I used to use lab grade ethanol to clean both the outside and the
front/rear elements but it would smear a bit on the glass, depending on the
amount of filth (I sometimes buy lenses from pawnbrokers that have stood on
an open shelf, rear end upwards - ergh! I also had difficulty cleaning
dirty mirrors - left drying smears, even after 3-4 floodings. So I asked my
local repairman. He uses Windex! Ammonia based. Blue stuff you use on
showers, windows, etc. I tried it with some trepidation, on a couple of
nasty old lenses first. It works - evaporates very quickly. So -
Apply Windex with a dipped Johnson & Johnson Cotton Bud (some other brands
have something in the cotton to hold it together). Work gently over the
surface. Remove recalcitrant specks gently with the point of a toothpick.
Final VERY gently rub with a clean microfibre cloth. Seems to work. Next
step - I'll try removing foam goo from a mirror and focus screen - on a
dead body first, of course!
AndrewF
>John wrote:
><<<I need to clean one or two lenses purchased recently (and maybe one or two
>of my own!)
>What is best to use for glass surfaces? and for barrel surfaces?
>Any hints, lore?>>>
>
>My reply:
>Oh no!!! Not again!!!
>I urge you to search the archives. This topic comes up very often.
>There is no consensus, but I use 99 0sopropyl alcohol from the drug store
>and cotton swabs or old cotton T-shirt. I stay away from the 70 0sopropyl
>because it has all sorts of other listed ingredients and use cotton because
>paper products can have fibers that may scratche elements.
>Also, I hope you are talking about cleaning the front and rear elements and
>not taking the lens apart. Unless you have a _very_ proven method of
>controlling the dust, I would leave this to a professional.
>
>HTH,
>--p.j.
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