Cleaning the film pressure plate?

MultiFormat Shooter · Dec 15, 2016

What method is recommended for cleaning residue off of the film pressure plate on Nikon film cameras? Isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab? I think the residue is from the adhesive that attaches the felt light trap the film cassettes.

Leigh B · Dec 15, 2016

The pressure plate is very finely finished, to avoid scratching the film.

I would clean it the same as cleaning a coated lens.

I've never heard of a pressure plate collecting residue from any source, but that doesn't mean it's impossible.

- Leigh

awty · Dec 15, 2016

I just use I Isopropyl alcohol. Works fine for my.

Poisson Du Jour · Dec 15, 2016

How / why is there sticky residue on the film pressure plate? A report of a sticky residue on this is a revelation of sorts to me.
The most I give is a gentle wipe with an Ilford antistatic cloth, and that's fingerprints!

MultiFormat Shooter · Dec 15, 2016

Poisson Du Jour said:
How/why is there sticky residue on the film pressure plate?

I'm not sure, as I haven't seen it before, either. I first noticed it after using some film that had been stored frozen. I did let it warm-up properly, before opening the packaging and loading it.

tedr1 · Dec 16, 2016

There are three common cleaning solvents that may be helpful with cleaning

Isopropyl is the most gentle and is good for fingerprints and dust
Naptha (ronsonol lighter fluid) is stronger and can be used to remove some grease and adhesive residues, be cautious about use on plastics, test first
Acetone is a strong solvent that also removes the heavier greases and adhesive residues, it is plastic UNSAFE

onre · Dec 16, 2016

Yes, these are the solvents you should use. For actual cleaning, any soft absorbent wipe works. I usually use a piece of cotton wool and then use a dust blower for finishing the job. I've also used lens paper and q-tips.

I would also like to know what can cause this kind of residue. I've seen it from time to time and have no idea what it is.

paul ron · Dec 16, 2016

alcohol pad is fine.

bsdunek · Dec 16, 2016

MultiFormat Shooter said:
I'm not sure, as I haven't seen it before, either. I first noticed it after using some film that had been stored frozen. I did let it warm-up properly, before opening the packaging and loading it.

Ah Ha! The resulting moisture could have dissolved some of the coating in the back of the film, leaving it on the pressure plate. If so, it would be water soluble. You could try just a soft, damp cloth first. Hold it on the plate for a moment to soften the crud, and then wipe carefully. Finishing up with Isopropyl Alcohol would be a good follow up.

Huss · Dec 16, 2016

MultiFormat Shooter said:
Isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab?

Yes. Been using that forever w/ no issues.

MultiFormat Shooter · Dec 16, 2016

Thanks for all the advice! I try cleaning on my next day off, and let you know how it goes.

elcabezagrande · Dec 18, 2016

Alcohol for sticky, naphtha for greasy.

MultiFormat Shooter · Dec 18, 2016

I ended-up using naptha/cigarette lighter fluid and it worked like a charm-took the residue off quickly easily. Thanks again for the help!

Nodda Duma · Dec 18, 2016

Lick it clean like a cat!

Cleaning the film pressure plate?

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