Originally posted by csa Also, one must be very careful using the "lens pens"; as if anything gets on the pad, then it is scraped across your glass!
Yep, you got THAT right! I saw the drawbacks to those little gadgets right away! They're as bad as using your shirttail! That's why I clean the lens as soon as I get it, using a 50/50 solution of Everclear and toilet tissue, then put a UV or skylight filter (or CP, as the situation dictates) on it and forget about ever cleaning it again. It's worked for 50 years so I see no reason to change horses in the middle of the stream. I've got a f:1.4, 50mm Pentax lens I bought in Hong Kong in 1966 and it still looks like new. The proof in the pudding is in the eating!
I guess I'm kinda' OC about my "tools." I was a carpenter/cabinetmaker/furniture maker--designer for most of my life and I NEVER had a chisel you couldn't shave with. Same with my saws. Never had any use for a dull one. Same with router bits, drill bits, planer blades.... even my EDC pocket knife. You could do eye surgery with it if the situation demanded! But, I digress. But, I'm old.... I'm allowed that luxury.
Dewman
SW Idaho, USA