| Author | Message | ||
     Jim Brokaw Rating: N/A |
The best-ever solvent was freon... but of course that's no longer available, and we're probably all better off with an ozone layer instead. For 'usual' cleaning of old grease and oil deposits I think the "Ronsonol" or its equivalent(?) naptha works well. I don't think it cleans 100% dry, there seems to be a very slight residue left behind, but in practice I have found no problems using Ronsonol on shutter leafs, clockworks, and aperture mechanisms. It seems to cut the old grease out of some helical focus threads well also. For some stubborn instances of strange grease in helical threads I have had good success with 99% isoprapanol alcohol. This seems to cut the grease that Ronsonol had trouble with. It also works well for SLR-lens aperture blades, leaving them clean. Acetone is a very active solvent, but has attacked some plastics in my experience, so it is best to use it sparingly and only after carefully testing for bad reactions. It can also remove some inks as might be used to label aperture and distance scales on lenses or shutter speeds dials. For all solvents, first test carefully on a small and non-critical area to make -sure- you won't eat away or dissolve something essential and not easily replaced. Watch out for solvents softening or dissolving glue holding (for instance) rangefinder windows or meter movement windows in place... ask me how I know :-p Remember to use all solvents in a well-ventilated area, and keep sources of flame or spark away as well. Try not to get solvents on the skin, as some chemicals are quickly absorbed and health issues may result. |