EP cleaning solution

[programmer]

I tried cleaning a couple of eyepieces with some 'rubbing alcohol' the other night, about 65% Isopropyl Alcohol. Unfortunately it leaves residue when it dries, despite my best efforts with cotton wool buds, and slowly working outward in a spiral starting from the centre.

Has anyone come across a commonly available solution which does the trick for them, or should I get some specialty camera lens cleaning stuff or maybe whatever Bintel sells? Not interested in a lens pen.

I've read some of the many EP cleaning threads but this is a specific request for an off the shelf solution that people might have found, e.g. from Bunnings, pharmacy, etc.

Thanks.

[GTB_an_Owl]

you can get 100% Isopropyl from some chemist's if you ask nicely -
then water it down
you can also make your own "special brew" from some of the recipe's around

then again you can just order something ready made like the Bintel brew

Isopropyl broken down to about 25/1 is good for cleaning computer screens as well

geoff

[asterisk]

Bintel UHTC cleaning solution (Stock code: 6828) is good - cleans, no residue. Use sparingly.

Cheers

[acropolite]

The Bintel stuff is IMO simply Dr Clay's recipe, which has a minute amount of Photo Flo solution in it as well as IPA and Windex (the blue stuff). I made some up before Bintel started selling the stuff, but it's quite an expensive exercise and you end up with enough solution to last a thousand lifetimes. If you're using IPA it's important to get 100%, the 65% "rubbing alcohol" simply isn't pure enough and will leave residues. It's worth reading Dr Clays guide to cleaning optics (http://www.arksky.org/asoclean.htm), even if you buy the Bintel stuff. It's really important with EP's not to saturate the optics, you're better to dab the cleaning solution on to the surface. If you saturate the EP there's a good chance you'll end up with cleaning solution between the elements and possibly permanent marking.

[programmer]

Thanks for the responses. I managed to get some 100% Isopropyl alcohol from Bunnings, but it strangely leaves the same residue as the 'rubbing alcohol' variety.

Maybe I'm expecting too much, but I expect to see 100% completely clean glass (i.e. nothing visible at all when inspecting under lights) after carefully using cotton buds dampened with the stuff. Maybe the 'residue' I'm seeing (reminds me of an 'oil slick' effect) will not affect viewing with the eyepiece at all, but I haven't had a clear night since using it.

I'll try some of the other suggestions made.. thanks.

[PeteMo]

I find that using 100% Isopropyl Alcohol and lens tissues from the camera shop do the trick for me. Using the lens tissues may help solve your residue problem as you can sort of buff the glass a little.

[janoskiss]

Televue recommends Windex. Works well using cotton balls and cotton buds.

[JimmyH155]

I got a tiny bottle of iso propyl alcohol from chemist - cost about $12 for about 4 tablespoons. I had to undergo inquisition from the chemist though - "What do you want it for? You know it is toxic, you are not going to drink it??" :shrug: "No not at that price, mate!! I'll stick to gin":D
Anyway, I just used it neat and seemed to work well.

[astropolak]

Hi
I use technical Acetone for eyepieces as it leaves no streaks.
Both Bintel brew and Isopropyl alcohol I find useless for eyepieces.
I use the Bintel brew for corrector plate on my SCT.

Be careful with acetone as some eyepieces use plastics that acetone will dissolve. Pentax and TV eyepieces are OK.

Joe

[programmer]

I got a bigger sounding bottle for $11 from Bunnings. Much more than 4 tablespoons! And it has an atomiser top (which I won't use).

[GTB_an_Owl]

4 page delaration to get my 500ml bottle from my local chemist [ and we are well known to him ] ($32-95)

i wouldn't have thought you could buy it from Bunnings ?

geoff

[Jeff]

I've successfully used the Bintel EP cleaning solution (only for very old/grubby eyepieces), but you need to use sparingly and avoid leaving any behind to dry ... or else you will get a residue.

A lens pen works well for me aslo (for the occassional bad fingerprint).
https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=6621 (https://www.bintelshop.com.au/Product.aspx?ID=6621)

I've also learned to put the dust caps back on my EPs when not in use ... avoids most dust and foam/lint from getting on the glass in the first place. :rolleyes:

[programmer]

It's 'Diggers' brand and 125ml. Definitely 100% as well.

[AndrewJ]

Just for info, i found Isopropyl alcohol at a mob called Rockby Electronics
http://www.rockby.com.au/searchres.cfm?searchkey=alcohol&imageField.x=0&imageField.y=0&stock_no=33972
$22 for 1 litre, 99.95%pure
I have used it without any problems for my corrector

Andrew

[Starkler]

I have tried iso alc, windex and bintel juice. All leave some residue which where the glass will fog up when it gets cold.

I clean with Bintel juice, and buff any residue smears off with a lens pen (which never goes near a dirty eyepiece). Result is totally spotless glass.