Agfa Record III knob discoloration?

[Spotmatic]

Here's my latest acquisition. Great camera with a fine lens. According to the Compur shutter's serial number, it dates from 1950. The camera is in a superb shape, although I have still to check the bellows for light leaks. At least both the shutter and the rangefinder seem to be spot-on.

Despite its shape, the knobs have discolored. This seems to be normal for this type of Agfa, but can this be cleaned? Any ideas?

 

[hanskerensky]

Congrats, nice camera !

Be carefull with cleaning the DOF-scale. Only use weak detergent for that.

 

[Solinar]

This Record III has probably seen light use and the case did its job.

With regards to tarnish on the knobs - a light cleaning with a Q-Tip cotton swap and alcohol is all you can do.

Agfa's plating process - called "hydro-chrome" - deposited only an ultra thin layer of aluminum onto the brass knobs. In short, their isn't much silver stuff their and some obsessive cleaning may worsen the condition.

I prefer using my Record III over my Bessa II, mainly because the shutter release is on the right side of the body and seems less prone to shake the camera. I also have installed a soft release to the shutter release button, which uglifies the camera a bit, but makes for a smooth shutter release.

Last but not least, if you have a Leitz SBOOI finder or the V/C equivalent laying about, slide it into the accessory shoe and give a try.

 

[Spotmatic]

Thanks Hans and Andrew! In that case I will leave the knobs alone (apart from a light cleaning).

The Agfa also has a double exposure prevention, something the Bessa II doesn't have. I also like the spring-loaded red window blind (it's always closed; you cannot forget to close it).

Thanks for recommending me an external finder - I will try to find one at the next Houten camera show (big Photographica fair in The Netherlands).

 

[FallisPhoto]

Well, I hesitate to mention it, but there is something you can do, if it's really bothering you. It is risky though and you may wind up with a brassed camera if you don't do everything exactly right.
1. Get a box of sharp round toothpicks and remove all the crud first. You have a little that is visible, in the grooves.
2. Go to a marine hardware store and get a bottle of "Alumabrite" aluminum brightener (or similar product).
3. Thin it to about 1/10 of working strength and dip the knobs in it.
4. Rinse and wash them VERY thoroughly about two seconds after dipping. It's an acid solution, so wear rubber gloves and don't let it stay on the metal any longer than it takes to brighten it.
5. Don't do anything to the center plate of the depth of field scale. The plating is so thin there that you can't even use metal polish on it without rubbing through to the brass..