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Eyepiece Cleaning

  • lunartic_old
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15 years 5 months ago #73363 by lunartic_old
Eyepiece Cleaning was created by lunartic_old
Hi there

I've noticed that some of my eyepieces are getting grubby, can anyone out there tell me the best, and safest, way to clean them.

Thanks.

Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better programs, and the universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the universe is winning.

Rich Cook

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15 years 5 months ago #73376 by dave_lillis
Replied by dave_lillis on topic Re:Eyepiece Cleaning
Hi,
Eyepeices are usually fairly robust, just don't soak the glass otherwise you'll get water between the lenses, btw never take the lenses apart.
I use a wet cotton bud and then a dry one, that usually does the job.

Dave L. on facebook , See my images in flickr
Chairman. Shannonside Astronomy Club (Limerick)

Carrying around my 20" obsession is going to kill me,
but what a way to go. :)
+ 12"LX200, MK67, Meade2045, 4"refractor

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15 years 5 months ago #73383 by philiplardner
Replied by philiplardner on topic Re:Eyepiece Cleaning
I'd agree with what Dave suggested.

If they are expensive multi-coated lenses then you should refrain from using iso-propyl-alcohol as it can have an undesirable effect on the coatings. Never use loo paper or kitchen paper - they are very abrasive (as they need to be!) A mug of warm/hottish water with a single drop of washing up liquid stirred into it and applied with a fresh cotton bud (gently squeezed out) will remove most gunk and eyelash grease. Never scrub the lens with the cotton bud - just lightly swab it. Rinse with distilled water on a fresh cotton but and let evaporation do the rest.

You can also but lens cleaning tools in camera shops that consist of a soft brush and air puffer (which you should use first to remove any particulate dirt) and a soft curved rubber? disk on a handle that looks like a giant contact lens. This is used to clean right out to the edges and removes most grease streaks and finger prints.

Alternatively, you could Google "cleaning eyepieces." You will find a lot of advice and some wild ideas and techniques, but warm water and cotton buds are just as safe and effective!

Phil.

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