Cleaning grunge

[picturetaker]

What is the best/safest way to clean grunge from the leatherette and from around the dials etc. and around the exterior of the lense. Thanks

 

[captainslack]

I used some of the leather cleaner that Wilson's Leather sells on an old Univex Mercury II. The leather on it was so dirty it was almost white. Cleaned up real nice, though.

 

[jaapv]

The problem with real leather cleaner is that it contains lanoline or oil which leaves a fatty residue on the camera, as the vulcanite or leatherette is synthetic. I prefer optical wipes (don't use them on your lens!) or medicinal alcohol on for instance a cotton swab in small amounts, especially on metal parts. Be careful that that stuff doesn't run into places that should be lubricated or onto/between your lens though.