Removing stickiness from rubber on camera: I received an older 35mm SLR that is in great shape but the rubber is sticky. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to remove the...

rdmesser2 Loc: Central Florida

I received an older 35mm SLR that is in great shape but the rubber is sticky. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to remove the stickiness? The last time I did this I think I used mineral spirits but do not want to harm the camera as I plan on using it. Thanks in advance to all who respond.

Doug B Loc: Edmonton Alberta

I have used wd40 with some success

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

I would check with the manufacture.

J. R.

rdmesser2 wrote:

I received an older 35mm SLR that is in great shape but the rubber is sticky. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to remove the stickiness? The last time I did this I think I used mineral spirits but do not want to harm the camera as I plan on using it. Thanks in advance to all who respond.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Not much hope the rubber surface has degraded.. reversion.. due to oxidation, oils from skin (not much) and migration of chemicals from within the rubber used to make it workable when manufactured. A thought... surface of tires hardens when exposed to UV. Would this rubber do the same? Read the following references, by the way, my ol' Nikon 8008 has the same problem.:

http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-a-sticky-surface-from-rubber/
http://www.rubbernews.com/article/20020114/ISSUE/301149974&template=printart

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

rdmesser2 wrote:

I received an older 35mm SLR that is in great shape but the rubber is sticky. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to remove the stickiness? The last time I did this I think I used mineral spirits but do not want to harm the camera as I plan on using it. Thanks in advance to all who respond.

I've seen that with rubber products that have been "cleaned" with the wrong product, and it softened them. There was apparently no way to make them right again. Start with gentle products.

Ah, our friend Google comes to the rescue.

http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-a-sticky-surface-from-rubber/

corryhully Loc: liverpool uk

i had this on my eos 5. i used a bit of dust/dirt. not the most cosmetic of fixes, but it worked.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

jerryc41 wrote:

I've seen that with rubber products that have been "cleaned" with the wrong product, and it softened them. There was apparently no way to make them right again. Start with gentle products.

Ah, our friend Google comes to the rescue.

http://www.howtocleanstuff.net/how-to-remove-a-sticky-surface-from-rubber/

The additional tip offers the best solution.

Lagoonguy Loc: New Smyrna Beach, FL

RWR wrote:

The additional tip offers the best solution.

I have used Goo Gone vigorously and then wiped with an alcohol wipe. The stickiness will come back a little over six months or so but simply apply the above again if it does come back. No harm so far to the camera surface. This was my wife's idea and handiwork, to the rescue once again. Good Luck.

skipnord Loc: Corcoran, Minnesota

Thanks for the suggestions, folks. I have a spotting scope that is sticky. I'll try the links suggested.

davidk2020 Loc: San Diego

Go with the WD-40 "No Mess Pen." Instead of uncontrolled spray, it's an applicator that closely resembles a highlighter.

FWIW, it works great on folding knives: cleans the sticky gunk off the blade and lubes the folding mechanism.

GregWCIL Loc: Illinois

Any way to find out what caused it? I do know you can ruin the soft rubber of a camera by getting DEET insect repellant on it. Not sure if there is a cure.

rdmesser2 wrote:

I received an older 35mm SLR that is in great shape but the rubber is sticky. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to remove the stickiness? The last time I did this I think I used mineral spirits but do not want to harm the camera as I plan on using it. Thanks in advance to all who respond.

joe west Loc: Taylor, Michigan

rdmesser2 wrote:

I received an older 35mm SLR that is in great shape but the rubber is sticky. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to remove the stickiness? The last time I did this I think I used mineral spirits but do not want to harm the camera as I plan on using it. Thanks in advance to all who respond.

try goof off,

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

Try rubbing a little mayonnaise on the sticky area. Might take a couple times but mayo works on many things you would not think of.

uote=joe west]try goof off,[/quote]

Collie lover Loc: St. Louis, MO

rdmesser2 wrote:

I received an older 35mm SLR that is in great shape but the rubber is sticky. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to remove the stickiness? The last time I did this I think I used mineral spirits but do not want to harm the camera as I plan on using it. Thanks in advance to all who respond.

You might try GooGone. This removes sticky stuff from various items and is available in the paint section of WalMart and other places. It's a natural product. Just spray a little on a paper towel or cloth and wipe the sticky stuff off. You can clean it with water afterwards.

Collie lover Loc: St. Louis, MO

rdmesser2 wrote:

I received an older 35mm SLR that is in great shape but the rubber is sticky. Does anyone have any suggestions for how to remove the stickiness? The last time I did this I think I used mineral spirits but do not want to harm the camera as I plan on using it. Thanks in advance to all who respond.

I like your eagle picture. Where was it taken?