Cleaning Fluids

Funny thing happened when I called to order the Opto-Wipes cloths yesterday. I was talking a length with the fellow there and mentioned a few cleaning solutions and asked what he used.
He stated that Windex worked quite well on optical surfaces without leaving a film! 8O
He also stated the pure alcohol does a good job. He had never heard of the Arkansas Observatory cleaning fluid and that he found that most manufacturers have a almost religious feeling about one cleaning fluid or another.
So, what can we derive from this? Who knows! Maybe Windex is fully underrated or perhaps other cleansers are overrated?
I would like the try the Baader Optical Wonder fluid. Maybe I will order a bottle. Right now I am going to call around the electrical suppliers and see who has the 99.57% pure alcohol for sale. 8) Ahhh, found it at a local supplier, I will run over and get some. That whould be beter than the 94% I have been using. $5.52 for 16 oz bottle, well as cheap as the 94%, but probably worth it.

Just a comment. I have been able to find 99+ alcohol at pharmacies. Also, you can find pure cotton their also.

Just a comment. I have been able to find 99+ alcohol at pharmacies. Also, you can find pure cotton there also.

Here's the ticket if you want clean optics. I use these items on my expensive Canon "L" lenses.
#1 Blow off the optic with a lens bulb blower w/ soft brush. Never ! Ever use canned air. The propellant will leave a residue. After blowing, use the soft brush to remove any solid particles. Don't blow on the optic with your own breath. Saliva can be difficult to remove cleanly.
#2 There is a geat product called "Pec*Pad". They are lint free ultra soft pads. Some people use them to clean the sensors on their digital cameras. Kimwipes are another delicate tissue. I also carry Micro Fibre cloths with me whenever I'm out shooting pics. Personally, I never use lens cleaning tissue that come in camera cleaning kits.
#3 Lens cleaning fluids. Never pour directly on the optics. Moisten the pad and then clean the lens. As for cleaning fluids, I highly recommend Eclipse Optic Cleaning System Fluid. It contaims methanol. Another good one is Kodak Lens Cleaner fluid. It also contains methanol. Windex is for windows. it's not made for delicate coated optics.
#4 Practice on an optical piece that isn't in your pride and joy category. All the items mentioned can be found in better camera stores. If you have to shop on-line try B&H Photo, Samy's Camera, Calumet or do a Google search for the items I mentioned.
Have Fun! Mike