Cleaning cloths for camera gear.

[ian-83]

Looking to treat my camera gear and buy some decent cleaning stuff. I have a rocket blower and some of the Zeiss style wet lens cleaning cloths as I am a glasses wearer.

Just wondering if a dry cloth or two to keep in the bag would be a good idea and if so what cloths have people used and can recommend?

 

[realspeed]

maybe a Microfibre cloth . it depends on what you want to clean. or you could go for the complete cleaning kit

Artic butterfly brush-Loupe-sensor cleaning fluid -swabs (round and spade).
Using a rocket blower it could blow dust into the camera body making a problem even worse

The artic butterfly (top centre of photo) is a motorised spinning brush to attract dust. Let it spin for a couple of seconds then stop. this builds up static electricity to which dust is attracted to. Do not carry on with it spinning while brushing the sensor

Artic Butterfly

The loupe lets you look at the sensor magnified with lights. just place it where the lens goes onto the camera
using swabs don't pour the fluid onto the swab it will flood it. Put a drop on a surface such as a desk top , then dip the swap into the drop.

With this kit no need to send away for cleaning just be gentle and take time cleaning the sensor and check after each wipe with the loupe
Doing this saves time being without your camera, saves money as well.
I have clean my few cameras sensors many times with this gear

Hope this is useful to your question

 

[ian-83]

maybe a Microfibre cloth . it depends on what you want to clean. or you could go for the complete cleaning kit

Artic butterfly brush-Loupe-sensor cleaning fluid -swabs (roiund and spade).

I'm after something to clean the lens front glass with. A microfibre cloth is probably what I am after. Just looking for recommendations of ones worth buying.

I do have some sensor cleaning swabs and also fluid but I'm not sure if the fluid will be any good as I've had it a few years now.

 

[gramps]

I use one like THIS as it packs away easily in the case and doesn't get in the way.

 

[LeeRatters]

I'm after something to clean the lens front glass with. A microfibre cloth is probably what I am after. Just looking for recommendations of ones worth buying.

I do have some sensor cleaning swabs and also fluid but I'm not sure if the fluid will be any good as I've had it a few years now.

I just use a bit of microfiber cloth. I do usually have a filter of some description on the front anyway though.

 

[realspeed]

Ian the fluid should be ok still if it is proper sensor fluid. I have had mine for many years. I just showed my full kit if you wanted extra bits. Note about dipping into fluid in my post

 

[Nod]

For front elements, I use either a specs cleaning wipe (I get mine from Lidl) or an old fashioned lens tissue and a drop of Isopropyl Alcohol. In extremis, like most of us, I use a huff of breath and a T-shirt!

 

[tijuana taxi]

I have used these cloths and sprays for over twenty years https://www.calotherm.co.uk/
No idea if they are better or worse than others, but they clean without damaging the glass.
Also have a big box of the one time use Zeiss wipes, very good as well.
A Lenspen is handy too mainly for the brush in my case, don't want to wipe a lens with possible damaging particles on it.
Small rocket blower works well too, I bought a mini version from Amazon that is easily packed

 

[ian-83]

I use one like THIS as it packs away easily in the case and doesn't get in the way.

I think I had one of those years ago. Tried to clean it in the washing machine but didn't do it any favours. Will have to get a new one I think.

Ian the fluid should be ok still if it is proper sensor fluid. I have had mine for many years. I just showed my full kit if you wanted extra bits. Note about dipping into fluid in my post

I can't remember where the kit came from but it was a company specialising in camera cleaning equipment. Hopefully it'll still be okay

For front elements, I use either a specs cleaning wipe (I get mine from Lidl) or an old fashioned lens tissue and a drop of Isopropyl Alcohol. In extremis, like most of us, I use a huff of breath and a T-shirt!

The last resort the huff of breath and a t shirt.
Just have to avoid using paper towel like I have on my glasses, it's ruined a pair by scratching the lenses.

I have used these cloths and sprays for over twenty years https://www.calotherm.co.uk/
No idea if they are better or worse than others, but they clean without damaging the glass.
Also have a big box of the one time use Zeiss wipes, very good as well.
A Lenspen is handy too mainly for the brush in my case, don't want to wipe a lens with possible damaging particles on it.
Small rocket blower works well too, I bought a mini version from Amazon that is easily packed

I have used Zeiss wipes in the past for my glasses, currently have another brand off Amazon which aren't nearly as good.
Never thought about a lenspen so will look them up.
Have a Giottos rocket blower but a smaller one might be worthwhile to keep in a camera bag while out.

 

[Nod]

The tissues I use with the IPA are designed as lens cleaning tissues so (in theory, at least!) shouldn't cause damage. I've had a couple of packs for years - bought in a shop that was demolished 20 or more years ago! I do make as sure as possible that the front element is free from scratchy particles, using a blower and/or a brush.