CLEANING SOLUTIONS FOR COATED LENSES

Hi folks

I had a discussion with a friend recently and we discussed whether or not alcohol based solutions were usable with coated lenses.

Because of the alcohol dissolving the MgF2.

With modern hard coated lenses is this still a concern?

I know with my prescription eyewear(plastic lenses) it is best to use a detergent/water based cleaner. I presume this is because the coatings(MgF2) can not be hard coated (this requires high temperatures)

I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on cleaning modern eyepieces and objectives. I realise that objectives should only ever be cleaned rarely.

Also what techniques/solutions do you folks use.

Thankyou
Kevin B

Kevin, Try Dr Clay's receipe found at www.arksy.org, then click on Guides, then pick the cleaning systems item. Dr. Clay has spent a great deal off effort to get an acceptable cleanoing solution for Meade LX200 UHTC optics which are coated.

Doug W.

From the TeleVue website:

http://www201.pair.com/resource/astro.html/regular/products/tele-vue-optics/cleaning.htm

"Reagent grade acetone and methanol are ideal, and may be available in some pharmacies, but alcohol or acetone from a hardware store can also be used."