Archive 2006 · Kimwipes to clean lenses?
p.1 #1Kimwipes to clean lenses?
Kimberly-Clark makes this industrial purpose, lint-free, non-abbrasive tissue called Kimwipes? Just wondering if anybody has used these on lenses, filters, etc. They say they are non-abbrasive (because of "virgin wood fibre") but they feel pretty harsh?
Supposedly they are used for medical or technical purposes?
Supposedly they are used for medical or technical purposes?
Feb 05, 2006 at 01:36 PM
p.1 #2Kimwipes to clean lenses?
a simple good quality microfiber cloth. do not get overly technical or make it a science project.
Feb 05, 2006 at 01:59 PM
p.1 #3Kimwipes to clean lenses?
"virgin wood fibre"
It's all pulp wood no mater how hard KC tries to make it sound beautiful. I have used kimtuffs to dry off my camera bodies/lenses off, but I wouldn't use them on the glass elements. As noted from above Microfiber is best for the glass.
It's all pulp wood no mater how hard KC tries to make it sound beautiful. I have used kimtuffs to dry off my camera bodies/lenses off, but I wouldn't use them on the glass elements. As noted from above Microfiber is best for the glass.
Feb 05, 2006 at 03:13 PM
p.1 #4Kimwipes to clean lenses?
Kimwipes are rather abrasive. I never tried tried them on a lens and would not advise it.
EB
EB
Feb 05, 2006 at 04:09 PM
p.1 #5Kimwipes to clean lenses?
Disagree with the previous poster - we use them at work on optical systems (microscopes) in the 6-7 figure range. Image quality in these applications is very important and we have never had a problem. As with any product, you will scratch the optics if something abrasive (like dirt) is on the glass and you attempt to wipe off the glass... Show me a product that will not scratch short of a thick nappy cotton cloth. 
If you have an easy means to procure Kimwipes, go for it. I feel they provide a more consisent product vs. microfiber as they are made for scientific optical systems and so they know who will be complaining. If they do not scratch the optics of a lens instrument costing 100-1000x the price of your camera lenses, I think you will be fine...
To clean the optics: 1. use air from a dedicated bulb 2. use a natural hair brush. If there are smudges continue with some optical cleaning solution (Zeiss makes decent stuff) followed by gentle pressure with a kimwipe.
If you have an easy means to procure Kimwipes, go for it. I feel they provide a more consisent product vs. microfiber as they are made for scientific optical systems and so they know who will be complaining. If they do not scratch the optics of a lens instrument costing 100-1000x the price of your camera lenses, I think you will be fine...To clean the optics: 1. use air from a dedicated bulb 2. use a natural hair brush. If there are smudges continue with some optical cleaning solution (Zeiss makes decent stuff) followed by gentle pressure with a kimwipe.
Feb 05, 2006 at 08:56 PM
p.1 #6Kimwipes to clean lenses?
I would NOT use a wood product on a lens, the coatings are more vurnerable than the lens itself. I work in optical and wood fiber products are never used. Antieflective coatings are the most easily scratched. Microfiber cloths are the best option.
Feb 05, 2006 at 09:29 PM
p.1 #7Kimwipes to clean lenses?
I agree with bob_wfmc, I do not use them on my own lenses but I do use them at work on expensive microscopes as well and on our micro lenses we use with the D70. Our two pathologist are very hard on our lenses and they look like they look like they are never cleaned and that is usually every few days that I clean them.
We do not notice and scratching from the Kimwipes.
Personally I use a microfiber cloth.
Mike
We do not notice and scratching from the Kimwipes.
Personally I use a microfiber cloth.
Mike
Feb 05, 2006 at 09:44 PM