IPA suitable for cleaning?

**Bob 256** · 12-25-2020, 10:08 AM - **1 Like**

Pure IPA is not advised. I'd use a dilute form as ProfessorBuzz mentioned and I'd use Everclear (in place of the IPA) which is Ethyl alcohol and is fairly pure other than a bit of distilled water. Alcohol is used to dissolve things the detergent and water can't (some oils and the like) so it need not be concentrated and can do more harm than good in concentrated form. Always use distilled water for dilution. I follow up cleanings by carefully blowing on the lens surface so as to create some condensation, and then swab that off with lens tissue, removing any residues from the cleaning.

Lev · 12-25-2020, 10:24 AM

I highly recommend these:

Zeiss Lens Wipes
Zeiss Lens Care Kit, Includes Microfiber Cloth, 2oz Spray Bottle

Using them on front elements gave just perfect results, crystal clear surface on first try, which I can't tell the same when it comes to rear elements. I don't know why, maybe because there are different coatings, it leaves tiny circle like shapes if you wipe while it's wet. Next time I'll try to continue wiping until it dries out to remove them afterwards.

And last one I have used and never will do for any lens is this:
ROR Lens Cleaner & Oil Residue Remover

Although it perfectly removes oil and other stuff, it leaves a lot of residue behind.

automorphism · 12-25-2020, 10:50 AM

I always use the slightest damp cloth (like a drop or two of water) to clean my gear. I would never use the strong stuff.

stevebrot · 12-25-2020, 10:53 AM

Hint: The maker says no...

As for IPA not being an aggressive solvent, it depends on definition of aggressive. As a polar solvent, its activity is similar to methanol, but not as strong as acetone. I would not use it at the 90% concentration commonly available here in the U.S.

Steve

Last edited by stevebrot; 12-25-2020 at 11:01 AM.

**Just1MoreDave** · 12-25-2020, 11:29 AM

Originally posted by Parallax

Right. Never use IPA. Stouts and porters are even worse for a lens. I'd try a pilsner.

Sorry. Sometimes I just can't help myself.

Those hard seltzers might work.

**Madaboutpix** · 12-25-2020, 12:41 PM

Originally posted by Lev

Using them on front elements gave just perfect results, crystal clear surface on first try, which I can't tell the same when it comes to rear elements. I don't know why, maybe because there are different coatings, it leaves tiny circle like shapes if you wipe while it's wet. Next time I'll try to continue wiping until it dries out to remove them afterwards.

Even with modern Pentax glass (since 2006), coatings on rear elements require extra care, given that they are not treated with SP (Super Protect) Coating. I try to keep them as dust-free and free of any other matter as I can so that usually don't have to touch them with anything at all.

Lev · 12-25-2020, 12:46 PM

Originally posted by Madaboutpix

Even with modern Pentax glass (since 2006), coatings on rear elements require extra care, given that they are not treated with SP (Super Protect) Coating. I try to keep them as dust-free and free of any other matter as I can so that usually don't have to touch them with anything at all.

That's true if you don't forget to put a rear cap on before picking it up and inserting your thumb inside leaving a huuuge fingerprint, as I did

tibbitts · 12-25-2020, 12:56 PM

I'm guessing this thread has sold a lot of UV or clear filters. And would have even for the rear of lenses, if manufacturers had put threads there.

Hawkfan · 12-25-2020, 12:58 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by 35mmfilmfan

London Dry Gin, surely ?

Must be only Beefeater though.

Lev · 12-25-2020, 01:16 PM

Originally posted by tibbitts

I'm guessing this thread has sold a lot of UV or clear filters. And would have even for the rear of lenses, if manufacturers had put threads there.

no comment!

**AstroDave** · 12-25-2020, 02:56 PM

In the good old days (1970's), you used Kodak lens cleaning fluid and put a drop on your Kodak lens tissue (and as noted above, swirled out from the center).

I still have some of both, which get used vary sparingly.

**pentaxus** · 12-25-2020, 07:04 PM

Zeiss lens cleaning solution works well. There are some newer coatings that don't like to be cleaned with alcohol.

Ronald Oakes · 12-25-2020, 08:37 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Parallax

Right. Never use IPA. Stouts and porters are even worse for a lens. I'd try a pilsner.

Sorry. Sometimes I just can't help myself.

Yes we know !

Hard to resist this one....lol

**ProfessorBuzz** · 01-03-2021, 07:20 AM

Originally posted by Lev

And last one I have used and never will do for any lens is this:
ROR Lens Cleaner & Oil Residue Remover

Although it perfectly removes oil and other stuff, it leaves a lot of residue behind.

Lev is absolutely right. In my experience, it goes get rid of the oil, but it sometimes just spreads it around, and usally leaves a mess behind. So then you need to clean again with something else.
Not recommended.

gatorguy · 01-03-2021, 07:35 AM

Originally posted by ProfessorBuzz

Lev is absolutely right. In my experience, it goes get rid of the oil, but it sometimes just spreads it around, and usally leaves a mess behind. So then you need to clean again with something else.
Not recommended.

I have a bottle and it did come in handy after shooting some cooking photos for my wife. I would have thought standing 2-3 feet away from a frypan would have been plenty for avoiding spattering oil. It is not.

Otherwise I agree it leaves a residue that just requires more cleaning with alcohol wipes (love the Zeiss ones) to remove. There's very few instances where I'd use it.

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12-25-2020, 10:08 AM - 1 Like	#16
Bob 256 Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Idaho Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,375	Pure IPA is not advised. I'd use a dilute form as ProfessorBuzz mentioned and I'd use Everclear (in place of the IPA) which is Ethyl alcohol and is fairly pure other than a bit of distilled water. Alcohol is used to dissolve things the detergent and water can't (some oils and the like) so it need not be concentrated and can do more harm than good in concentrated form. Always use distilled water for dilution. I follow up cleanings by carefully blowing on the lens surface so as to create some condensation, and then swab that off with lens tissue, removing any residues from the cleaning.

12-25-2020, 10:24 AM	#17
Lev Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia Posts: 1,197	I highly recommend these: Zeiss Lens Wipes Zeiss Lens Care Kit, Includes Microfiber Cloth, 2oz Spray Bottle Using them on front elements gave just perfect results, crystal clear surface on first try, which I can't tell the same when it comes to rear elements. I don't know why, maybe because there are different coatings, it leaves tiny circle like shapes if you wipe while it's wet. Next time I'll try to continue wiping until it dries out to remove them afterwards. And last one I have used and never will do for any lens is this: ROR Lens Cleaner & Oil Residue Remover Although it perfectly removes oil and other stuff, it leaves a lot of residue behind.

12-25-2020, 10:50 AM	#18
automorphism Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Ontario, Canada Photos: Albums Posts: 791	I always use the slightest damp cloth (like a drop or two of water) to clean my gear. I would never use the strong stuff.

12-25-2020, 10:53 AM	#19
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Hint: The maker says no... As for IPA not being an aggressive solvent, it depends on definition of aggressive. As a polar solvent, its activity is similar to methanol, but not as strong as acetone. I would not use it at the 90% concentration commonly available here in the U.S. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 12-25-2020 at 11:01 AM.

12-25-2020, 11:29 AM	#20
Just1MoreDave Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Aurora, CO Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,340	Originally posted by Parallax Right. Never use IPA. Stouts and porters are even worse for a lens. I'd try a pilsner. Sorry. Sometimes I just can't help myself. Those hard seltzers might work.

12-25-2020, 12:41 PM	#21
Madaboutpix Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: North Rhine-Westphalia Posts: 1,440	Originally posted by Lev Using them on front elements gave just perfect results, crystal clear surface on first try, which I can't tell the same when it comes to rear elements. I don't know why, maybe because there are different coatings, it leaves tiny circle like shapes if you wipe while it's wet. Next time I'll try to continue wiping until it dries out to remove them afterwards. Even with modern Pentax glass (since 2006), coatings on rear elements require extra care, given that they are not treated with SP (Super Protect) Coating. I try to keep them as dust-free and free of any other matter as I can so that usually don't have to touch them with anything at all.

12-25-2020, 12:46 PM	#22
Lev Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia Posts: 1,197	Originally posted by Madaboutpix Even with modern Pentax glass (since 2006), coatings on rear elements require extra care, given that they are not treated with SP (Super Protect) Coating. I try to keep them as dust-free and free of any other matter as I can so that usually don't have to touch them with anything at all. That's true if you don't forget to put a rear cap on before picking it up and inserting your thumb inside leaving a huuuge fingerprint, as I did

12-25-2020, 12:56 PM	#23
tibbitts Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Oklahoma USA Posts: 2,193	I'm guessing this thread has sold a lot of UV or clear filters. And would have even for the rear of lenses, if manufacturers had put threads there.

12-25-2020, 12:58 PM - 1 Like	#24
Hawkfan Banned Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Traveling The US Posts: 313	Originally posted by 35mmfilmfan London Dry Gin, surely ? Must be only Beefeater though.

12-25-2020, 01:16 PM	#25
Lev Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Tbilisi, Georgia Posts: 1,197	Originally posted by tibbitts I'm guessing this thread has sold a lot of UV or clear filters. And would have even for the rear of lenses, if manufacturers had put threads there. no comment!

12-25-2020, 02:56 PM	#26
AstroDave Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2007 Location: Flagstaff, Arizona Posts: 1,637	In the good old days (1970's), you used Kodak lens cleaning fluid and put a drop on your Kodak lens tissue (and as noted above, swirled out from the center). I still have some of both, which get used vary sparingly.

12-25-2020, 07:04 PM	#27
pentaxus Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 1,313	Zeiss lens cleaning solution works well. There are some newer coatings that don't like to be cleaned with alcohol.

12-25-2020, 08:37 PM - 1 Like	#28
Ronald Oakes Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,582	Originally posted by Parallax Right. Never use IPA. Stouts and porters are even worse for a lens. I'd try a pilsner. Sorry. Sometimes I just can't help myself. Yes we know ! Hard to resist this one....lol

01-03-2021, 07:20 AM	#29
ProfessorBuzz Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2018 Posts: 1,903	Originally posted by Lev And last one I have used and never will do for any lens is this: ROR Lens Cleaner & Oil Residue Remover Although it perfectly removes oil and other stuff, it leaves a lot of residue behind. Lev is absolutely right. In my experience, it goes get rid of the oil, but it sometimes just spreads it around, and usally leaves a mess behind. So then you need to clean again with something else. Not recommended.

01-03-2021, 07:35 AM	#30
gatorguy Moderator Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Central Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 6,092	Originally posted by ProfessorBuzz Lev is absolutely right. In my experience, it goes get rid of the oil, but it sometimes just spreads it around, and usally leaves a mess behind. So then you need to clean again with something else. Not recommended. I have a bottle and it did come in handy after shooting some cooking photos for my wife. I would have thought standing 2-3 feet away from a frypan would have been plenty for avoiding spattering oil. It is not. Otherwise I agree it leaves a residue that just requires more cleaning with alcohol wipes (love the Zeiss ones) to remove. There's very few instances where I'd use it.