How I clean Aluminum Lenses

[myequation]

I've been using this aluminum polish for years. Cost about $5 from car auto stores. It works like magic. Take the dirtiest yellow looking Industar / Jupiter and makes it look chrome plated.

Please note that some Industars had a Varnish coating applied. Polish will not work on this surface.

Simply apply neatly with a Q-tip and polish away with a cloth.


The Industar didn't look bad but I knew it could look better.

Polish applied: Has the consistency of toothpaste but make sure none creeps into the lens barrel.

When polishing you'll see black residue on your cloth keep wiping until this stops. One / Two applications is usually enough.

I didn't do a complete polish in this picture montage. But I think this will help you understand the process.

The tricky part is removing the polish from the crevices in the gears aperture and focus ring, usually a toothbrush works fine.

This polish also protects the metal once applied and will prohibit the tarnish from coming back.

 

[.Lucifuge.]

Thanx for that simple tip myequation 🙂. I just wonder myself how to polish my jup-8.

Greets😉

 

[Rhodes]

Thanks, my industar is also like your's before the polish!

 

[payasam]

My white J-12, which I want to sell, still has a varnish coating in some areas. As you say, this preparation will not help with that.

 

[myequation]

My white J-12, which I want to sell, still has a varnish coating in some areas. As you say, this preparation will not help with that.

It is possible to remove the varnish with a paint stripper but the glass optics needs to be removed before hand. All possible but much more involved.

 

[payasam]

Considered that option, myequation. Paint stripper is foul stuff.

 

[myequation]

Considered that option, myequation. Paint stripper is foul stuff.

It is, I hate toxic fumes! And I often look for safer alternatives. I have many tips on restorations that I will slowly document.

Here in the usa we can purchase 'Green Strip' environmentally friendly paint stripper.

Mine comes in a GEL form, and removes old thick paint within a few hrs. Can be applied with qtip or small bush. Does not run like thinner. Little to No fumes but ventalation is always safer.

I store the object in tubberwear / sealed container until paint starts to Lift. Then wash and scrub with warm soapy water.
Use rubber gloves.

Engraving can be reapplied with Lacquer sticks from microtools.coom

 

[BigOwl]

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll definitely try this on my Jupiter 3.

 

[fanshaw]

I used to use metal polish to clean lens barrels until I found that a microfibre cloth did the job just as well without the risk of polish residue remaining. It doesn't work on varnished lenses of course.

 

[BigOwl]

I found some of that polish at my local WalMart today. Tried it on my J3 and it works very well. I think I will have to have a second session on some areas since they are still dull. I guess 40 years of oxide wouldn't give up with just one polishing.

 

[blacknoise]

Cool!

Reckon I could get something similar in the UK?

Also, are the Kiev Lenses aluminium too? and what about the body work on the cameras?

 

[pesphoto]

nice, I'll try that on my silver J3 that is coming

 

[kuzano]

I've been using this aluminum polish for years. Cost about $5 from car auto stores. It works like magic. Take the dirtiest yellow looking Industar / Jupiter and makes it look chrome plated.

Please note that some Industars had a Varnish coating applied. Polish will not work on this surface.

Simply apply neatly with a Q-tip and polish away with a cloth.

I was going to say... find your local Harley Davidson dealer and you'll find Mother's polish. No Harley rider would be caught without a can.

 

[Bill58]

Cool!

Reckon I could get something similar in the UK?

Also, are the Kiev Lenses aluminium too? and what about the body work on the cameras?

Her Majesty's Armory Museum uses these products by Picreator Enterprises, Ltd., London and so do I w/ great success: http://www.restorationproduct.com/mainproducts.html. I'm sure they're available in the UK. I use the PRE-LIM & WAX/POLISH products. I've used varnish remover solvent available at most hardware stores to remove the varnish first.

 

[nome_alice]

wow. that worked a treat!

i have a dull looking Jupiter-8 and a tube of Autosol Metal Polish but was too scared to put one on the other.

having seen your demonstration i'm going to give it a go.

 

[Janos]

Did some try to clean a camera with it? Most Zorkis/FED/Kiev dont look a lot better than the lenses attached to them.