Can I clean camera lenses and filters using isopropyl alcohol?

March 4th, 2010 | by admin |

I cleaned some old filters with it earlier and it seemed to be fine, but I’m a bit too afraid to try cleaning expensive lenses with it unless I know it’s all right to do so.
All right, thank you. Would it still be all right to use it on filters? Some of them are filthy.

its an excellent way to get moulds in your lenses, as using any fluid on lenses is

i dont get why people use fluid to clean lenses, eye glasses ok they arent sealed units, using fluids to clean camera lenses?? no i dont get it.

buy a micro fibre cloth and wash it often

EDIT: cant see any harm in using it on the filters, make sure they are dry before attaching and not on the lens :)

  1. 4 Responses to “Can I clean camera lenses and filters using isopropyl alcohol?”

  2. By fhotoace on Mar 4, 2010 | Reply

    Isopropyl alcohol can damage the cement that holds the lens elements in position.

    Here is the way to properly clean your camera, lenses, filters and other accessories.

    http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/cleaning.htm
    References :
    proFotog

  3. By Andonikis on Mar 4, 2010 | Reply

    its an excellent way to get moulds in your lenses, as using any fluid on lenses is

    i dont get why people use fluid to clean lenses, eye glasses ok they arent sealed units, using fluids to clean camera lenses?? no i dont get it.

    buy a micro fibre cloth and wash it often

    EDIT: cant see any harm in using it on the filters, make sure they are dry before attaching and not on the lens :)
    References :

  4. By monophoto on Mar 4, 2010 | Reply

    Lens cleaning should be done with great care.

    The best cleaner is air. "Canned air" is a great concept, but be extremely careful that the can doesn’t inadvertently squirt liquid propellant onto the lens surface. The best idea is to use a simple squeeze-type bulb.

    The next best thing is to use a very soft brush to gently remove any dust or other debris from the lens.

    Then, and ONLY THEN, should you consider any kind of liquid lens cleaner. Don’t put the cleaner directly onto the lens – you never want to put so much cleaner onto the lens that it runs inside the lens where it can affect both the adhesives used to assemble the lens cell and the lubricants on the focusing mount.. Purchase some good quality lens tissue, moisten a tissue with a couple of drops of lens cleaner, and gently wipe the lens to remove any grease or finger marks from the glass surface.

    Most lens cleaners are basically isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol dissolves grease and other contaminants, and dries quickly.
    References :

  5. By Edwin on Mar 4, 2010 | Reply

    NEVER, NEVER, NEVER use compressed air anywhere around your camera. Unless, of course, your goal is to drive dust and grit into places where it can do harm.

    In 37 years I have never used a liquid lens cleaner. A soft bristle brush and a lens cloth from Pentax and PhotoSilk keep my lenses clean. Actually, they keep my filters clean since all my lenses except one are protected with either a Skylight or UV filter. Can’t put a filter on a 16mm full-frame fisheye.

    If there’s a really stubborn smudge I just exhale on the filter and use the cloth.

    I bet that if you look in the Index of your camera’s Owner’s Manual for "Care & Cleaning" you’ll find a section that tells you how to best care for your camera. I’ll also bet there is a warning about using any alcohol based products.
    References :

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