Vulcanite, Care and Feeding Of?

[sircarl]

As a new IIIf owner, I'm fortunate that the vulcanite covering on my camera is still in very good shape. I'd like to keep it that way. What do you other LTM camera users do to maintain the covering on yours -- if anything? The Leica FAQ Website has a page on this, where a guy who's a chemist recommends some tire care products, among other things (see http://nemeng.com/leica/032b.shtml). My next door neighbor, who owns an M4, says just the natural oils on your hands is enough. Your thoughts?

 

[Xmas]

If you dont drop it it wont chip. 40 below cycles wont help it or the film in the camera.

Noel

 

[FPjohn]

Hello:

You have found an authoritative source. A small drop of glycerol does wonders.

yours
Frank

 

[harry01562]

I've also used Neats foot oil, a very small amount on a cotton pad, allowed to air dry. I use it about every 4 months.

Harry

 

[Dralowid]

My next door neighbor, who owns an M4, says just the natural oils on your hands is enough. Your thoughts?[/quote]

And IMHO I think he is right. Your vulcanite has already had a long life and has maybe been through all sorts of abuse. Who knows what has been applied to it over the years?

It has survived and will continue to survive just so long as you don't try and peel it off! It is hard and brittle.

On some pre-war cameras I have seen it losing it's blackness and going grey/black or brown/black. I suspect these were cleaned with something evil, like thinners etc.

I suggest leaving it alone

Michael

 

[Bill58]

The Leica users site recommends glycerene available at most pharmacies/ drug stores. It's cheap too. I think once or twice a year is sufficient.

 

[350D_user]

I also read that dubbin is good for the care of vulcanite. Before I go coating "Eva" in the sticky black stuff I use to waterproof (and "feed") the leather of my Doc Martens, can anyone confirm this?

 

[john neal]

I also read that dubbin is good for the care of vulcanite. Before I go coating "Eva" in the sticky black stuff I use to waterproof (and "feed") the leather of my Doc Martens, can anyone confirm this?

Personal view - don't use dubbin on anything (even leather) - it is quite acidic and can cause deterioration over time. Ever wondered why the stitching on your rugby boots used to fall apart? Dubbin!

Vulcanite is essentially rubber that has been fully hardened by heat and sulphur - I doubt there is anything that is actually going to "feed" it. Something that protects it from UV (like a case) is probably all that it needs - oh and not to be exposed to high temperatures, like those on the parcel tray inside the car window in summer.

 

[dee]

... trouble is that the moment someone says '' vulcanite '' I keep thinking Star Trek ...

 

[Xmas]

Dee

... life forms Jim but not as we know it ...

substitute 'cameras' for 'life forms'

Noel