Olympus SP Clean-up

[Jack]

I have just picked up an Olympus SP with clean optics and mechanicals but a horrible green gunge on the body chrome and also the vinyl is peeling back.

Any advice on removing the crud without damaging the satin finish is appreciated.

 

[Kim Coxon]

Hi Jack,
I have found the best thing for cleaning dirty chrome is Flitz which you can get from Microtools. If you need a new covering, Morgan Sparks at CameraLeather covers the SP and he has a wide range of colours and materials. The kid leather is really nice.

Kim

 

[Trius]

I have NOT tried this, but I would think Bon Ami cleanser would be a good candidate. I use it on other metallic surfaces when I want to insure that I don't cause scratches. As their motto says "Hasn't scratched yet"! But I do think that the baking soda toothpaste is a great idea. I'll try it next time I need to clean a chrome camera surface.

I would be a bit concerned about the interior of your SP, Jack. If there is green gunge on the outside (which I would take to be some sort of mould or algae), I would suggest a CLA might be in order just to be on the safe side. Clint (www.olyfix.com) or John (www.zuiko.com) both service these cameras. John will recover with the Morgan Sparks leather of your choice if you send it along with the camera. I would guess that Clint would do this same.

Trius

 

[pshinkaw]

I always start with Windex, the ammonia version, no vinegar. If I need something stronger I then go to denatured alcohol. I also remove the chrome parts that I want to clean (like tops) and use a household type chrome polish. It has a solvent and a fine abrasive.

Toothpaste, especially the older brands like Crest probably work just as well.

-Paul

 

[pshinkaw]

"Household" is a bad choice of words. I use a chrome polish that is safe for chrome plating and stainless flatware. Do Not use the stuff for cleaning stainless steel sinks. A lot of kitchen cleansers use chlorine releasing chemicals to kill bacteria.

Toothpaste probably is the safest stuff to use if you are not sure of what you have.

-Paul

 

[Jack]

A lot of good advice and tips.

Thanks everyone.

 

[airds]

Any advice on removing the crud without damaging the satin finish is appreciated.

As a 'dry' alternative, I find a rub with a soft pencil eraser (rubber) brings up some models nicely. It's sometimes a bit tricky in awkward areas, or curved surfaces but the eraser can be cut down to a suitable chiselled shape, etc


rdgs