I just ran out of my last bunch of Kodak lens cleaning papers. There are lots of other products out there these days, including "lens pens." What is the preferred method/technology for large format lenses? Suggestions?
Products made for eyeglasses may not be suitable for camera lenses because of the very fragile lens coating. Stick with products made for camera lenses.
The microfiber cloth I linked to in post #3. Nikon, Canon, Zeiss market their versions also, likely made by Microdear.So what products are there which are directed specifically at lenses and not eyeglasses?
Insufficient information. What type of filters, solid glass in a metal rim, gelatin, gelatin sandwiched between glass with or without a metal rim, plastic with or without a metal rim, something else, no clue?actually, I have a question so similar that I thought I'd post it here. I have some 35mm filters that I can't get clean with microfibre cloths or with a lens cleaning pen. One of the employees at a local camera shop suggested I just try a little bit of water. Anyone see any issues with this?
These would all be glass with a metal rim. They are pentax skylight and uv/haze filters that date back to the launch of my k2. They have some pretty stubborn stuck on gunk which I can't get off with my lens pens, nor with lens paper. My microfibre cloth cleans the glass around these spots but these things are stuck on. I've spent about 5min of solid cleaning per filter with a pretty poor result. I almost feel like I need to use my fingernails to pick this stuff off, but it's very fine.Insufficient information. What type of filters, solid glass in a metal rim, gelatin, gelatin sandwiched between glass with or without a metal rim, plastic with or without a metal rim, something else, no clue?
Sandwitched filters are subject to moisture penetrating the edges and damaging the filter material. Plastic are subjected to scratches, metal rims may corrode.
I've cleaned many vintage lens and glass filters with my breath and a heavyweight microfiber cloth, I had to apply my breath and wipe many times to get the 50+ year old haze off and alcohol, Windex, dish detergent and water would not phase.
When cleaning an optical glass surface with water use a slow running stream and rub lightly with your finger tips only.
Sounds like you have some other than the normal stuff that get on filters, try some Windex or acetone and a Q-tip.These would all be glass with a metal rim. They are pentax skylight and uv/haze filters that date back to the launch of my k2. They have some pretty stubborn stuck on gunk which I can't get off with my lens pens, nor with lens paper. My microfibre cloth cleans the glass around these spots but these things are stuck on. I've spent about 5min of solid cleaning per filter with a pretty poor result. I almost feel like I need to use my fingernails to pick this stuff off, but it's very fine.
Been there and have done it, but gently. A scratch of the front will not be visible in the image unless severe when side light will cause flare.I almost feel like I need to use my fingernails to pick this stuff off, but it's very fine.
Several years ago, within Zeiss there was conflict about whether the wet tissues in the Zeiss packets were suitable for use on photographic lenses, of if they were really only suited to eyeglass cleaning!There were good Zeiss Lens Cloths ( wet paper tissues in sealed sachets ) at Walmart. 50 in a blue cardbooard box that are excellent!
https://www.google.be/search?q=zeis...zaLVAhVKVxoKHZtID0AQ_AUICigB&biw=1680&bih=944
I like Kimwipes and Rosco lens cleaning fluid, both from a movie industry supplier.
I've cleaned lenses every which way over the years. Probably the best easiest way is with a Kimwipe and some cleaning fluid. I really liked the Zeiss fluid I used to buy at Wallyworld of all places, but the last bottle I bought there was different, and came from a different division of Zeiss. The best fluid I have used is ROR. I think the last time I bought it at B&H. They also have the Zeiss stuff.
If you want the ultimate clean lens, there is a polymer that used to be called OptiClean but I think the name is different now. You paint it on, then peel it off. Incredible stuff. Cleans the lens microscopically, probably getting it cleaner than when it was new. Costs a small fortune though. I have some of it and only use it to clean the internal surfaces of a lens if the lens is worth it. Like I said, costs a fortune.
I have also read that you can use Collodion which is what they used to use to clean large telescopes. Never tried it myself.
Kimwipe is much too abrasive. Stick to lens cloths and lens tissues. There are reasons for their existence.
I clean filters all the time with paper towels and Windex..... Haven't scratched one yet.
I've cleaned lenses every which way over the years. Probably the best easiest way is with a Kimwipe and some cleaning fluid. I really liked the Zeiss fluid I used to buy at Wallyworld of all places, but the last bottle I bought there was different, and came from a different division of Zeiss. The best fluid I have used is ROR. I think the last time I bought it at B&H. They also have the Zeiss stuff.
If you want the ultimate clean lens, there is a polymer that used to be called OptiClean but I think the name is different now. You paint it on, then peel it off. Incredible stuff. Cleans the lens microscopically, probably getting it cleaner than when it was new. Costs a small fortune though. I have some of it and only use it to clean the internal surfaces of a lens if the lens is worth it. Like I said, costs a fortune.
I have also read that you can use Collodion which is what they used to use to clean large telescopes. Never tried it myself.
I clean filters all the time with paper towels and Windex..... Haven't scratched one yet.
I use compressed air, a soft brush and toilet paper with eye-glass cleaner fluid in that sequence but no rubbing or spraying fluid directly onto the lens.I just ran out of my last bunch of Kodak lens cleaning papers. There are lots of other products out there these days, including "lens pens." What is the preferred method/technology for large format lenses? Suggestions?
Ralph, I lived in Europe in the late 70s and I swear that some of the toilet paper still had wood chips in it. I am glad things have improved!
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