How to clean resin filters? Just bought some Lee ND filters and want to know best way to clean them in the field---will lens cleaner work? I note that Lee has a little spray bottle of...

Dsnrphtr

Just bought some Lee ND filters and want to know best way to clean them in the field---will lens cleaner work? I note that Lee has a little spray bottle of their own fluid; is this specifically required?

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

yes

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

carl hervol wrote:

yes

Which of the OP’s two questions are you answering?

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'd suggest using their cleaning fluid, and follow their instructions.
--Bob

Dsnrphtr wrote:

Just bought some Lee ND filters and want to know best way to clean them in the field---will lens cleaner work? I note that Lee has a little spray bottle of their own fluid; is this specifically required?

Kingman

I just looked up Lee Filter Cleaning solutions and didn't find it available separately...any ideas? Sparkle glass cleaner is pretty good on glass, but I am not sure on Lee Resin Filters.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

https://www.adorama.com/lefclean.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI15eS2p6j2QIVD3h-Ch26RwW8EAYYASABEgI--vD_BwE
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/87179-REG/LEE_Filters_FCLEAN_Filter_Cleaning_Solution.html
--Bob

Kingman wrote:

I just looked up Lee Filter Cleaning solutions and didn't find it available separately...any ideas? Sparkle glass cleaner is pretty good on glass, but I am not sure on Lee Resin Filters.

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

Dsnrphtr wrote:

Just bought some Lee ND filters and want to know best way to clean them in the field---will lens cleaner work? I note that Lee has a little spray bottle of their own fluid; is this specifically required?

Lens cleaners will work since they are designed to not harm lens coatings.

At home, mild soap (like Dove) and warm water should work fine. The same is true for eyeglasses. Rinse and dry them with a clean lint-free cloth like a cotton diaper.

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

Do not use cleaners with alcohol in it , it may take off the coating.

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

Dawn dish washing soap I mix 1 part soap to 15 parts warm water.

Dsnrphtr wrote:

Just bought some Lee ND filters and want to know best way to clean them in the field---will lens cleaner work? I note that Lee has a little spray bottle of their own fluid; is this specifically required?

selmslie Loc: Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

carl hervol wrote:

Do not use cleaners with alcohol in it , it may take off the coating.

The correct alcohol will not harm the lens coating but not all forms of alcohol are the same.

Zeiss lens cleaning wipes are infused with isopropyl alcohol and they are perfectly safe for lens coatings. They will not harm plastic filters.

I would not use other forms of alcohol or wipes not intended for optical glass because they probably contain other ingredients and might leave a residue.

What's more important is to be sure that all dust and other dirt is blown or brushed off the surface before finishing up with a wipe.

Dsnrphtr

Thanks for the comprehensive answer. It's just as important to know what NOT to use as what TO use----maybe more so. In one case you have a dirty filter, in the other case a damaged filter. For shame that this info is not so easily found or known.