Camera CLA & Repair: What oil to use?

[Auer]

I wouldnt compare Cameras to watches/clocks, they are in constant motion and model trains...do that as well but not in the same amount of course.

That said, I dont think the choice of oil is that crucial as long as the viscosity and ability to adhere to parts is in the ball park.

I serviced a few turntables (record players) and some people spend half their life time searching for some obsolete lubricant that was specced 75 years ago.....

 

[CMoore]

I wouldnt compare Cameras to watches/clocks, they are in constant motion and model trains...do that as well but not in the same amount of course.

That said, I dont think the choice of oil is that crucial as long as the viscosity and ability to adhere to parts is in the ball park.

I serviced a few turntables (record players) and some people spend half their life time searching for some obsolete lubricant that was specced 75 years ago.....

Like the guys with Leslie's that think you need to use special Whale Oil to lube the stupid strings that turn the cone and drum.
I have told people over and over. Your cabinet was made in 1952. That oil no longer exists.

 

[Adam Demuth]

Amazon makes that a cinch.

Amazon's not an option for everybody.

 

[BrianShaw]

Amazon's not an option for everybody.

Sorry to hear that. I should have added “YMMV”, I guess. Whichever Palau in the world is yours is probably completely beyond Amazon delivery until they perfect long-distance delivery drones. I hope you can use another source of delivery to get the oil of your dreams.

 

[Adam Demuth]

My Palau is the most remote Palau that there is, the gorgeous island nation with a mere 500 miles of ocean between us and the nearest landmass. Having to wait weeks or months for something I need has taught me grand lessons in improvisation and in conserving what I already have. I was pretty good at it in the States, but I'm at a whole new level now. The "x" of my dreams is anything I can find on on island that works halfway like it needs to

I'll pick up the aerosol tri-flow, squirt some out and let it sit and see if anything separates like was recommended with WD-40. I think it should be fine no matter what, but something always gives me the willies about aerosol stuff.

 

[eli griggs]

IIRC, the first American Automatic car Transmission was an Oldsmobile, and it used sperm-whale oil.

A long time ago, but no so old that a collector of car memorabilia, might have a can or bottle on hand, though whether or it would be grandfathered in, and legal to transfer/sell, is an open question, others should answer.

Right now, I'm using Singer Sewing machine oil, though I might start to thin it with 50% Naphtha, for a bulk application, than evaporates to 50% oil.

Good Luck.

 

[ChristopherCoy]

It wasn't mentioned, but how about this stuff? Any good, or avoid it like the plague?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013R67A6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Auer]

It wasn't mentioned, but how about this stuff? Any good, or avoid it like the plague?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013R67A6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

View attachment 266949

Good applicator bottle and its a light oil so should work well.
I used it, but only in firearms.

 

[eli griggs]

You might want to do a comparison between the above and this: https://www.amazon.com/REM-REM-OIL-...ild=1&keywords=rem+oil&qid=1613757842&sr=8-6#

It has a Teflon component, and is quite light, at least compared with typical 1-2-3 household oil.

I am using Singer Sewing Machine oil sometimes let down with Naptha (sp?), 1:1.

The singer oil would be my second choice.