microfiber cloths

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Camera Equipment : One Thread

Any preference among other photo.netters for a particular microfiber cloth. B+H is carrying something called the Leland ultra cloth; I'm curious whether anyone has used it and has anything to report

thanks

-- john beckman (john.beckman@nyu.edu), July 26, 2000

Answers

I really like PhotoClear microfiber cloths, which are distributed by B&W Schneider in the U.S. Try www.2filter.com (The filter Connection). For lens cleaning fluids, The Filter Connection also sells "Formula MC", which is currently my favorite.

-- kurt heintzelman (heintzelman.1@osu.edu), July 26, 2000.

Zeiss Microfiber cloths. A bit small (6 inches square) but nice and thick/durable feeling. Not more expensive than the others, despite the brand name...

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), July 27, 2000.

Microfibre, or any other sort of cloth is fine for cleaning your spectacles, but I wouldn't trust it anywhere near a camera lens. Yes they do remove grease and dust very efficiently, but anything that gets re-used picks up minute particles of grit. If you want to rub that into your lenses, fine. Or if you want to spend every other day washing it and drying it in a dust free room, fine again. Otherwise stick to a soft brush, and good quality disposable wipes.

-- Pete Andrews (p.l.andrews@bham.ac.uk), July 27, 2000.

Not all microfiber cloths are alike--some are junk, and fit only for use with eyeglasses. The PhotoClear cloths are silky soft, safe, and highly effective. B&W Schneider was evidently so impressed with this product that they chose to not only distribute it, but also to recommend it for use on their exquisitely crafted filters and lenses. I realize that a good many photographers are most comfortable with Kodak lens tissue, and that's great. If a particular product works well for you and you're adept at using it, then why tamper with success? Arthur Morris swears by cotton balls--great! I swear by PhotoClear microfiber cloths and Formula MC lens fluid--I happen to feel these cloths are far more effective and convenient than lens tissue. Your opinions may differ.

-- kurt heintzelman (heintzelman.1@osu.edu), July 27, 2000.

Moderation questions? read the FAQ