Problem With RZ67 Rubber Exterior on Body

[Neil Poulsen]

RZ67 cameras have a rubber surface towards the bottom of the body on either side. I suspect that, if an RZ is stored for a long period of time, this rubber surface can deteriorate and even become kind of "gooey." In fact, this "goo" can actually come off onto one's fingers. Has anyone experienced this?

I sold a camera a while ago, and the buyer complained about this. I figured it was tape adhesive residue or something that I'd missed. But last week, I looked at a friend's RZ67 that had been stored in foam for a long period of time, and his camera had the same problem!

Does anyone know of a way to fix this? I doubt it's possible to replace these rubber surfaces. Or, maybe that's possible?

Good Grief, talk about CHEAP!

A similar dynamic can occur with Harrison film changing tents. The rubber surface of these tents out-gas over time, and if stored tightly in their storage sleeves, this "gas" can accumulate (in a tight space) and deteriorate the surface of the tent. Consequently, the surface can eventually feel "moist" to the touch.

I have a different brand film changing tent now, and I store it loosely in a box. I'll store it in it's sleeve, only when traveling.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

RZ67 cameras have a rubber surface towards the bottom of the body on either side. I suspect that, if an RZ is stored for a long period of time, this rubber surface can deteriorate and even become kind of "gooey." In fact, this "goo" can actually come off onto one's fingers. Has anyone experienced this?

I sold a camera a while ago, and the buyer complained about this. I figured it was tape adhesive residue or something that I'd missed. But last week, I looked at a friend's RZ67 that had been stored in foam for a long period of time, and his camera had the same problem!

Does anyone know of a way to fix this? I doubt it's possible to replace these rubber surfaces. Or, maybe that's possible?

Good Grief, talk about CHEAP!

A similar dynamic can occur with Harrison film changing tents. The rubber surface of these tents out-gas over time, and if stored tightly in their storage sleeves, this "gas" can accumulate (in a tight space) and deteriorate the surface of the tent. Consequently, the surface can eventually feel "moist" to the touch.

I have a different brand film changing tent now, and I store it loosely in a box. I'll store it in it's sleeve, only when traveling.

I've noticed thison severalproducts(photographic and otherwise);creates a nice soft touch at first bt over the years becomes a gooey mess; hardor impossible to remove or replace. I stay away from it where I can. i'm not sure it's healthy either.

 

[MattKing]

But last week, I looked at a friend's RZ67 that had been stored in foam for a long period of time, and his camera had the same problem!

The problem in this case may very well be due to the foam, not the camera.
I have Metz flash cords that suffer from the outgassing. It doesn't appear to affect their usability, just how pleasurable they are to use.

 

[Dirb9]

Many of the 80s-90s 'soft touch' rubberized coatings on various cameras have aged poorly. The N90s and F100 back are notorious for this as well. I don't think any definite cause has been established besides age. Fortunately, it's a pretty easy fix, spend 10 minutes or so cleaning off the coating with some isopropyl alcohol on a rag; you'll be left with a smoother surface; the plastic underneath the coating.