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

Ian Robinson · #1 13-12-2008, 03:49 AM

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 (Ken) · #2 13-12-2008, 06:47 AM

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 · #3 13-12-2008, 07:23 AM

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 (Phil) · #4 13-12-2008, 08:27 AM

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

matt · #5 13-12-2008, 09:20 AM

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 · #6 13-12-2008, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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).

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 (Andrew) · #7 13-12-2008, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Robinson

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

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

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

Ian Robinson · #8 13-12-2008, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RB

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

If they don't come off - I will.

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

robgreaves · #9 13-12-2008, 11:12 AM

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 · #10 13-12-2008, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by acropolite

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

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

Ian Robinson · #11 13-12-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

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 (Andrew) · #12 13-12-2008, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Robinson

If they don't come off - I will.

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

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

Ian Robinson · #13 13-12-2008, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RB

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

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 (Andrew) · #14 13-12-2008, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian Robinson

.... 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.

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 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 · #15 13-12-2008, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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 that IIS is not a place to just 'name and shame' manufacturers and or sellers, so care should be taken about what you post.

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

iceman (Mike) · #16 13-12-2008, 04:18 PM

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

Octane (Humayun) · #17 21-12-2008, 04:51 PM

Lenspens fix everything.