7 replies to this topic

[dgs©]

While the dishwasher isn't as safe, it is more convenient than the car wash.

I have been using lens cleaning fluid and lens tissues that can be had from any camera store or photo processor. I always figure that if it is OK for multicoated camera lenses, it should be OK for multicoated eyepieces.
I have seen plenty here recommend other methods though.
In any case... always blow off loose particles first (with a squeeze bulb, not your mouth), and use very light pressure with the wet (& dry) tissues.

The rest of you out there... feel free to contradict me now.

[Tom L]

I have one of those lens brush thingies and brush stuff off if I need to. If it is really bad, I have isopropyl alcohol sparingly applied with a Q-Tip (after the brushing).

[Bill Grass]

I usually blow mine off after every couple of uses. The only time I actually clean 'em is if my eyelash brushes against the lenses, and this is mostly on my 3-6 zoom due to it's shorter eye relief. I then use a drop of lens cleaner on a Q-tip. (I bought a little cleaning kit from Orion.)

[iceman]

So wiping with the inside of your shirt isn't a good idea?

doh

[SAL]

I use a lens pen to remove eyelash oils. First I blow them off with a blower bulb. Then I gently brush away any remaining particles with the soft lens brush. Lastly, I use the graphite pad on the lens pen. Like Bill, I only clean them if eyelash oil is on the surface. For really gunky stuff, I use a small amount of 99% isopropyl alcohol on a Q-tip to moisten the particle, then remove it. The alcohol will leave a slight residue. I simply "huff" my breath onto the EP and gently wipe the moisture off with a dry Q-tip. This removes the alcohol residue quite nicely. Bottom line; only clean EPs when you have to... (Scott)