How to clean EP's

[StarGazing]

Hi all I was wondering what be the best way of cleaning Eye Pieces, are there any specific tool ?

Thanks for looking Alex. :thumbsup:

[dannat]

i use a cleaning cloth first of all/ or a blower/brush for cameras - that usually fixes the easy problems (make sure you keep the cloth clean if using one)

for more difficult problems or if it has water marks you could try distilled water - i usually use cotton buds, then wipe with a soft cloth

for really bad stuff alcohol / acetone may be required, keep in mind it has been suggested by some acetone can damage coatings of good ep's, i have not had any problem though

to finish off the above usually a firm breath and wipe with soft lens cloth usually is good too ( this also fixes the most basic blemishes)

[erick]

For fingerprints or other human oil smudges, a Lenspen - the original not a "knockoff" - from a good camera shop. But have a good blow first and maybe gentle wipe with soft brush (Lenspen has a soft brush built in) - to ensure no dust on surface before you apply the Lenspen.

[wavelandscott]

Go the the Projects and Article section of this site and in the 'Beginner' section there is an article called Adventures in Eyepiece Cleaning.

I think it is a pretty good guide...but I am a little biased...

[StarGazing]

Thanks Daniel, Eric and Scott some really good advice. Scott that's a great article you wrote mate well done.

Cheers Alex.

[StarGazing]

Bought the Lenspen ........ What a great product. My EP"s are super clean now :lol:

[erick]

Great! I have been very impressed with what a lenspen can achieve.

[wavelandscott]

Just a question, how do you clean your lenspen? I am assuming that somehow the "gunk" that you have cleaned does not stay on the pen...

[erick]

Goes away by magic??

One plugs the lenspen back into its cap and gives it a half turn. The instructions say that "replenishes" or "recharges" the cleaning surface?

http://www.lenspen.com/media/Core%20Products%20-%20English%20-%206.21.swf

It works best on fingerprints, skin oils etc! I haven't experimented with much else.

I note FAQ includes:-

Q. Why do LensPen and MiniPro leave a residue on my lenses after I clean them?
A. Excess cleaning compound might be left on the lens after cleaning. If this occurs, pat the tip on a clean chamois or a clean soft cloth to remove the excess compound from the cleaning tip. Pressurized air or a "blower brush" will also work to blow off any excess compound on the lens.

[gary]

Hi Alex,

In addition to the good advice above, you may also find this article by
Tele Vue on "Cleaning Eyepiece and Telescope Optics" beneficial.
See http://televue.com/engine/page.asp?NoPrint=True&ID=143

As mentioned in the article, after using a blower blush, Tele Vue even suggest
Windex as one possibility (see article on how to apply it). Though it may
surprise some, I have heard Al Nagler suggest Windex to customers at the
Texas Star Party when asked.

[StarGazing]

Interesting reading there Gary. Windex you say .......... If the misses saw me with that in my hand she would make me do the windows ;).

Cheers Alex.