Contax I shutter speed markings

[nickdando]

I have a Contax I (f) that has recently been overhauled by Ed Trzoska. The shutter speed marking are almost invisible under the nearly eighty years of use, so I was wondering if anyone has any thoughts on how to safely clean the dirt and reveal the white and red marking again. I was thinking of using Isopropyl alcohol and some cotton buds.

Now should I do it or leave it as it is with the patina of age?

Nick

 

[-Nash-]

I actually had a Contax I with a similar issue, where dirt was covering the engravings.
I ended up grabbing some cotton buds and...Mr Muscle Kitchen cleaner. Sprayed a bit on the buds and slowly got to removing the dirt, making sure not to disturb the original engravings.

A more expensive alternative is ROR (Residual Oil Remover) cleaner. That stuff is for optical items, but its pretty effective in this scenario. But again be cautious of the engravings.