Sticky-icky Contaflex IV - cleaning body leather ?

[Luddite Frank]

I was just given a Contaflex IV, by the original owner, who purchased it in the late 1950's , when he was stationed near Mainz.

It's in pretty decent shape, aside from being cooped-up in a drawer in its Eveready case for the last 20 years.

I pulled the body out of the ER case today to check things out and clean it, and found the leather on the back is very sticky-gooey-icky.

I don't know if it's mold (doesn't smell moldy / mildewy - I have a Retina Ia that stinks of mold), or adhesive residue from tape ( I did find a scrap of scotch tape on the back ).

Otherwise, the leather appears tight and sound, no green corrosion or "Zeiss-bumps" are evident.


Can anyone recommend an effect yet safe cleaner to take the goo off the back leather ?


Thanks !

Luddite Frank

 

[Highway 61]

Zippo lighter fluid (Ronsonol) applied with a paper towel or cotton balls will do it for the start-up (removing of the old sticky deposits).

Once done, get some Brecknell saddle soap from a horses equipment store. Brush the leather gently with an old yet clean toothbrush following the instructions written on the Brecknell box.

Then apply a final touch of neutra shoe cream. Use a silicone-free deluxe cream, not some cheap Kiwi etc stuff which will dessicate the leather. Do not use black cream unless you may marr your clothes when using the camera.

To start cleaning the leather do not use alcohol or acetone as it would undye the leather and dissolve the glue that attaches it to the camera body.