Sticky Camera
Feb 20, 2024 10:58:51 #
Stickiness is not unique to cameras…. Historically, many textured exteriors on Canon IS binoculars, Polaroid SX cameras, Grundig/Eton SW radios…. It’s not a a short list. Another solution frequently mention a few years ago when I owned a Sangean radio that developed a case of the stickiness is “Purple Power” cleaner/degreaser. Another choice is “CLR” slightly diluted. PP and CLR are both citric based. Like isopropyl, they require time and patience and easy “non-aggressive” and “non-direct” application. And exercise lots of caution if the base material is plastic.
Feb 20, 2024 14:05:03 #
I had a 2007 Camry on which this same thing happened to its dashboard. I tried everything I could think of to clean it up but nothing worked long-term. Turned out that the cure was a complete dash replacement as a result of a recall.. apparently they had a particular lot of these from a single vendor that all came down with the "stickies" around the same time. Anyway, someone suggested it was the result of a failed (or wrong) plasticizer... I imagine it's likely (or at least possibly) a similar problem with the camera finishes. Just my $0.02....
Feb 20, 2024 14:52:56 #
In the old days cameras were covered with some kind of vinyl that resembled leather. These have texture but they are not very grippy. Starting around the beginning of the 90's when camera started to have the grip they started to cover them with a more rubber like covering. These are more grippy but tend to develop the sticky problem. I wish that they return to the old type covering.
Feb 20, 2024 14:57:27 #
John N wrote:
Last night I got my sons old Fujifilm HS50exr out ... (show quote)
It is a common problem, but without a common cause. I have the problem on a large scale with vintage stereo speakers. The speakers are covered with vinyl that looks very much like real wood. Many people have used furniture polish on them (possibly even my wife), perhaps thinking they were real wood. Once the oil based polish meets the vinyl, the jig is up. Majorly sticky ever since. I have tried several solutions, but nothing seems to work.
It also happened to a pair of my binoculars, but I took the easy way out and smeared them with baking soda. It took the stick away, but didn't really solve the problem.
Feb 22, 2024 05:24:23 #
Fingers crossed, the camera is 95% clean (just a few spots around the base of dials etc. and a few cotton buds should sort those out).
I used 100% isopropyl alcohol exclusively to remove the residue and came to the conclusion that some sort of finish was applied to the camera and that it was this that had degraded. I base this on the fact that the 'sticky' was everywhere but the lens and the once matt finish has now a sheen to it.
Just need to get something to take a rough spot of the lens zoom mechanism then get out and try it.
It did provide a chance to practise a focus stack in Affinity though.
Thanks everyone for your input.
I used 100% isopropyl alcohol exclusively to remove the residue and came to the conclusion that some sort of finish was applied to the camera and that it was this that had degraded. I base this on the fact that the 'sticky' was everywhere but the lens and the once matt finish has now a sheen to it.
Just need to get something to take a rough spot of the lens zoom mechanism then get out and try it.
It did provide a chance to practise a focus stack in Affinity though.
Thanks everyone for your input.
Feb 22, 2024 09:38:53 #
Feb 22, 2024 20:23:45 #
I've had the same (sticky) experience with binoculars, cameras, and other instruments
that have molded, rubber, coverings.
I have to wonder if there was something (caustic) on my fingers or hands, the last
time I handled the gear. I've even wondered if some sort of "gaseous" or smokey
element had gotten into the case.
Alcohol didn't remove it. I don't want to try any thing, like nail polish remover, in
fears of degrading the entire coating.
I figured that it must be an inferior product applied at the factory.
that have molded, rubber, coverings.
I have to wonder if there was something (caustic) on my fingers or hands, the last
time I handled the gear. I've even wondered if some sort of "gaseous" or smokey
element had gotten into the case.
Alcohol didn't remove it. I don't want to try any thing, like nail polish remover, in
fears of degrading the entire coating.
I figured that it must be an inferior product applied at the factory.
Feb 22, 2024 22:07:37 #
foathog wrote:
That's what i used and it is still free of the sticky crud.
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