Cleaning Filters

[zod]

I just picked up a clear glass filter for my 24-70 since I am at a university where grass, dust, and what not are likely to be flying toward my lens, as well as a pie this evening.

Luckily I didn't get any pie on my camera or lens, but I was wondering, what is the most efficient way to clean a filter and get it streak free... windex?

[SkipD]

I just picked up a clear glass filter for my 24-70 since I am at a university where grass, dust, and what not are likely to be flying toward my lens, as well as a pie this evening.

Luckily I didn't get any pie on my camera or lens, but I was wondering, what is the most efficient way to clean a filter and get it streak free... windex?Except for multi-layer filters such as polarizing filters, you can use Dawn dish detergent and a method that I don't have time to re-write now. Search the forum for Dawn, though, and you will find an older post that I did quite some time ago describing the method.

[Jon]

It's here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=2094005&postcount=9) in the original; others have quoted it subsequently.

[ben_r_]

Wow i have never heard of using Dawn to clean a filter!

[argyle]

Why not? Dish detergents are excellent at removing greasy spots, and they usually rinse clean. Just don't use this method on a polarizer...

[msowsun]

Just don't use this method on a polarizer...


Why not?

[Jon]

Polarizers are actually sandwiches of two pieces of glass with a thin sheet of polarizing plastic between them. Unless your polarizer's edge-sealed, you'll get water between the layers, which is Not A Good Thing.

[msowsun]

Thanks, That is good to know.

[M5Man]

Another handy tip learnt on here ;)

[zod]

Yeah seriously. Thank you guys so much for all the feedback. If I don't have any lens papers handy.. (stuck in my manual bag at home) what could I use? A clean microfiber cloth?

[capture photons]

so with a bw kasseman polarizer filter dawn should be fine?

[Jon]

No promises from me. I find microfiber cloths and LensPens do a sufficient job.

[argyle]

Yeah seriously. Thank you guys so much for all the feedback. If I don't have any lens papers handy.. (stuck in my manual bag at home) what could I use? A clean microfiber cloth?

Warm breath and a clean microfiber cloth will do an excellent job (but be sure to use a blower first to remove any particulate). A soft, cotton tee-shirt or cotton flannel shirt will also work.

so with a bw kasseman polarizer filter dawn should be fine?

In theory it should be fine, but I wouldn't try it with mine.

[capture photons]

haha you probably right that filter was so expensive i do love it. i might try it if i have problem cleaning mine it was a real pain last time