philo Loc: philo, ca

received error message that i need to clean the connects between the lens and body.
question............how do you clean the points.
I have used lens cleaner and an eraser.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Pencil erasers are very abrasive. The gold plating on the contacts is only microns thick.
I won't touch the contacts with a pencil eraser.
I use isopropyl alcohol on a Q-tip, not completely saturated, dab/lightly wipe the contacts.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

Safest way is use rubbing alcohol on a cloth. The wrong eraser can wear the contacts.

philo Loc: philo, ca

good point. thanks.

BebuLamar

Rubbing alcohol is usually not 100% alcohol. They vary from 70% to 90% or so. I wonder what the other 10 or 30% is. If it's water it may not be very good for the contact.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

Yes it is water, but unless you can get something better at a camera store or some such place .....

philo Loc: philo, ca

for the small amount used i don't think it matters.
If it was for cocktail time that is something else.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Granted, the 90% is better. The little water that is in isopropyl will not hurt the gold plating, gold does not rust or react with water. Just don't soak the contacts so that the liquid gets inside. The contacts should not be THAT dirty.
I've been using isopropyl on all kinds of contacts for over 45 years, including circuit boards.
I don't use rubbing alcohol as some may also contain mineral oil. I use the alcohol wipes one can get at the drugstore or Costco in bulk,and squeeze the alcohol pad around a Q-tip to wet the Q-tip, and gently rub the contacts.

rehess Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA

So, cleaning with Q-tip is better than cleaning with wipes?
Aren't there some lens cleaning tissues that are soaked in alcohol also?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

1. I find Q-tips (smaller area) easier to maneuver (and get coverage where I want it and not where I don't) than the wipes, but that's just me. I don't "scrub" with the Q-tips, just wipe, so there is little chance of residual lint from the Q-tip.

2. I have no idea, I use Zeiss wipes for my lenses, and haven't looked to see what they contain.
......Guess I might next time I 'm near the box.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

Yes, it's water. You should not be SOAKING the cloth or lens with the alcohol. Dampen cloth and wipe. You aren't leaving loose liquid on the contacts. Even 70% dries quickly, but get 90% for less water and faster drying.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Never use anythg with an abrasive surface or that can leave residual debris, particles or any kind of lint or fuzz. This include erasers, any cloth with a rough texture or absorbent cotton that may fray. Use Q-tips just once for each application and make certain they don't leave anything behind. Do not use facial tissue or toilet paper- they fray easily and some of the. contain moisturizers and other impurities.

Isopropyl rubbing compounds does contain water so make sure not to soak you applicator or the contacts too much- the alcohol will evaporate quickly but too much water can remain and may seep into the lens or body. Unless the contacts are very dirty a sparingly applied wipe with rubbing alcohol should do the tick.

My favorite cleaner is ELECTRICAL CONTACT CLEANER (Isopropanol CH3CHOHCH3 is the pure stuff)- it comes in spray cans but DON'T spray it directly on photographic equipment. Spray a little on a Q-tip or lintless cloth and one quick wipe will usually solve the issue. After dirt is removed a soft rub with a very clean lintless cloth i recommend to remove any trace of the cleaner.

philo Loc: philo, ca

I have a bottle of Zeiss lens cleaner on my desk; however it doesn't say what in it.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Proprietary ingredients?...

chrissybabe Loc: New Zealand

The alcohol used to moisten the cleaning tissues used to clean camera CCDs, I believe, is much purer than all other kinds. Obviously since they don't want you smearing alcohol and whatever other crud may be in the liquid all over a camera CCD.