Lens Cleaning Fluids

[arigram]

Every glass and photographic equipment manufacturer have come up with their own branded lens cleaning fluid solution. The only differences I've found is that they are either the liquid drop or the spray kind.
But are they all created equal or are there better ones at preserving your lens and coating than others?

[Ian Grant]

They are all glass cleaners. You can buy them from a variety of sources, including your local garage for cleaning windscreens.

Actually the "professional" glass cleaning fluids smell just like wetting agent, which is not surprising as they are virtually the same. The windscreen cleaner usually also contains Glycol as an anti-freeze.

They all work just as well

Ian

[Andy K]

Has anyone got experience of using Opticlean? Its a liquid polymer which you pour onto a lens, leave to gel, then peel off.

[bobwysiwyg]

Originally Posted by Andy K

Has anyone got experience of using Opticlean? Its a liquid polymer which you pour onto a lens, leave to gel, then peel off.

Sounds very interesting. I hope someone with hands-on experience replies.

[arigram]

Opticlean sounds interesting indeed but impossible to find...

[Ian Grant]

Sounds a real con !!!

Ian

[Andy K]

Ari, Speedgraphic sell it. There's a list of suppliers here.

[arigram]

Originally Posted by Andy K

Ari, Speedgraphic sell it. Their list of suppliers is here.

It says "discontinued"...
EDIT: Ok, that's freaky: the stores I've looked at the links don't carry it.

[Andy K]

Shame. looked a good idea, no wiping the lens, so no chance of accidentally scratching it. I can only find it for sale in 500ml quantities at £430.00 a bottle!

[bobwysiwyg]

Found this one, seemingly independent reference..

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18345196