General-purpose chemicals and tools 'sticky'

[eric_h]

After rooting around this forum for a bit, I've found dozens of gems of info regarding chemicals, tools and sources of repair parts for older cameras. The only problem is the amount of rooting around one must do to find this info -- the perfect solution for loosening a sticking aperature might be found under a post referencing a particular make or model and a seemingly-unrelated heading.

I'm proposing (and requesting from the moderators) a "sticky" post composed of nothing but helpful, general-purpose chemicals, tools, and links accompanied by brief descriptions, warnings and usage notes.


An example might be something like this:

Zippo lighter fluid (aka. naptha) - usefull for cleaning metalic aperatures and shutters. Apply sparingly with a Q-Tip, repeat as necessary.

Another:

Automotive leather treatment - good for stiff, aging belows as automotive treatment is designed not to be sticky. Apply sparingly in multiple applications as too much may soak through leather and loosen adhesives or soften cardboard reinforcements.


Other entries on adhesives, greases, oils, paints, leather treatments, etc. would be invaluable as would clear links to suppliers of said products and repair materials like foam, gearstock, and similar items. Tools and suppliers would also be beneficial.

Thanks,

- Eric H. in Marietta, GA, USA (just getting started on a pair of Retina IIIc's and wondering what to do about sticky foam in my old Pentax ME Super)

 

[ricksplace]

This is on here already (somewhere...) I replaced all the light seals on my pair of MEsupers. Look up "interslice" on ebay. The kits come with instructions that will answer ALL of your questions about replacing light seals.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Let's see how it goes, and if this thread is a success, we can make it a sticky thread. Generally we do this in an organic way by seeing which threads rise to the surface.

 

[dmax]

As an incorrigible tinkerer, I like the idea proposed by Eric. I visualize it as eventually evolving into a pile of index cards in one corner of my "workshop", with a heading of "Where To Get Stuff And How To Use Them". As all tinkerers know, a quick and handy reference is invaluable when you're stuck with a little problem that gets in the way of getting the job done correctly. Over the years I have accumulated quite a bit of where-to-get what and what materials or supplies go into. But endemic to this "system" is that it truly never gets sorted out, since sections of it never get revisited after the need for one thing or another gets resolved, the accumulation grows uncontrollably. (I keep telling my long-suffering wife that I'll get to sorting out things someday and keep my junk to a minimum. I have yet to start.)

A case in point: I think I have an entire listing of sources of small brass slot-head screws that I had compiled when I was still in that kind of phase of restoring/conserving some of my English plate cameras. Never got around to cleaning up the listing. Needless to say, that list is buried somewhere under a pile of papers that reads "How To Age Brass" and "Brass Suppliers - Small Sheets", and assorted other lists.

Anyway, if the this proposed new section prospers, expect me to throw in my two cents worth. Ronsonol/naptha is among my standard supplies for degreasing anything, including large format shutters. As is clear silicon-based lube that Radio Shack carries (liquid and gel in a tube.) Testors black paint (matte) from hobby and craft stores, as well as Krylon flat black spray lacquer, is another. Water-based black acrylic paint in small tubs for working on leaky bellows and light proofing for hard-to-reach corners. A decent set of interchangeable tips for an adjustable spanner wrench (Microtools.) Lexan conditioner for leather surfaces. Non-abrasive plastic and acrylic cleaners (mostly from auto stores) also work well on polishing and cleaning surfaces that are neither plastic nor acrylic. A mixture of different waxes to lubricate sliding surfaces on wood LF and plate cameras. And more.

 

[ricksplace]

Another degreaser I have used is brake cleaner. It is a lot more volatile than lighter fluid, but it sure works. I have tried both perchloroethylene (sp?) which is really just dry cleaning fluid, and brake cleaner that has as its main ingredient hexane. I find the hexane by far the best of the two. I only use this type of cleaner on shutters. The hexane is extremely flammable, so use it in a well-ventilated area. I only use them outside.

 

[eric_h]

I knew I wasn't the only one

Shortly after my first I post, I began culling interesting tidbits from posts on this forum. As I watched interest in the thread wane, I stopped the research.

Now that interest is renewed, I'll continue working on this.

My plan is to post the 'list' by editing my original post so that it will always be at the begining of the thread. That is if it's possible...I'll try soon.

Thanks for the replies, dmax and Ricksplace, I'll add the info to the list. I give credit to the original poster when possible. (Sorry, dmax, the Ronsonol tip will be credited to another poster from quite a while back.)

Here's another proposition: once your tip or suggestion is in the list, delete (if possible) your original post. Or edit it to be blank.

Granted, I'm making some assumptions I've not yet tested and will post the findings when available.

- Eric H., Marietta, GA

Kodak employee...but not for much longer as my division has been sold