know, everytime you look through your naked lens
against the light. Yeah! Those. They will also never affect your
beautiful pictures.

It's always more trouble as you try to clean those tiny spots, then
create swirls or streaks. Next you get frustrated and apply more
force. Now we're literally pressing down on the glass, and half
the coating is lifted off. ARGH!!!

Kiddin's aside, the thing that does affect your pictures is your
CCD on digital cameras. Unfortunately, for our D-SLR's, we must
clean the sensor filter. Oh well.

Paul

 

[gho]

Yup, that's how I clean my lenses (which is rare). Don't hyperventilate though. Works best when the lense is cold.

On second thought, if you hyperventilate, it may make the cleaning more fun!

Gregory

CCD's cleaning is an art. In reality, it's really a filter
cleaning. The hard part is developing the dexterity to maneuver
the tools in that tight tight space. And not screw up something
else.

But it's a D-SLR fact of life. After 1/2 a dozen cleanings, you'll
be a PRO.

Cheers,

Paul

Next up is cleaning the sensor. I have Nicholas's SensorSwipe and
tutorial and am hoping that will do the trick:

Thanks!

oe

...you really do not need to clean it. Those tiny water
condensation, spot, or pit like things that you can only see at a
45 degrees angle will probably never affect your images.

This even goes for the rear element as well. I also used to be
really concerned over those lint or tiny dust like things inside
the lens. You know, everytime you look through your naked lens
against the light. Yeah! Those. They will also never affect your
beautiful pictures.

It's always more trouble as you try to clean those tiny spots, then
create swirls or streaks. Next you get frustrated and apply more
force. Now we're literally pressing down on the glass, and half
the coating is lifted off. ARGH!!!

Kiddin's aside, the thing that does affect your pictures is your
CCD on digital cameras. Unfortunately, for our D-SLR's, we must
clean the sensor filter. Oh well.

Paul

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[Mario]

Absolutely NOT. I have tried cleaning my 70-200 VR with Eclipse. It left a residue that I only could clean with soap, and it took me an hour to do it....

Do not try this experiment, learn from other's mistakes.

 

[Mike Roden]

http://www.lensclens.com/

as recommended by: http://www.moose395.net/howto/lensclens.html

Used along with a microfiber cloth is the only thing I've ever used that truely removes all gunk and leaves no streaking on multicoated lenses and filters.

Hi All,

I'm wondering what you use for a lens cleaning solution. I see the
Nikon makes a kit but I don't recognize any of the other brands.

Does anyone have suggestions on what to use?

Thanks!

oe