Chatroom
 

If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

Go Back   Bad Astronomy and Universe Today Forum > Science and Space > Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Mark Forums Read

   

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 09-July-2009, 04:02 AM
Candymancan Candymancan is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 32
Default How to clean eyepeices ?

I've been looking at differant opinions on google on how to clean eyepeices but they vairy so much. Some people say use a q-tip and alcohal, others say using a microfiber cloth and gently rub the lense, some say to buy a thing called a Lenspen.

My finderscope and 9mm EP have eyelash marks on them. How would i go about cleaning them ? I have a microfiber cloth that i have used to clean eyeglass's with would that work ?
Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 09-July-2009, 03:17 PM
aurora's Avatar
aurora aurora is online now
Established Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 3,064
Default

As you found out, there are different methods. The main issue is to make sure you do not scratch the eyepiece.

I use the q tip method. Make sure they are sterile cotton q tips, and not a cheap knock off that is made of something else like nylon.

I mix alcohol and distilled water, roughly 50-50. The alcohol evaporates quickly to help dry the eyepiece.

i use a blower bulb (available in camera supply stores) first to remove any dust.

I dampen the q tip and move it in a circular motion. I do not apply pressure, and frequently change the q tip for a clean one. I use several for each eyepiece, and go through a lot of q tips.

I do not use a lens pen because I ruined an eyepiece with one once. There are other people that swear by them and love them. So make your own decision.
__________________
"I'm as accurate as any psychic. And I'm a cartoon!" -- Squidward

"Arrrgh, the laws of physics be a harsh mistress!" -- Bender
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 09-July-2009, 05:58 PM
Glom's Avatar
Glom Glom is offline
Order of Kilopi
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: West London, England
Posts: 8,412
Send a message via MSN to Glom
Default

Not to hijack or anything, but does this also apply to camera lenses as well?
Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 09-July-2009, 06:10 PM
matthewota matthewota is offline
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Earth, Solar System, Orion spur, Orion Arm, Milky Way galaxy, Local Group
Posts: 935
Default

I use LensPens after I blow off any contamination. It is great for removing non-abrasive contamination
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old 09-July-2009, 09:48 PM
RickJ's Avatar
RickJ RickJ is offline
Established Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Mantrap Lake, MN
Posts: 1,626
Default

When cleaning a lens only wet the cotton, never the lens itself. If any liquid gets down to the cemented elements they can separate and the lens ruined. Only wet the cotton enough to do the job without the fluid running across the lens.

Rick
Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On



Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
JPL Offers a Peek Inside MSL Clean Room Fraser Universe Today Story Comments 0 25-February-2009 04:50 PM
CLEAN Coal??? Paracelsus Science and Technology 50 20-January-2009 07:34 PM
When to Clean a Primary Mirror? Mr Q Astronomical Observing, Equipment and Accessories 15 11-March-2008 04:07 AM
CLEAN Search for WIMPs antoniseb Astronomy 0 06-December-2006 01:02 PM
Clean power from turkey dung? Ilya Off-Topic Babbling 6 17-December-2004 03:21 PM


All times are GMT. The time now is 02:11 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.3
Copyright ©2000 - 2009, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
LinkBacks Enabled by vBSEO 3.0.0
©  2006 Bad Astronomy and Universe Today