Discussion
Well, not so much lenses but lens filters. Please forgive my stupidity as I'm new to this game. My Hoya Pro1 Polarising filter had smudge marks on it so decided to buy these for cleaning:
They are alcohol based. I used them gently in a circular motion and the smudges were removed. Unfortunately they have left marks on the glass that can't be removed. Almost as if the coating on the filter has been partially dissolved. Am now having to buy a new filter. It may be that the wipes are ok on the lens itself but they have ruined the filter. Lesson learnt! Think I'll stick to a bit of spit with a microfibre cloth in future.
They are alcohol based. I used them gently in a circular motion and the smudges were removed. Unfortunately they have left marks on the glass that can't be removed. Almost as if the coating on the filter has been partially dissolved. Am now having to buy a new filter. It may be that the wipes are ok on the lens itself but they have ruined the filter. Lesson learnt! Think I'll stick to a bit of spit with a microfibre cloth in future.
That’s odd op..... I use those exact wipes all the time and swear by them for removing really bad grease / oil on glass elements.
I believe a lot of camera shops / lens rental places use them too.
It may be worth dropping them a line that their cleaning product has damaged the filter - be sure it is actually damaged! I had a lens arrive in poor condition with oil / grease all over it. It looked awful and i was going to send it back. But after 2 wipes it was perfect - the first attempt seemed to move the oil around!
Could you post a photo of the damaged filters?
I believe a lot of camera shops / lens rental places use them too.
It may be worth dropping them a line that their cleaning product has damaged the filter - be sure it is actually damaged! I had a lens arrive in poor condition with oil / grease all over it. It looked awful and i was going to send it back. But after 2 wipes it was perfect - the first attempt seemed to move the oil around!
Could you post a photo of the damaged filters?
Hi. Yes it is a surprise. When I first used the wipe it left a blue/green trail when it dried. I then used several wipes and cloths after that but the blue /green trail won't go away and remains in exactly the same place. I've tried to photo it but it's beyond me. Can see it with my eyes but can't get it to show on a photo. You'll just have to believe me! Got them on amazon so sending back.
Try Kimwipes.
I don't know what brand the OP's were, but the image looks like the ones sold with the Zeiss brand name.
I do use the Zeiss ones myself, but only for cleaning my glasses. If it's an expensive lens/filter I'd use a Kimwipe, but make sure you use an air duster to blast away any dust/dirt particles before you wipe it and if you suspect any other form of contamination on the surface, you should use a different cleaning method in case the wipe picks it up and deposits it all over the surface. That's maybe what happened in the OP's case.
There are other methods I could describe which I use for cleaning front surface mirrors and other very delicate optical components, but they'd be too expensive or too much bother for most people!
I don't know what brand the OP's were, but the image looks like the ones sold with the Zeiss brand name.
I do use the Zeiss ones myself, but only for cleaning my glasses. If it's an expensive lens/filter I'd use a Kimwipe, but make sure you use an air duster to blast away any dust/dirt particles before you wipe it and if you suspect any other form of contamination on the surface, you should use a different cleaning method in case the wipe picks it up and deposits it all over the surface. That's maybe what happened in the OP's case.
There are other methods I could describe which I use for cleaning front surface mirrors and other very delicate optical components, but they'd be too expensive or too much bother for most people!
Thank you for replying op.
I don’t think the wipes caused this .... it sounds like the ar coating has degraded - I’ve seen it before on watches and eye glasses. It looks like a permanent water mark / smear but can’t be removed.
Iirc this can be from wear or even allowing water droplets to dry on the surface.
I don’t think the wipes caused this .... it sounds like the ar coating has degraded - I’ve seen it before on watches and eye glasses. It looks like a permanent water mark / smear but can’t be removed.
Iirc this can be from wear or even allowing water droplets to dry on the surface.
Use some fresh kitchen role and a bit of Windowlene. I have found this the best
Rules are simple:
- never spray onto the lens, spay a little onto the tissue
- never wipe a lens that may be dirty with a dry wipe
- never wipe twice with the same piece of paper, move to a fresh part
- don't be tempted to use loo roll, it looses fibres
NEVER EVER EVER EVER use a microfibre cloth or reusable cloth. When you get a tiny piece of grit in the cloth you will scratch your lens.
Rules are simple:
- never spray onto the lens, spay a little onto the tissue
- never wipe a lens that may be dirty with a dry wipe
- never wipe twice with the same piece of paper, move to a fresh part
- don't be tempted to use loo roll, it looses fibres
NEVER EVER EVER EVER use a microfibre cloth or reusable cloth. When you get a tiny piece of grit in the cloth you will scratch your lens.
gck303 said:
NEVER EVER EVER EVER use a microfibre cloth or reusable cloth. When you get a tiny piece of grit in the cloth you will scratch your lens.
Then again... I've had a small blue lens cloth in my bag for 10+ years. Still works, I just shake it first. Lenses are fine, even the £1,000 one 
Call me 'Rebel Without a Tie' lol.
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