Cleaning EPs with lens pen

[michael131313]

I have a Nikon LENSPEN. It seems straightforward to use. I was just wondering, if and when I need to clean an EP, is there a preferred technique to use? Thanks

[bladekeeper]

I have a Nikon LENSPEN. It seems straightforward to use. I was just wondering, if and when I need to clean an EP, is there a preferred technique to use? Thanks

When it is cloudy out.

I use the brush end to knock off any dust and particulates, and then with a little breath fog, I clean the glass with the pad end. Works quite well. Just make sure you knock the debris off first.

[Harshil Patel]

Yes you can clean your EP with lenspen. First clean a dust particles using small brush and then clean it with lens pen...

[Leveye]

I would not use one myself. I first use a bulb blower and then use fresh Kimtech wipes with a 60/40 mix of filtered distilled water and at least 91% pure isopropyl alcohol.

[michael131313]

Thanks Bryan, you made me laugh.

[UlteriorModem]

And all this time I thought you were supposed to lick them!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3vWB5EgG_Q

[bladekeeper]

And all this time I thought you were supposed to lick them!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3vWB5EgG_Q

Lick away! Joe is a member here and a former moderator. If Joe licks it, it must be good.

[PhilipLangley]

When using a lens pen of any sort, from time to time, you might want to try this to extend the serviceable life of its tiny little pad.

As you know, since you read all about it on-line, it works with a carbon-based particulate that attaches to the pad each time that you apply the cap and rotate the pen.

Now this stuff builds up on, and in, the pad overtime, cemented together by the various oils and fats that it absorbs off of the lens/filter during cleaning. So you end with an ever thickening residual layer of MOG (miscellaneous other gunk) on the pad. And that layer stays there, even during the next lens cleaning, etc, etc.

So, at the end of your eyepiece cleaning session, or after cleaning one particularly "grubby" eyepiece which had been soiled with mascara, eye liner, eye shadow, face powder and lipstick, grab hold of your powerful hand operated puffer-ball and direct a few blasts of high velocity air at the pad, while all the time flicking the pad end of the lens pen with your finger nail. It shouldn't go 'twang', it should just vibrate gently.

This loosens the MOG, jostling it up to the surface of the pad and blows it away.

I go one step further, as I am prone to do, that's just the way I wired, and gently dab the pad onto a paper towel, maybe even rotating it gently as I do. I always end by giving it a good blow job with the puffer to get rid of any paper fibers that may have attached themselves to the pad.

If you inspect the pad under a magnifying glass and bright light, you might even see the pores in the matrix of the pad from which the MOG has been displaced.

Attach the cap and give it a couple of turns to load up another charge of carbon, ready for the next use.

Remember also that the soft-haired brush at the other end can also become contaminated with fats and oils, so don't be cheap, replace the lens pen once an observing season. They're cheaper than even your cheapest eyepiece, I think!

[KT4HX]

I would not use one myself. I first use a bulb blower and then use fresh Kimtech wipes with a 60/40 mix of filtered distilled water and at least 91% pure isopropyl alcohol.

I have come to that conclusion of late Chris. I have read many comments (elsewhere) that aren't very favorable of them. I used to use them on my EPs, but have since stopped.I remove the rubber eye cup then use the brush end to clear dust, and a blower if needed. I then breath on the glass to fog it and use a clean Q-tip (not one that's been in my ear!) to clean the glass with the moisture my breath imparts. Then repeat with the other end of the Q-tip. Works quite good and I know I am not taking any chances with a contaminated pad on the Lenspen.

[Trombatissimo]

With all the experienced members recommending licking and breathing to clean eyepieces, how are the poor folks at Zeiss Wipes and Kimtech gonna stay in business? Remember that some of those kids now assembling Lenspens in China used to make Nikes before the do-gooders got 'em all fired. I'll now balance my potentially "too political" last claim by suggesting that breathing on the lenses is more ecologically sound than endorsing the practice of burning carbon fuels to manufacture and transport a can of compressed air from the factory half way around the world to you. . . . so should the next topic be women's rights or health care?