Lens grease? Need to loosen lens focussing

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Interestingly, the label information on my container of Ilfotol wash aid, proclaims it is also suitable for the cleaning of glass or plastic lenses in addition to its normal praiseworthy qualities of drying films without water spots. Thought I would throw that into the mix, since we're discussing lens cleaning fluids...
Cheers,
Brett

 

[clayne]

Interesting ... but will naphta not affect the coating?

Definitely not. When it comes to lens coatings we're mainly talking inorganic in nature.

You can even use Naphtha to clean film.

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

anyone any experience with the old (but gone) Elgin watch grease?

 

[Murray Kelly]

VBG! Peter and I agree.!!!
However, to the point, lithium grease doesn't migrate and is easy to get at cycle shops in small tubes. All you'll ever need. (hopefully!)

"Heat and Alcohol" now that is the cure for most every thing isn't it ?

Regards,Peter

 

[mikemc_photo]

Losoid Lubricants

I have used the various greases as to need. Helicoids vs sliding barrels must use different lubes. My biggest issue is migration usually due to heat / improper storage. You must use a grease that will stay stiff, yet slick . I wish I knew the #'s but I used to get mine from SPT / Cam Comp Curt Fargo.....now "micro tools"
The #30 is good all around. I also use a fair amount of Moly Lube...a dab will do you!


The correct grease on older equipment can be stiffened if the helicoid is worn...BUT if the lens was impacted and the Helicoid was lapped to smooth out, you may need really thick goo like...
Every lens is different, if manufactured by different makers....BUT Losoid was what all the factories used.

A great way to loosen old stiff helicoids is a hair dryer and a couple of grips made from a bicycle tube slipped over the barrel.
Heres a few sources:

http://www.micro-tools.com/store/C-LUB/Lubricants.aspx

http://www.micro-tools.com/store/P-HG-30/Grease-Helical-30-Medium-8ml.aspx

http://www.pingyiao.com/en/0914/a2/LOSOID 6081.html

 

[okto]

Just one more chime in that WD-40 has no business being near a camera, ever. It really has no business being near anything mechanical at all. It is a rust preventer, a water displacer (WD, hmm), and a break-free aid; it is NOT A LUBRICANT.

 

[mikemc_photo]

Just one more chime in that WD-40 has no business being near a camera, ever. It really has no business being near anything mechanical at all. It is a rust preventer, a water displacer (WD, hmm), and a break-free aid; it is NOT A LUBRICANT.

Yep keep it away....WD 40 is a solvent with a dry lube mixed in.

I will not waste my money on it....Not even a great penetrant.