Smudge marks on eyepiece after cleaning attempt. Is it ok?

[mbaddah]

I attempted to clean several of my Televue eyepieces today using Bintel's UHTC cleaning solution and smudge marks on the eyepieces after I removed the tissue.

Should I try to clean the smudges with something else or just let it be?

[RAJAH235]

I find that 99.95 % pure isopropyl alcohol works well.

Bit expensive & evaporates rapidly but well worth it.

Ask at your local chemist shop.
Tell them that you're an "AA", (hahahaha), & what you want it for, as they are reluctant to sell it.
Need a really good reason.
Do not use rubbing alcohol, as it contains way too much oil.

Seasons Greetings.

[sheeny]

In my experience most smudge marks are the result of too much cleaning fluid. It can be quite difficult to get a small enough quantity for cleaning an EP. You need just enough to do the job, but you want to be able to dry the surface with the tissue. If the surface is wet, it will dry with smears/smudges on it.

Very unlikely you've done any harm.

Al.

[casstony]

I don't worry about minor marks around the edges of the lens that are sometimes left after evaporation. Marks left after evaporation can be avoided by quickly absobing the cleaner with a dry tissue.

If eyelash oils/skin oils are left on the lens for too long they can eat into the coating leaving marks that cannot be cleaned off the lens.

[dannat]

something like a lenspen will get them off - i use acetone which evaporates nicely -but you need to keep it away from any plastic/rubber bits
use a cotton bud with a WOODEN shaft, or try distilled water....breath with a good quality cloth from an optometrist also works

[mbaddah]

Thanks guys for the prompt responses. As long as no damage was done to the eyepieces I'm happy :) Will try to get my hands on isopropyl alcohol and see how it goes.

[Robert9]

You can get it at Bunnings. Its in the paint section along with turps. etc. Comes in a little 125ml spray bottle, brand name of "Diggers".
Robert

[Liz]

Good old Bunnings wins again!!
I used those little alcohol wipes but left it pretty streaky.

[mbaddah]

Hi Robert,

I managed to find a bottle of Diggers Isopropyl Alcohol at Bunnings. Worked wonderful at cleaning my eyepieces :D! Many thanks for your suggestion, highly recommend it to anyone else.

[jjjnettie]

Jaycar sell isopropyl alcohol in 200mm spray bottles as well as tiny travel spray bottles. It's good stuff, use it all the time.
I use an old old tshirt for the final wipe down on my eyepieces and objectives.
They're soft and virtually lint free.

[ghsmith45]

Typical isn't it? A pharmacist gets uptight about selling the stuff and gives you the third degree, while you can get it off the shelf at Bunnings! The left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing.
Geoff

[Jeeps]

I used that Diggers isopropyl but i found that it left streaks everywhere. I had to use one of those soft cloths that come with my eye glasses, which worked great. The cloths i've got have Pentax all over them so they must be ok ;)

cheers

[Liz]

Our 2 Bunnings stores had sold out up here, and were not restocking it at this stage. :sadeyes:

Today I managed to pick up some from good old Jaycar - a spray can of Isopropul Alcohol (200mls) for about $7. Yeah.

Yes Jeeps, think they leave streaks, but you rub them off with those little soft cloths. Am not the best at cleaning my EPs, so hoping I will be fine now tat am armed with right equipment. :D

[AstroGuy]

I'm not trying to promote on behalf of any supplier but...I found where to buy Ethanol 95PGF4 for $14/litre (95% pure with additive for non-human consumption) or Isopropyl Alcohol $9/litre here in Oz. I won't post where here. PM me.:D