Marks on a filter - best way to clean them off ?

[Ian Robinson]

Got a filter that arrived with marks on the optic surface = best way to clean it ?

Isopropyl Alcohol and the rinse with demin or distilled water and airdry ??

Or camera lens cleaning solution and wipes ?

Advise anyone .

Can't see any advise on the manufactorers' site on suitable cleaning methods.

[Merlin66]

Normally the newer coatings on filters can handle a reasonable cleaning without damage. The Isopropyl spray and clean paper towels usually does a good job.
I got a set of UBVRI filters from the States recently and the front surface was VERY gunky... looked like a mixture of vaselene and dust....a couple of Iso. spray soaks and GENTLE, non pressure wipes cleaned 99% ; then a "usual" clean with the Isopropyl/ paper towel got them 110% No problems since then.

[leon]

Ian, Merlin is right it would be pretty hard to damage them with what he suggested, I have done some terrible things to filters, they are much tougher then lead to believe.

Leon

[acropolite]

I use Dr Clays cleaning mix, (I suspect it's the same mixture Bintel sell) for cleaning everything.

[matt]

Depends what the marks are?

First of all, try breathing on them (to form a layer of moisture from your breath) and wipe using a pure cotton bud while the surface is still damp.

For more stubborn marks... go the Iso/Dr Clay (Bintel cleaning solution).

[Ian Robinson]

I emailed the manufacturer last night .... in the meantime wont hirt me to chase up a bottle isopropyl alcohol and a bottle of demin or distilled H20 , and maybe a couple of lab squeeze spray bottles .

Don't know what the marks are.

[RB]

Why don't you take your own advice and demand a full refund !

[Ian Robinson]

If they don't come off - I will.

Too early yet , and if they come off , it'll not be an issue.

[robgreaves]

Depends what brand.

Filters vary from Sirius filters (get them wet and the coating flakes off!) to Astronomik and Baader that are rock hard. I breathe on them with a good "Hhhhhhh!" and rub them with a cleaning cloth and they come up perfectly. You can also do this with genuine Lumicon, but not sure how good they are now Parks manufacture them.

Regards,
Rob

[Zuts]

I admit it's good stuff but I havnt washed my dog in it yet :)

[Ian Robinson]

Crossing my fingers .... it's a top quality / brand of filter.

Let's see if the manufacturer responds to my email, if they don't I'll chance some demin or distilled water first, then if that don't shift the marks , I'll try isopropyl alcohol. If that wont shift the marks then the filter can be formally declared as buggered .... then I'll take steps to get a refund or a replacement and I'll name and shame the seller here if I get no joy.

[RB]

Good, I'm glad to see you trying to rectify the 'problem' first.

[Ian Robinson]

Well , it may just be an easy fix that I can effect myself .... I need more demin / distilled H20 and isopropyl alcohol anyway to clean my mirror before I reinstall it.

[RB]

It's best to work out the problem in private with the seller, if it comes to that.
Just remember Mike has specified in the TOS (http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=7856) that IIS is not a place to just 'name and shame' manufacturers and or sellers, so care should be taken about what you post.

[Ian Robinson]

I'm not in dispute over this at present , may not come to that .

[iceman]

It won't come to that here on IIS, as RB has already pointed out.

[Octane]

Lenspens (http://www.lenspen.com) fix everything.