Maggie's Farm

We are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for.

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Tuesday, September 15. 2009

Lens cleaning

Does anybody use these sorts of lens cleaning pens?


If not, what do you use?

Posted by Bird Dog in The Culture, "Culture," Pop Culture and Recreation at 11:07 | Comments (20) | Trackbacks (0)

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Yes, I have had one of these for years. Same pen, but Optex brand. It's very convenient to take along and does a nice job. The polishing pad does leave a black smudge if you rub it on a piece of paper, or the palm of your hand, because it is impregnated with some sort of graphite substance. Don't worry about this, as it doesn't come off on a smooth glass surface. Try it on a clean mirror, and you'll see it's fine.

If a lens is very gunked-up, I clean it first by breathing on it, and then use lens paper. The pen is basically for maintenance. Use the brush first, to get rid of any loose dust or grit, and then the polishing pad. Don't press hard. Just a gentle wipe. It's a good idea to flick the brush bristles a few times, to keep them clean. Keep it in a clean place or a zip-lock bag.
#1 rg (Link) on 2009-09-15 12:15 (Reply)
Ah, I could have saved some jaw-music ...
Here's the website:
http://www.lenspen.com

I noticed they make smaller versions now for compact cameras. I'll have to get me one. Also surprised to learn it's a Canadian company, so buy a dozen please.
#1.1 rg (Link) on 2009-09-15 12:40 (Reply)
thank you!
#2 Bird Dog on 2009-09-15 12:49 (Reply)
Yes, I have a couple, brand label is Leupold. They work nicely on rifle scopes.
#3 Bud on 2009-09-15 13:37 (Reply)
i use sandpaper. i'd get one of the pens except for my lenses never last very long.
#4 buddy larsen on 2009-09-15 13:48 (Reply)
That's because you're using a too-heavy grit. That #00 just doesn't get into the edge and that allows glass rust to creep in, thereby ruining the lens. Try a #30 grit, and you might fold it before application so you can really get into the outer edges where the rust spores grow. Dipping the entire camera into a light solution of sulfuric acid is a more permanent answer (it usually sets the rust spores back a couple of months), but it's also costlier, so it's your call.

Always there to help,
Doc
#4.1 Dr. Mercury on 2009-09-15 14:49 (Reply)
sounds grate, DrM --i'll give it a try next time around!
#4.1.1 buddy larsen on 2009-09-15 16:14 (Reply)
Try hydrofluoric acid for that extra-special shine.
#4.1.1.1 chuck on 2009-09-15 16:18 (Reply)
Budalicious also uses a Black and Decker spinning scum remover in the shower. He uses it on his gut to make it smaller.

haw haw..... I love you. Will you marry me and put the soft buff brush on the Black and Decker and exfoliate my whole body?
`
#4.2 Meta on 2009-09-15 18:27 (Reply)
i WAS gonna marry until you let jappy in your dream. Now i can't visualize the honeymoon anymore --it's starting to look a little too dang French fer me now.
#4.2.1 buddy larsen on 2009-09-16 00:34 (Reply)
But we been in the haymow, Buddy. 'Member? You sloughed off afterwards with my prosthetic leg and lef me dangling for a cold Bud and a Marlboro. Some honeymoon.


P.S. We had it before the nuptials. Bring my leg back.
`
#4.2.1.1 Meta on 2009-09-16 00:55 (Reply)
Yore an idite an behind the times. Let the crud git thick then grab that cold chizel ana 3pound lump hammar. Thatan junk comes rait off. Maple sirip will fill in any teeny gouges yore clumsy hands makes.
#4.3 Vermont Woodchuck (Link) on 2009-09-16 09:22 (Reply)
FWIW - Cabaret brand Rolling Papers (or any Rice based and glueless rolling paper) are about the best lens wipe/cleaner. Gotta keep'em dry! But they cost a fraction of actual lens cleaning wipes that are marketed for Cameras and Optics.
I got that tip from several pro photographers that I know.

There is also a company here in the Northwest called Butler Creek that makes a great Lens Cloth that folds into a neoprene bottie of sorts that has a clip and hangs right off of your pack. I keep one on each pack I have for my scopes and binos and rangefinder.
They make great slings as well (Butler Creek).
#5 Garrett on 2009-09-15 13:52 (Reply)
My ophthalmologist's brother, an optician, says the best thing to use is silk. Where do I get silk?? Maybe those stockings will come back in fashion . . .

I use the solution that the doc gives me (free! - from her partner's stash) and Kleenex. Brother optician tells me that this is very close to mortal sin, and I will pay someday. Apparently, the paper has scratchy wood fibers in it; but he doesn't cry too much when I bring the "ruined" goggles in to have them recoated with that $$$Polaroid and $$$anti-reflective paint.
#6 Steve in CT on 2009-09-15 13:56 (Reply)
Yes, I know there's controversy surrounding this choice, but I keep a UV filter on all of my lenses for protection except when I use any other filter. When the occasion warrants going after the lens itself I opt first for a strong blower like the Giotto Rocket, then a blower brush, and finally if the problem is particularly stubborn I use a lens cleaning cloth.

Do flick blower brush bristles before use. Don't flick blower brush bristles with your finger, as the oil from your skin will make matters worst.
#7 Jephnol (Link) on 2009-09-15 15:04 (Reply)
I rub the lens over my blue jeans... usually my butt, but if I want a thorough cleaning, I use the bottom of one leg of my jeans. The flare-leg jeans are easiest, but it can be done with the straight legs. I have UV haze filters on all my lens, and when they get food on them or something the jeans smear, I take them off the lens and put them in the dishwasher. I use Cascade and it never leaves spots.

Ever notice people who let their eyeglasses get so filthy you can't see their eyes? I have a friend who does that. I reach over, take off his glasses and wash them with soap and water and dry with a paper towel. For winders, water with a little white vinegar and newspaper is the best.

And no... I don't have one of those earphone/speakers on like that ShamWow guy.
`
#8 Meta on 2009-09-15 18:21 (Reply)
Meta, I love ya like a brother, but how many shrinks are you seeing? I know I've gone thru quite a few, all to no avail.

In this fantasy world you live in are there rides?
I don't have any in mine, but if you have bumper cars I'll be down there in a second. You big Wilma Ruldoph.

P.S I love you, and every one on the Farm Loves you. : )
#8.1 jappy on 2009-09-15 18:59 (Reply)
Heh.... Methinks you need to go back to a shrink if you think everyone loves me here at The Farm. I have four shrinks. I see them weekly, take notes, and on Saturday compare notes and prescriptions. Then I get out my Tarot cards and feel better. They tell me a knight will come calling when I least expect it.

Yes, I have rides. Three. A Mazda/Ford truck, a Nissan 350Z, and a Dodge Avenger RT. None of them have up-to-date inspection stickers on them and the POlice stopped me yesterday and gave me a ticket for $91. Stupid Obama is taxing tickets because last year it was $88. I don't have bumper cars, but I'm the only one here so you can have your pick of my rides. Would you mind taking them to the inspection place?

When I pulled out my registration, I had about twelve of them, and we had to go through them all to find the right one. The very nice officer said I could throw the old ones away and that it would be best to keep them in the vehicles with the insurance cards. I had those but they were from 2006, so I had to call the company and ask for some good ones. The lady said "We sent those to you with the packet." I said, "Oh."

:)
`
#8.1.1 Meta on 2009-09-15 22:51 (Reply)
The UV filter is the best idea in my opinion. Also I keep a microfiber cloth in my kit. It picks up stray dist like a magnet.
#9 lonetown on 2009-09-15 22:49 (Reply)
dist: (noun) dust and mist
#9.1 buddy larsen on 2009-09-16 00:57 (Reply)

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