Help with Bessa-R rubberised panels & grip?

[Rurouni]

Hi there,

I was sorting out my dry cabinet today and picked up my Voigtlander Bessa-R RF after a long time. Gosh I still like this cam a lot!

However, the camera back and front are coated in this rubberised finish and its starting to feel a little bit sticky. (Had this problem in some early Sigma lenses and my old Nikon F90 as well).

Is there a good DIY approach to clean up and stop the rubber from melting? Its not a heat issue as the cameras are kept in a cool area in a dry cabinet all the time so I guess its just decay from lack of use, just like some of the oil based rubber soles on some shoes.

Any help appreciated, thanks!

 

[lordpain]

I had the same problem as you, but after searching for a DIY method for a long time I gave up. I bought a replacement rear door instead. Chiifcameras has it.

 

[Rurouni]

Thanks, the problem is that even the hand grip is starting to melt.

I googled further and some people are suggesting using alcohol swabs to try to lessen some of the stickiness. Not sure if that will help...

 

[Riotbmx]

You can try lighter fluid. Hope you can get it back into action soon

 

[lordpain]

i tried the alcohol before, but you have to be careful if you use cotton swabs, the fibres may stick on to the rubber, making it a bigger mess. it didnt work for me, i hope it works out for you though.

 

[benny]

Whilst I cannot remember the actual name, there is a rubber/plastic protection compound sold by car care shops such as Autobacs. This compound cleans and protect your plastic/rubber parts from becoming sticky or turning whitish. Works well for me in the past on Canon plastic parts, but I no longer have it now since I shifted. I'm not sure if it can clean or protect if the rubber has deteriorated to such a state, but it's worth a try.

Come to think of it, I will need a can soon to start my maintenance programs.

Cheers,

 

[crispy12]

I tried alcohol swabs for D70 with exact same problem, made it worse too. Felt like it way 'melting' the plastic. Better to wipe with cloth or soapy water. In the end I just used it a lot and the stickiness went away. But quite annoying initially.