Sticky surface on a camera: Not being a professional and not having the money for the latest new cameras, etc, I ordered a used Nikon D 100 from KEH Camera and the grip is sticky. I...

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

Not being a professional and not having the money for the latest new cameras, etc, I ordered a used Nikon D 100 from KEH Camera and the grip is sticky. I rubbed some degreaser into it without results. I then tried some Acetone, which didn't have any effect. A few minutes ago I rubbed some WD 40 into it, which helped slightly but it is still sticky. Do any of you have any ideas? The idea has come into my head of using an artist brush to coat the surface with lacquer. What think you?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Bigmike1 wrote:

Not being a professional and not having the money for the latest new cameras, etc, I ordered a used Nikon D 100 from KEH Camera and the grip is sticky. I rubbed some degreaser into it without results. I then tried some Acetone, which didn't have any effect. A few minutes ago I rubbed some WD 40 into it, which helped slightly but it is still sticky. Do any of you have any ideas? The idea has come into my head of using an artist brush to coat the surface with lacquer. What think you?

This seems to be a common problem, and you will get lots of suggestions. How about Goo-Gone?

letmedance Loc: Walnut, Ca.

Clean it several times with rubbing alcohol, let it dry between attempts.

vonzip Loc: cape cod

I agree with Jerry, goo-gone. It's less harsh also.

Philip J Loc: Florida

IMHO I've had this happen to me years ago after using "Armor All " on my medium format leather in what I thought would help to preserve it. After drying and setting on the camera for about several months I (at least here in the south) had a very sticky and gummy leather. CAREFULLY clean all leather or non slip coverings with warm water and a mild dish soap mixture. (I Used DAWN)
Apply with a clean sponge and work carefully into the grain of the covering material. Work slowly with just a small amount of liquid. Keep changing the water in your sponge by wringing it out and follow by patting dry with a clean micro fiber cloth. Patience is a virtue !
Work slowly and carefully ,as it may take 3-4 or more try's(This will vary with how long a time spam has elapsed since it has been on you camera) to remove it all .
Please let me know how you make out,& I hope this helps .
I never will use anything which has a petroleum base in it again as I believe that this is what is breaking down the composition of your cameras covering !!!

Beowulf Loc: Aquidneck Island, RI

If you are able to get the stickiness gone, don't store the camera in a confined space. Rather, store it out in the open where air can get at it. That will delay the return of the stickies for a good while.

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

I tried the Alky-hall method and it has worked. Thanks muchly for the advice. I figure that the previous owner must have had big, sweaty hands. I thank all of you, who offered advice. I will remember it when I come up against another cleaning job.

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

My cameras sit on a shelf above my desk so they are not in a confined space. I do have an Olympus E620 that is stored in a leather camera bag but it is dry and I don't foresee any problem with it. Thanks for the advice.

letmedance Loc: Walnut, Ca.

Bigmike1 wrote:

I tried the Alky-hall method and it has worked. Thanks muchly for the advice. I figure that the previous owner must have had big, sweaty hands. I thank all of you, who offered advice. I will remember it when I come up against another cleaning job.

This has happened to every rubber coated piece of equipment I store in a closed container or case for a long period of time..

cthahn

Send the camera back.

MikePixx Loc: Sunrise, Fl.

Goo-Gone !

Thruxton Loc: Indiana / California

Try denatured alcohol.

Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL

Believe it or not, the emergency brake handle in my Ferrari became so sticky that it came off on my hands (Italian rubber coating!). The final solution: Easy-Off oven cleaner; better than anything else, and it worked!

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I would never put lacquer thinner on any camera part...never...

Best,
Todd Ferguson

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

letmedance wrote:

This has happened to every rubber coated piece of equipment I store in a closed container or case for a long period of time..

Really? I had that never happened to any camera in over 40 years (and many have been in a closed container for that long)!