Hi
I'm planning to tinker with some semi functioning old rangefinders I have, which have some frozen bits.
So the plan, after opening, is to soak the frozen bits in lighter fluid (alternatives?) and then re lubricate.
But what lubricant? Launa Japanese synthetic camera/watch oil is a common reccomedation. It's supposed to be diluted 1:19 with Benzene though, which can't easily be obtained legally where I live. Alternatives? Toluene?
Or is there a really good synthetic lubricant pre diluted I can get?
I have no experience with the lubricant you mention but I have some advice regarding Benzene. Top notch carcinogen and unless you are trained and have the proper set up (protection and an excellent fume hood), avoid.
Toluene is a good alternative (it is benzene with one more carbon attached but that structure makes a huge change). So is Xylene (a common paint thinner).
realVivek wrote:
I have no experience with the lubricant you mention but I have some advice regarding Benzene. Top notch carcinogen and unless you are trained and have the proper set up (protection and an excellent fume hood), avoid.
Toluene is a good alternative (it is benzene with one more carbon attached but that structure makes a huge change). So is Xylene (a common paint thinner).
Good luck.
Yep that’s why Benzene in not easily legally available here....I wasn’t implying it should be!
I use a little bit of mineral oil. If I need persistence, I use a bit of 'white grease'. So far, I haven't had any problems with these lubricants, on vintage cameras (used sparingly).
MicroLubrol Helimax-XP contains sub-micronized PTFE (aka Teflon). I believe this ingredient is also found in some WD-40 formulations. I don’t remember exactly what was used at the time, but the “endoscopic” procedure to cure old Canon A-series cameras (A-1, AE-1, AE-1 Program, AV-1, AL-1, AT-1) of their infamous squeek/squeel involved injecting a small amount directly into the camera through a small opening using a 2 inch needle. For around $25 per camera, I had this done multiple times by a retired guy in Florida some 20 years ago and these still work well. You may need to replace the camera seals to prevent light leaks.
