Cleaning camera surfaces

[CliveC]

I have a few old cameras given by a colleague and they came in an open box from the garage. Most look like they haven't been touched in 40 years.

Any tips on how to clean surface dirt and grime off of 1950-1960s vintage cameras? Should I use just cloth and water or go into metal polishes?

What is the best material to condition leatherette with?

Or is it completely better to leave the cameras in as-is condition to sell?

 

[kingqueenknave]

I would use a soft cloth, slightly damp if you happen to encounter stubborn dirt.

 

[farlymac]

First off, remove heavy particles with a blast of air, and a soft brush.

Then grab a box of cotton swabs, dip one in a window cleaner with ammonia, and carefully work your way around the exterior metal parts, taking care not to let the fluid pool up along any seams.

Repeat as often as it takes to get all the dirt off. There are swabs that you can find in the cosmetics aisle of the drugstore that have a pointed tip, and these are great for getting into all the corners.

For coverings that are exhibiting a bit of mold or mildew, Lysol Surface Cleaning spray works good. If it's pleather, then just let it dry. If it's leather, a good conditioner like Guardsman Mousse should be applied.

Interior of the camera, and plastic bodied cameras can be cleaned with alcohol.

Any glass surfaces should be cleaned with lens cleaning fluid. Mirrors though are hard to get really clean this way, as they are usually front silvered, and may easily scratch. Especially in a rangefinder, where some surfaces are only half-silvered, such as on a beam-splitter.

PF

 

[erikhaugsby]

I've used an old toothbrush before (mind you, one that I cleaned very well 🙂 ). It works well to get into tight corners or clean out ribbed/knurled/scalloped dials and rings. But for large areas of chrome a damp microfiber cloth would probably be more efficient.

 

[jwicaksana]

Pics or it didnt happen! 🙂
I love cleaning up cameras and I use Windex, Mr. Muscle electronic cleaner, even rubbing alcohol and lighter fluid to clean different parts of a camera. General rule is start with the most gentle solution and work your way up.

 

[jackieman402]

All sound advice, to which I would only add, go slowly. Don't use any cleaners harsher than those mentioned above.

 

[farlymac]

I've used an old toothbrush before (mind you, one that I cleaned very well 🙂 ). It works well to get into tight corners or clean out ribbed/knurled/scalloped dials and rings. But for large areas of chrome a damp microfiber cloth would probably be more efficient.

Yeah, I've got an assortment of old toothbrushes on the bench. One has some extra long and stiff bristles on the end, and it's good for getting into the nooks. I've also got some soft camel hair brushes from the cosmetics aisle. Small round wire brushes for cleaning out holes when doing a tear down (but that's more than Clive was asking for), and a set of brass/plastic/steel brushes for the really heavily corroded stuff.

PF

 

[Classique]

Two words. Magic eraser.

 

[Ranchu]

There are these generic baby wipe disposable cloths I got at a drugstore with no alcohol, no fragrance, and a little lanolin. They work surprisingly well and very convenient. I'd clean them before you sell them, getting dirty cameras in the mail when you were thinking clean sucks.

 

[unixrevolution]

I find that PLAIN gojo hand cleaner works wonders on dirty leather. I have a small tub of it in the garage marked, "Cameras Only."

 

[ZeissFan]

I would say that it always depends on the condition of the camera's surfaces.

- If the leather covering is decrepit, then it probably should be replaced.
- If it's a camera with sentimental value, then try to clean it as best as you can.
- If it's a camera to be sold "as is," I wouldn't touch it.
- If it's a camera from which maximum value is to be extracted, do a thorough restoration job.

For the camera, I usually will use a cloth -- and some soapy water (dishwasher soap), if it's really dirty. Then carefully clean the exterior and the interior but not lenses or shutters.

I generally use saddle soap to clean the leather. I allow it to dry and then follow up with shoe polish. Make sure that you wipe off the excess with a plain tissue.

For true chromed parts that have oxidized, Flitz (R) works wonders. However, some cameras are made better than others.

Kodak Retinas and Agfa cameras can be prone to pitting in the satin chrome. And the aluminum body and trim on many U.S. cameras from the 1950s and earlier can stain or be dented and remain that way.

So, there is no blanket approach. It really depends on the camera and its current condition.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

I just had that issue with an old Zeiss Contax. The primary rule is to start with the least "offensive" or abrasive cleaner.
air
lens cleaning cloth
lens cleaning cloth with lens cleaning fluid
Q-tips with lens cleaner
Lighter fluid with q-tips or cotton cloth
for crevices wooden toothpicks (loosen up the grime with lens cleaner or lighter fluid)

I used that list with perfect results. Never use anything on a surface that is harder than the surface i.e. do not clean metal camera surface with knife. If the knife slips and surely it will, you will scratch the metal.

 

[Boris Stupak]

What kind of cameras are they?

Depending on what you have, the best way to clean them might be by placing them carefully in the garbage can.

 

[CliveC]

It's a somewhat rare camera that fetches a pretty high value when in good condition. It's covered by scratches and most definitely needs a CLA. I thought the first step would be to clean the surface dirt. If there's a foolproof way to remove or minimize the scratches, I would do that too, but the last thing I want to do is make things worse.

 

[ferider]

It's actually easier to clean when the parts (top plate, buttons, etc.) are off. So, if you send it in for a CLA anyways, I suggest to send it in as is.

Roland.

 

[Boris Stupak]

So what's the big mystery? What is it?

Maybe leaving it alone rather than a "CLA" (which is a term that is too casually thrown around here) is better. Photo?

It's a somewhat rare camera that fetches a pretty high value when in good condition. It's covered by scratches and most definitely needs a CLA. I thought the first step would be to clean the surface dirt. If there's a foolproof way to remove or minimize the scratches, I would do that too, but the last thing I want to do is make things worse.

 

[ZeissFan]

If a camera s really dirty, I also will use a soft-bristle toothbrush. I sometimes buy these just for camera repair. They're only a few dollars.

 

[ferider]

So what's the big mystery? What is it?

Maybe leaving it alone rather than a "CLA" (which is a term that is too casually thrown around here) is better. Photo?

Maybe it belonged to Miley Cyrus. Then the dirt is worth extra.