cleaning connects? (Page 2): :sm24: I never liked the eraser idea. It seems like you'd be transferring dirt from one place to another.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

nadelewitz wrote:

Safest way is use rubbing alcohol on a cloth. The wrong eraser can wear the contacts.

I never liked the eraser idea. It seems like you'd be transferring dirt from one place to another.

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

I use Acetone because it's pure and evaporates very fast which means you have to be pretty quick with it's application (I use a Q-tip). Just don't use it in too confined an area unless you're nostalgic for a late '60's micro-acid trip. I also use a commercial electrical contact cleaner (CRC brand) but for other applications because the label says it also contains a dielectric lubricant and I'm not sure I want anything on my lens contacts even though it's formulated to conduct electricity.

chem

A comment about isopropanol: The thirty percent water is near the azeotropic point for the mixture and will evaporate at the same rate as the IPA.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

fourlocks wrote:

I use Acetone because it's pure and evaporates very fast which means you have to be pretty quick with it's application (I use a Q-tip). Just don't use it in too confined an area unless you're nostalgic for a late '60's micro-acid trip. I also use a commercial electrical contact cleaner (CRC brand) but for other applications because the label says it also contains a dielectric lubricant and I'm not sure I want anything on my lens contacts even though it's formulated to conduct electricity.

Acetone can eat some plastics.
I wouldn't use it!!! (Same stuff that is in nail polish remover.)

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Another vote for contact cleaner, but NOT one with lubricant.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

philo wrote:

received error message that i need to clean the connects between the lens and body.
question............how do you clean the points.
I have used lens cleaner and an eraser.

Even though everything gets debated-to-death on this forum, I really doubt that anything is better than a DeoxIt Pen for cleaning camera/lens contacts without harm. Check it out.

philo Loc: philo, ca

cameraf4 wrote:

Even though everything gets debated-to-death on this forum, I really doubt that anything is better than a DeoxIt Pen for cleaning camera/lens contacts without harm. Check it out.

can it be used before going out for a full day of shooting?

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

philo wrote:

can it be used before going out for a full day of shooting?

I inferred from your statement that you may clean the contacts before each outing?
If so, why?

philo Loc: philo, ca

Longshadow wrote:

I inferred from your statement that you may clean the contacts before each outing?
If so, why?

To try and prevent this happening in the middle of nowhere. i.e. I was at an event over the weekend and all i had with me was my camera, no bag. Kept getting the warning about the connects and all i could do was try and correct this problem with a cloth that i had with me. Otherwise i was sol.

RRS Loc: Not sure

TriX wrote:

Another vote for contact cleaner, but NOT one with lubricant.

I use "Anti-static" film cleaner on a Q tip. I used that for years cleaning negatives prior to printing. Never hurt a negative and so far none of my camera or lens contacts either. I got the same message once on one of my Canon bodies.

Dave H2

rehess wrote:

So, cleaning with Q-tip is better than cleaning with wipes?
Aren't there some lens cleaning tissues that are soaked in alcohol also?

Ethyl alcohol is best yet. It leaves no residue and evaporates completely. Use it on a cotton qtip. See if your local liquor store sells 150 proof everclear in a small container. Years ago we used it extensively in the electronics and data storage business.
Dave

Bill P

Longshadow wrote:

Pencil erasers are very abrasive. The gold plating on the contacts is only microns thick.
I won't touch the contacts with a pencil eraser.
I use isopropyl alcohol on a Q-tip, not completely saturated, dab/lightly wipe the contacts.

No, no no. The pencil eraser solution dates back to the days of vacuum tubes. We need to stop that right now! Step away form the contacts, put your hands on your head.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

philo wrote:

received error message that i need to clean the connects between the lens and body.
question............how do you clean the points.
I have used lens cleaner and an eraser.

Avoid erasers. They can scratch off the thin gold coatings that ensure great electrical contact. If you use an eraser, the contacts won't stay clean. They'll oxidize!

I use a lint-free closed-cell foam swab and 100% methyl alcohol or 91%+ isopropyl alcohol. Do not use lower concentrations, as they contain too much water.

About the only thing you're trying to do is remove fingerprint oils or any camera grease or air pollutants that might reduce connectivity between lens and body.

Be very gentle, because the pins are usually spring-loaded and can come apart easily.

On another front, if you have a battery leak in the battery compartment, wipe out what you can, then use full strength distilled vinegar on a lint-free swab to dissolve the salts and corrosion. Follow with a water-moistened swab to remove the acetic acid. Then dry with a soft cloth.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

If you will look here:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-510788-1.html
You will read that Steve Perry also recommends DeoxIt. I listened and got some.

paulrph1 Loc: Washington, Utah

philo wrote:

received error message that i need to clean the connects between the lens and body.
question............how do you clean the points.
I have used lens cleaner and an eraser.

I use denatured alcohol and it is good in the shop. But denatured mean it is not drinkable.