tacky surface on camera back (Page 2): What about some of the citric acid based cleaners such as Goo Gone (? spelling)?

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

wlgoode wrote:

No, no, no from a retired camera/photo technician. OK for metal. Acetone is the solvent in Nail Polish Remover. It dissolves most plastics. Any plastic part will be damaged. As I said before, the choice is mineral spirits.

What about some of the citric acid based cleaners such as Goo Gone (? spelling)?

agillot

had same problem on a use D70 , was sticky all over use a rag weted down with automobile carburetor cleaner , it worked great, dont spray it on !!.you could try some simple green .

jrh1354 Loc: Dayton, Ohio

MKS.S-BEAU wrote:

Have a Nikon N 80 whose surface on the camera back has gotten tacky. Anyone run across this and was able to get rid of the tacky feeling of the back? Thanks.

This is a well-known problem among Nikon film camera users. The only sure way to correct the problem is to replace the back. Nikon was providing replacement backs at no charge provided you could prove you bought the camera from an authorized Nikon dealer. As I understand it now, they've exhausted their supply of replacement backs. Buying a used one to cannibalize for the back generally doesn't work since their backs are also starting to soften. The N80, N90, and F100 all suffer from this malady. They were really great film cameras - too bad Nikon messed up on trying to apply a non-slip coating without adequate testing.

WayneL Loc: Baltimore Md

MKS.S-BEAU wrote:

Have a Nikon N 80 whose surface on the camera back has gotten tacky. Anyone run across this and was able to get rid of the tacky feeling of the back? Thanks.

Goof-Off works, I used it on mine

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

WayneL wrote:

Goof-Off works, I used it on mine

The name sounds like something we try to do at work. :D

http://www.amazon.com/Goof-Off-Miracle-Remover-4-5-Ounce/dp/B001AHAN2M

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

rook2c4 wrote:

For the N90, scrubbing the surface with a rag soaked in nail polish remover is often recommended by people who routinely do film camera repairs. Assuming the camera back is of identical materials, this should work for N80 too.

Don't use nail polish remover!!!!!!!!!! The Primary ingredient is Acetone, and trust me on this: Acetone will eat out the southern end of a north bound skunk, and materials like paint, plastics, fiberglass, polypropylene gloves and skin won't even slow it down. Don't use it on a camera body.

You might try the spray detergent "Shout" but spray it on a rag and then rub the camera--don't drown it; rinse with another clean rag with a little regular detergent hand soap and then wipe clean with plain warm water.

BYW, if you have sticky wire closet shelving with a PVC coating--Closet-Maid brand- it too can be cleaned with Shout.

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

Mogul wrote:

How about non-acetone fingernail polish removers?

What's the problem with mineral spirits? It is already in most households.

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

wlgoode wrote:

What's the problem with mineral spirits? It is already in most households.

No problem at all unless you are talking about the mineral spirits they sell as paint thinner--that's pretty aggressive, but not nearly as potent at Acetone. The mineral oil that is sold in drug stores for treating tender (baby's) skin isn't a solvent. Depending upon what the "sticky stuff" is, it may not cut it, and you will still have to use regular soap and water to get the Mineral Oil off.

I just recommended "Shout" because we used to use it before I retired from the Closet Business; it seems to be one of the few things that will dissolve the stuff that leaches out of PVC over time.

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

JCam wrote:

No problem at all unless you are talking about the... (show quote)

Never suggested mineral oil, I suggested mineral spirits which has no solvent effect on plastic and is a darn good gunk remover and is inexpensive. You do not need to wash it off, it evaporates.

JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore

wlgoode wrote:

Never suggested mineral oil, I suggested mineral spirits which has no solvent effect on plastic and is a darn good gunk remover and is inexpensive. You do not need to wash it off, it evaporates.

OK, I agree that is is a good gunk remover,but I wouldn't try it on a camera. I had a cheap frame that had some type of poly glazing instead of glass, and had some black spots on it which I thought were ink. The Mineral Spirits instantly ate into the glazing, and I was just using a soft cloth that was hardly moist.

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

JCam wrote:

OK, I agree that is is a good gunk remover,but I wouldn't try it on a camera. I had a cheap frame that had some type of poly glazing instead of glass, and had some black spots on it which I thought were ink. The Mineral Spirits instantly ate into the glazing, and I was just using a soft cloth that was hardly moist.

You are discussing this with a retired photo equipment technician, trained at National Camera, Denver. I have good training and lots of experience with this. Mineral spirits are the go to cleaner on camera bodies. Metal or plastic. The finish on those metal bodies is an anodized powder coating and is not effected by mineral spirits.

Amazing how long a discussion lasts for a simple question.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

BobHartung wrote:

What about some of the citric acid based cleaners such as Goo Gone (? spelling)?

GooGone is great for SOME things, but I would NEVER get it close to my cameras!! I have seen it do damage to some plastics.

bgl Loc: Brooklyn,New York

mineral spirits may also pose a risk see below

Outside the U.S. and Canada, mineral spirits is called white spirit although it is actually a clear liquid.

The residue that remains can then be cleaned away with mineral spirits, isopropyl alcohol, or white vinegar. While mineral spirits has the strongest effect as a silicone remover, it can damage plastic or finished surfaces and shouldn't be used on them.

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

bgl wrote:

mineral spirits may also pose a risk see below

Outside the U.S. and Canada, mineral spirits is called white spirit although it is actually a clear liquid.

The residue that remains can then be cleaned away with mineral spirits, isopropyl alcohol, or white vinegar. While mineral spirits has the strongest effect as a silicone remover, it can damage plastic or finished surfaces and shouldn't be used on them.

Used it on hundreds of cameras and lenses with no problems.

wihakowi

Hopefully not off-topic but when I read the OP's initial post I thought, "Uh Oh, DEET melt." Some folks may not be aware but DEET (as in OFF & other bug-dope) is a fabulously effective de-grader of plastics and rubber.

If you shoot outdoors or use binoculars or other gear with armored coatings, be very careful about spraying or getting DEET on your hands and then using your equipment. They will soon develop a deathly, saggy, soft, sloughing skin problem.

Ask me how I know!

Steve