Windolene

I noticed in the 'Classifieds' that someone is suggesting using Windolene as a cleaner for optical glass.

Total insanity IMO.

The 'pink' Windolene contains an abrasive and the 'clear' stuff is solvent based. The manufacturer's data sheet advises against using it on 'solvent sensitive' materials; that certainly includes your Pentax lens, body and any other plastic components.

I'm now collating a personal 'blacklist' of members who do crazy things so that I never buy from them.

Does having used saliva count?

I had one lens that wouldn't clean up at all, there was some sort of grease on the front element which the lens pen would only make a pretty pattern in. I licked a finger and wiped it gently over the surface (as I was out with no access to the normal optical cleaning spray I use), then polished clean with a soft cloth and finished off with the lens pen. Perfect!

Saliva is probably fine as long as you haven't been drinking Windolene.

I'm sure we've all had stubborn sticky marks on lenses and filters at some time. Most lens cleaning solutions are mostly water with tiny amounts of alcohol and detergent.

I use 'Selvyt' cloths and have done for many years, washable and do a great job.

The only thing I use to clean my lenses is my own breath (to mist them up before gently wiping). Not because I'm careful, because I'm tight!

The alcohol content of my breath is generally quite low... coming from Scotland, you might have even better results Ken

Have to be careful since most Islay Malts tend to leave a permanent 85b filter effect etched into the front element. I've found that 5 minute old Macallan works perfectly (there IS such a thing and I have tasted it) although it is officially 'British Spirit' and not 'Scotch Whisky'.

[quote:3496ace15f="Dangermouse"]Does having used saliva count?
quote]

Just reading your post again, do you mean 'used saliva' in the sense of it being second-hand, like you've snogged someone?

I must admit a bit of "huff" is all I would ever think of using - with or without the alcoholic content - and I inherited a spray tube of "Calocoat" when my dad`s partner died - 3 years ago !! - and occasionally that gets used on lenses and specs.

Nuff said


Tony

You haven't much option if somebody spits on your lens

I was very surprised to see a top museum using Windolene on glass for frames that contained historic prints/paintings It had been kept at the correct temperature and humidity for 24 hours first though

For any newbies; Here are some more things that are not recommended for cleaning lenses.

1. Vim.
2. Brasso.
3. Sandpaper.
4. Those washing up sponges with a pan scouring surface on the top.
5. Marmite.
6. A blowtorch.
7. Chanel No5.
8. Battery acid.
9. South African sherry.
10. Tesco Value sausages.

Depends what you used it for!

Here is my entry for the 'Windolene Competition"

It is also recommended that you don't worry too much about a bit of dust. I managed to ruin what would have been a rather nice Tokina PK-A fit 28-70mm lens by attempting to dismantle it and clean the dust out many years ago.

Ruddy hell, that takes me back a bit.

I'm waiting for Stefan to come up with some incomprehensible answer to the problem of removing Windolene from a camera lens.
David