Cleaning Battery Compartment?

[FredtheLlama]

Morning/Evening,

I've recently brought a new camera to play with, and it all works fine (for once!)

My only problem is that the battery compartment has had a leak previously, and i'd like to clear it out safely.

Any tips on how to get rid of the crud without damaging anything? Or just scrape it off and hope for the best?

 

[icebear]

Usually access is pretty tight in these compartments so tiny tools work the best as you will have to move around a bit. Some of the corrosive stuff will have turned into salts. I.e. these are water soluble. With a damp (not soaking wet !) piece of cloth or kitchen paper try to get everything as clean as possible. Q-tips are also helpful. After this initial clean-up you will have to use a very fine grind sandpaper (e.g. 400 to 800) tape or just a small piece over a piece of wood and clean any metal surface that has been corroded until it is shiny again. Wipe out any debris with a soft cloth and let it open to dry out.

 

[Range-rover]

On one camera I just got, I used some Flitz polish to clean up the contact that's there
for the battery.

Range

 

[Dante_Stella]

White vinegar will clear the white paste/crystals from alkaline batteries (not "acid" but really a base).

If you have serious problems, watchmaking supply places sell pen-like fiberglass brushes that are normally used for brushing stainless steel.

Dante

 

[KoNickon]

What Dante said. Apply the vinegar with a swab. The concern also is if the corrosion has extended beyond the battery compartment and has damaged the wiring.

 

[Dwig]

I second the seconding (I guess I "third") of Dante's recommendation of using an acid to react with the alkaline salts that comprise the "battery leakage". Acetic acid has always been my preference, whether photographic stop bath or household white vinegar. Use very, very little and then wipe away the corrosion with a rough cloth or clean Q-tip.

I don't recommend using any abrasive if you can avoid it at all. The contacts are plated and if you wear off the plating you will forever have problems with poor electrical contact with the battery. If you must use and abrasive begin with a firm pen, not pencil, eraser. The fiber glass brushes can work well but can easily grind off the plating. If you use one, don't extend the bristles more than 1-2mm or you will find broken bristles getting into your skin.

If the corrosion has spread to the wires you'll find that you may need to replace them, which can be a bit of a project.

 

[leicapixie]

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137423

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137423

White vinegar will clear the white paste/crystals from alkaline batteries (not "acid" but really a base).

If you have serious problems, watchmaking supply places sell pen-like fiberglass brushes that are normally used for brushing stainless steel.

Dante

Use great care with brushes of Fibre Glass.!!
Suggest work with plastic gloves in a plastic bag.
Small pieces break off, getting embedded in flesh..
My fear was in eyes.
Master watchmaker. I quit using them and Crazy Glue.
Too dangerous..Vinegar a real good solution.