Seeking lens cleaning advice

[mudder]

G'day all,
I've recently noticed some form of smear on the front lens of my 80-400VR, I've tried the ol' warm breath to fog up and clean gently with a micro-cloth, but that doesn't seem to clean it off... Seems almost like an oily smear of some sort??? Wonder if it's the remnants of finger prints?

Anyway, I'm too scared to rub any harder (the lens is worth more than I am!) and didn't want to just go to a camera shop as they'll sell me what-ever they happen to stock... Can I use the eclipse fluid for CCD cleaning and a pec pad? I have some of that/those at home but didn't want to try it without asking your advice...

What's the best shot for cleaning something potentially oily from the front lens of the 80-400 and remain safe in the knowledge that the cure won't harm my baby's lens coatings?

Any advice is very much appreciated...

Cheers,
Mudder

[birddog114]

You've got PM.

[dimmo]

And the answer is...

[kurokaze204]

Being a D70 newbie I'm interested in the answer to this myself, but I do know enough that a $20 UV filter from Teds will go a long way to protecting the front end of that baby.

Oh, and if you can't get it off, obviously the lens has had it. Let me know and I'll get rid of it for you

[mudder]

G'day,

Sorry guys, was away doing the domestics... Boring I know, but ahh well, gotta be done...

The recommendation from Saint Birdy is Formula MC, Formula multi-coat lens cleaning solution for multicoated filters and lenses...

Also, it was suggested that conventional lens cleaners don't clean the multi-coatings on the lens properly and can cause smearing. Also suggested not to use an anti fog cleaner, as they leave a very fine residue coating on the lens to prevent fogging but not recommended for multi-coated lenses (or probably any lens for that matter)...

My baby is safe, phew... Sorry kurokaze204, you miss out

Cheers,
Mudder

[DVEous]

... Obsolete ...

[radar]

Hi VK4CP,

try Filtershop
http://www.madsens.com.au/hoyacart/pricelist.php?f=fs_capshoodclean

They have the HMC Lens Cleaner:

When cleaning Multicoated Filters it is best to use HMC Lens Cleaner. This may also remove new fungi from lenses.

Looks the same as Formula MC, others may have info on it.

HTH,

Radar

[birddog114]

HMC won't work or it will clean the multi coated tint as well, tried and learned it, 2 UV filters gone into the bin

Only Formula MC, which I found safe on my lenses and multicoated filters or your breath with lens cleaning cloth.

Don't trust, get one and try it!

[Alex]

Adam,

I got that liquid from http://www.copperhillimages.com as a lens care kit. He also sells CCD cleaning stuff. His website is a great source of cleaning info. Haven't tried the liquid myself yet, still using the cheap stuff in a red bottle.

Alex

[radar]

Adam,

sorry for the bum steer

Obviously, not all MC cleaning fluid are created equal!!

Radar,

[fozzie]

You could try the Ultimate "Euro" Kit :

http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/image/44822724

[birddog114]

You could try the Ultimate "Euro" Kit :

http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/image/44822724

Again, they use Formula MC in their kit!

Ouch! US$68.00 = AU$90.00 for that such of things

[moggy]

Quality Camera Sales Australia sell the Copper Hill Kit for $27. It includes Formula MC. http://www.qualitycamera.com.au

Bob.