Clean an „polish“ old gear for eBay

bonk · Dec 12, 2020

I want to sell some analog SLR cameras and lenses from the 80ies and 90ies on eBay and therefore want to clean them so that they looks as good and polished as possible.

Inside of the cameras everything looks pretty much like new but the outside of the camera bodies are somewhat dirty and even sticky sometimes (especially some plastic/rubber parts).

How would I portly clean them so that they look “shiny” and “polished” again without hurting the camera?

SilverShutter · Dec 12, 2020

Easiest way is to start with mild detergents for the main plastic surfaces, I personally prefer to use window cleaner since its pretty mild, although its best to test it out first in case the paint is affected. For metal surfaces it works very well too but take care to dry quickly and not put excess water since this causes rust and can affect electronics and delicate parts. For leatherette: I stick to soapy water and scrubbing with an old toothbrush if necessary. Stickiness is another story: never experienced it myself but some people recommend talcum powder on the rubber, others strip it away using rubbing alcohol (this may affect resale value however).
If you plan on cleaning glass elements in the lenses, use a lens pen or similar, dont use anything abrasive like paper or cleaning solutions that leave residue.

AgX · Dec 12, 2020

As a buyer I prefer cameras not cleaned and polished by others, I assume they would make it worse than I would do..

Peltigera · Dec 12, 2020

I aagree with AgX. I have bought cameras in the past where the camera has been damaged by excessive, amateurish cleaning. I avoid buying very shiny old cameras. Dust and signs of use are to be expected.

ic-racer · Dec 12, 2020

AgX said:
As a buyer I prefer cameras not cleaned and polished by others, I assume they would make it worse than I would do..

Same here.

Kino · Dec 12, 2020

I agree that not scrubbing the camera is a good idea, but for God's sake some of cameras on Ebay could do with a gentle external dusting to knock the layers of grime off the body. I'd be ashamed to sell a camera so filthy it requires gloves to touch...

A can of air and a soft bristled paint brush will do fine for most cameras.

BrianShaw · Dec 12, 2020

I offer much le$$ for dirty gear on eBay (or anywhere).

Tel · Dec 12, 2020

AgX said:
As a buyer I prefer cameras not cleaned and polished by others, I assume they would make it worse than I would do..

I agree also. I would add that it pays to know your target market. Someone who wants a shiny old camera is likely buying it for its ornamental properties and not its functionality. If I'm looking at the 'bay I avoid anything described as "mint" "like new" or (worst of all) "minty" because I suspect that the seller is someone who believes that film is dead and no one is ever going to try shooting with the camera they're selling. If you're selling a camera as a "collectible" feel free to tart it up. I usually do a dusting-off with a soft brush and maybe a wipe-down of the exterior body with a microfiber cloth and a drop or two of isopropyl and leave it at that.

Tel · Dec 12, 2020

Just as a matter of curiosity, what cameras are you selling.....?

shutterfinger · Dec 12, 2020

Windex, 90% Isopropyl Alcohol for leather/leatherette, Pledge yellow can for leatherette/leather after the alcohol, paper towels.
Wet the paper towel with the cleaner then wipe the the camera part.

bonk · Dec 13, 2020

I am selling several Nikon F100 and Nikon FE10, all with low end (kit?) zoom lenses.
So I guess the target audience is the beginner hobbyist amateur that might appreciate if the gear looks good.

mshchem · Dec 13, 2020

F100 is the king of sticky.

E. von Hoegh · Dec 19, 2020

bonk said:
I want to sell some analog SLR cameras and lenses from the 80ies and 90ies on eBay and therefore want to clean them so that they looks as good and polished as possible.

Inside of the cameras everything looks pretty much like new but the outside of the camera bodies are somewhat dirty and even sticky sometimes (especially some plastic/rubber parts).

How would I portly clean them so that they look “shiny” and “polished” again without hurting the camera?

You don't.
You represent them honestly.
The manner in which you posed this question indicates you know nothing about cameras.
I have never, and will never, purchase a "tarted up" camera, nor one described as "recently cla'd /serviced.
Go back to selling crap. Please don't destroy any more cameras.

BrianShaw · Dec 19, 2020

Everybody washes a car and cleans up the interior before selling a car, or puts a coat of fresh paint on the front door before selling a house. That’s the same or similar to cleaning up a camera that’s been sitting on a shelf... wouldn’t you (nobody in particular) agree?

Kino · Dec 19, 2020

Yes, I can't buy in that you have no right to dust or lightly clean a camera you are about to sell if that helps the resell value.

If you take an angle grinder to it, then you get what you deserve...

MattKing · Dec 19, 2020

If you are talking about the sort of cleaning that you would do to maintain a camera in a condition that makes it a pleasure to use and helps it last, then go for it!

Helge · Dec 20, 2020

You might Gently! wipe off any loose dust with a brush or soft cloth.
But don’t apply pressure or scratches might appear on for example displays.

Other cleaning, especially the gooey grip plastic syndrome, you leave to the buyer.

He will do it with much more diligence and care than a rush job you do to max out the profit and get the merch out the door.

Any serious buyer will know this and knows how to do it.
And you want to write exactly that in the add copy to make the potential buyer aware that “you know that he knows that your know...” etc.

Provide good, well lit, closeups of all sides, with macros of any damage or scratches you might see.

Doing the above will not only give you a good buyer, who will be satisfied and keep his product.
It will also get you the best real price.

Flimflam on eBay is a very dangerous game to play for the seller, as the buyer will always be sided with by eBay.
Trying to milk a product will almost always ultimately get you trouble and cost any profit.

mgb74 · Dec 20, 2020

If you were selling collectable cameras, I'd agree with the advice to leave them as is. But you're selling users and I understand the desire to clean them up a bit. If you don't really know what you're doing (and based on your question you probably don't), then I'd avoid cleaning with anything other than a soft brush and perhaps a soft cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Don't try to deal with sticky leatherette. Don't clean the lens other then blowing off with a bulb syringe.

And keep in mind that if you are listing these as "used" on ebay, you are guaranteeing that they work: "The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but it is fully operational and functions as intended." Ebay does not have a condition category for "I think it works but not sure".

Helge · Dec 20, 2020

There really is no such thing as a “user” anymore.
Even professionals are deliberate and careful when using film.
A functional but crappy looking camera is still graded and priced on a scale, accordingly going from untouched to unsightly.
Cosmetics matter.

Clean an „polish“ old gear for eBay

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency