Found out my lens cleaning fluid was just glass cleaner in disguise

I was cleaning a old 50mm f1.4 lens from a Canon AE-1 last week and noticed the bottle I grabbed had a fine print label I never saw. Turns out it was just a repackaged Windex formula with a different name, no special optical coatings protection or anything. Checked the MSDS sheet online and it listed ammonium hydroxide as the main active, same as the stuff under my sink. Anyone else run into fake repair supplies from smaller online shops? Just want to know what brands are actually legit.

2 comments

2 Comments

avery_walker3020d ago

Honestly, using Windex on a good old Canon AE-1 lens is a bad move. That ammonium hydroxide is harsh and can eat away at the older, softer coatings over time, even if you don't see it right away. People who say it's fine probably got lucky with a modern lens or just haven't looked close enough with a bright light. Ngl, it's a real gamble with vintage glass since those coatings are way more delicate than new stuff. I'd stick to a brand like Zeiss or even just plain distilled water and a drop of dish soap. Better safe than sorry with a piece that old.

anderson.spencer21d ago

Wait, is this actually a big deal though? I've cleaned lenses with diluted windex for years without any issues, never messed up coatings or anything. Most of those "specialized" cleaners are just marked up household stuff anyway, half the camera repair scene runs on repackaged chemicals. You're probably stressing over nothing unless you're literally soaking the glass or scrubbing it with a paper towel. Just use a microfiber cloth and a tiny bit of any ammonia-free glass cleaner and you're golden.