Focusing Screen Cleaning

Jekyll driftwood

H
Jekyll driftwood

  • 0
  • 0
  • 27
It's also a verb.

D
It's also a verb.

  • 2
  • 0
  • 32
The Kildare Track

A
The Kildare Track

  • 12
  • 4
  • 119
Stranger Things.

A
Stranger Things.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 82

Recent Classifieds

Forum statistics

Threads
198,916
Messages
2,783,061
Members
99,745
Latest member
Javier Tello
Recent bookmarks
2

dynachrome

Member
Joined
Sep 16, 2006
Messages
1,758
Format
35mm
I received a Canon L D focusing screen today from an eBay seller. It had a very small rectangular piece of white tape on the dull side. I tried carefully to remove it using only fingernails but it seems to have left some residue. I have a number of other LD screens, which are in hood condition. Any suggestions for getting the residue off?
 

Deleted member 88956

While I have not tried this yet, I am hopeful ultrasonic cleaning has a chance to be successful without imposing any physical damage. Main problem is to never physically touch the fresnel side of screen, any screen. In fact only screens made of glass can be touched on their convex side.

Key is the right chemical mixture for your particular goo to come off without affecting screen surface. Ultrasonic cleaners are quite cheap in small sizes, so tis is hardly an expanse if you can see more use for it. For glue residue there are removers, often called "sticker-remover" or similar name, that are super effective and so far I've not seen them affecting (read dulling) surface itself. So probably this would be first step in ultrasonic attempt, then followed by isopropyl alcohol also in ultrasonic and if all that s successful, last step is a dunk / rinse with distilled water and blow it dry with cold set hair dryer. If there is any improvement, it means it works and try the routine again.

Note that I'm on a hypothetical, have not tried this yet and for ultrasonic approach will impart any damage to screen by itself. But some chemicals may do that, so got be gentle on strength applied. I do have a couple of Bronica screens that do not appear damaged, but have been smudged up on fresnel side and they are the first to be tried with this approach
 

shutterfinger

Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2013
Messages
5,020
Location
San Jose, Ca.
Format
4x5 Format
https://www.amazon.com/Motsenbockers-Label-Adhesive-Remover-Bottle/dp/B000QCYQJI/ref=sr_1_1?crid=17G2XZA4VLCZ5&dchild=1&keywords=motsenbocker+adhesive&qid=1601790085&sprefix=mosten,aps,227&sr=8-1
dissolves adhesives and glue without damaging the surface the adhesive is on.
Washing a focusing screen in a 35mm camera can leave fine scratches. Rub an over ripe grape with your fingertips without moving/damaging the skin for practice.
Other common products for adhesive removal are Goo Gone which leaves an oily residue, Goof Off which uses a solvent requiring adequate ventilation and will likely damage the focus screen, and Krud Kutter which did not work well for me.
Carefully evaluate what's available in your part of the world.
 
Photrio.com contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
To read our full affiliate disclosure statement please click Here.

PHOTRIO PARTNERS EQUALLY FUNDING OUR COMMUNITY:



Ilford ADOX Freestyle Photographic Stearman Press Weldon Color Lab Blue Moon Camera & Machine
Top Bottom