Pentax LX mirror bumper foam: how to clean off?

[squirrel$$$bandit]

I got an LX for a good price a few weeks ago, and everything's in working shape, but it needs new mirror bumper foam. I've done this before, but I've forgotten how. What's the best thing to use to clean off that sticky gunk? (There's none on the focusing screen, thank goodness.) Q-tip dipped in lighter fluid? And what about the mirror—there's a bit of gunk on that, too, but is lighter fluid safe for that? Should I instead go at it with some lens cleaning solution? (I've got a little package of scratch-free lens cleaning swabs for that, too.)

Thanks, y'all

 

[Austintatious]

Here is a link to Jon Goodmans seal replacement page. It should help.

http://www.kyphoto.com/classics/sealreplacement.html

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

Here is a link to Jon Goodmans seal replacement page. It should help.

http://www.kyphoto.com/classics/sealreplacement.html

Oh, that is perfect. Thank you. "Do not use solvent on the mirror damper seal" is pretty unequivocal.

 

[Huss]

I always used denatured alcohol w/ no issues.

 

[bmattock]

I always used denatured alcohol w/ no issues.

Same here. However, I'm not a professional and I don't know if that's considered OK to do. It worked for me.

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

I got an LX for a good price a few weeks ago, and everything's in working shape, but it needs new mirror bumper foam. I've done this before, but I've forgotten how. What's the best thing to use to clean off that sticky gunk? (There's none on the focusing screen, thank goodness.) Q-tip dipped in lighter fluid? And what about the mirror—there's a bit of gunk on that, too, but is lighter fluid safe for that? Should I instead go at it with some lens cleaning solution? (I've got a little package of scratch-free lens cleaning swabs for that, too.)

Thanks, y'all

If you want to do this without any risk for the ground glass -
first take it out before replacing foam....

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

If you want to do this without any risk for the ground glass -
first take it out before replacing foam....

I considered it...but the foam was so far gone I feared it would rub off on the screen when I removed it. Instead I left it in, and angled the camera so the debris would fall away from it. It worked great; the new foam is installed and ready to go. I used lens cleaning fluid on the mirror and it came away nice and clean.

 

[splitimageview]

How's the foam on the back door? When one goes, the other usually does, too...

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

Looks like all the light seals have been replaced recently. I think the camera's ready to go!