Cleaning a chrome camera

rontr6 · 02/12/08, 09:04 PM

Hi Everybody
Any hints and tips for cleaning the chrome on old Leicas, mine's grubby but not damaged, the last time I tried this [years ago] using a liquid cleaner on an M2 I ended up having to get it serviced as it leached the lubricant out of the wind-on shaft and it got progressively stiffer

Ron

jc_braconi · 02/12/08, 11:18 PM

Use Qtips and Lighter fluid, do not rub over the vulcanite, be careful !

mooky · 02/13/08, 12:30 AM

I was told years ago by the then Leica tech (at Rockleigh, NJ) that the best thing after all is said is a clean bath towel, slighty damp, and just keep moving to a clean area on the towel. If needed, a very mild soapy solution (again just slightly damp) can be used to cut through heavy dirt and skin oils.

I would be very hesitant at using strong compounds of any kind - Leica finishes may be of high quality but they are not impervious. Best of luck,,,,.

lmr · 02/14/08, 04:59 PM

I would just wipe it down with a towel.

A "grubby" camera does not get noticed, it is much safer for you and your Leica.

02/12/08, 09:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
rontr6 Neuer Benutzer Join Date: 01/22/08 Posts: 29	Cleaning a chrome camera Hi Everybody Any hints and tips for cleaning the chrome on old Leicas, mine's grubby but not damaged, the last time I tried this [years ago] using a liquid cleaner on an M2 I ended up having to get it serviced as it leached the lubricant out of the wind-on shaft and it got progressively stiffer Ron

02/12/08, 11:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
jc_braconi Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 03/20/04 Posts: 565	Re: Cleaning a chrome camera Use Qtips and Lighter fluid, do not rub over the vulcanite, be careful ! __________________ regards JC jc_braconi @ LFI Gallery

02/13/08, 12:30 AM	#3 (permalink)
mooky Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 02/11/07 Posts: 172	Re: Cleaning a chrome camera I was told years ago by the then Leica tech (at Rockleigh, NJ) that the best thing after all is said is a clean bath towel, slighty damp, and just keep moving to a clean area on the towel. If needed, a very mild soapy solution (again just slightly damp) can be used to cut through heavy dirt and skin oils. I would be very hesitant at using strong compounds of any kind - Leica finishes may be of high quality but they are not impervious. Best of luck,,,,.

02/14/08, 04:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
lmr Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 04/05/04 Posts: 139	Re: Cleaning a chrome camera I would just wipe it down with a towel. A "grubby" camera does not get noticed, it is much safer for you and your Leica.

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