Removing old stamp mark

[Compaq]

Hi!

I have an old Olympus 35-SP in great condition. Well, that's a truth with minor modifications. A friend of mine has this camera. I said I could send it in for repair/check-up and sell it for her. However, I want to remove that ugly stamp mark before listing it.

Which brings me to my question: What could I use to clean the camera? The stamp mark is on the top (metal) plate. Q-tips and hot water? Some solvent? Hydrofluoric acid?

I'd appreciate any help 🙂
Anders

 

[nikon_sam]

Rubbing alcohol should do it...

 

[ZeissFan]

A little bit of lighter fluid might work. However, it's also possible that there will always be a mark.

You're referring to the gold oval sticker, right?

 

[KoNickon]

If it's residue such as from the oval sticker, I find xylene (Goof-Off) can't be beat. Just don't get it on anything plastic.

 

[BLKRCAT]

wd-40

ten characters

 

[ZeissFan]

If it's residue such as from the oval sticker, I find xylene (Goof-Off) can't be beat. Just don't get it on anything plastic.

You're right about that (melting plastic). Plus, those fumes will make your head spin.

 

[icebear]

Hi!

.... Q-tips and hot water? Some solvent? Hydrofluoric acid?

I'd appreciate any help 🙂
Anders

Yeah, go with the latter and soak the camera overnight and your problem will dissolve completely. If you have that around be very careful it's not only corrosive but also toxic!

 

[Compaq]

Hehe, the HF was a joke. HF is scary stuff. Get some on your skin, and you won't be much pained. Let it soak in and react with the Ca in your bones, you may lose your arm! Controversially, we were taught not to use gloves. When wearing gloves, you sweat and won't feel any HF spillage. Without gloves, however, you will feel the liquid on your skin and can take appropriate measures as fast as possible.

I have tried SO many times to find out what rubbing alcohol is, but I never find a good translation to Norwegian! I'll check out some of the other suggestions!

Thanks a lot! And yes, the oval sticker residue.

 

[rogue_designer]

rubbing alcohol = isopropyl = C3H8O
http://no.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isopropanol

 

[Robert Lai]

For cleaning chrome and gummy residue, I find that mineral spirits work best. It has a bit of viscosity, so it will not run all over the place, and into seams, joints and bearings. It also dissolves the grime out of the pores of the chrome very well. It is not harsh enough to strip all the paint and lettering off the camera or lens. It takes some time to evaporate, so you can take your time to work with it. A small paintbrush or toothbrush will help to get the dirt out of the chrome, between knobs and levers.

I don't find that alcohol (ethanol) or rubbing alcohol (propanol) work as well.
If you are into guns, then Birchwood Casey makes a great Cleaner Degreaser. It stinks to high heaven due to its high volatility, and can strip paint.

Once done, I condition the leather or other soft covering.

Finish with Renaissance Wax. It gives a pH neutral protective layer to your newly cleaned camera, which prevents fingerprints and their acids from attacking your camera finish again.

 

[icebear]

To remove a very sticky sticker try to warm it up with a hair dryer first, this ususally softens the glue. Peel off the sticker and use a soft, preferably white rubber eraser to get rid of most of the glue residue. The remaining rest wipe off with some lighter fluid (the stuff to refill a zippo). Just make sure it doesn't get into contact with any rubber seals but only the glue area on top of the plate. Good luck and post a picture before and after.

 

[Greyscale]

Use hand sanitizer (like Purel). It is alcohol based, but it dries slower. Dab a little on, wait a few seconds, and wipe it off.

 

[BLKRCAT]

"Any camera with a WD40 smell is forever doomed on the resale market."

invalid. WD-40 smells great, and it dissipates over time so the smell would go away quickly. This is why it isn't a great long term lubricant.