Advice on lubricant for cameras

[Jesito]

Hi colleagues,

I'm using "3 in 1" (in can, not in spray) for cleaning/lubricating the mechanical parts inside the cameras.

I was using it because it's a thin light grease with cleaning properties.

Some days ago I saw somewhere in the net an article on camera fixing that was telling "not to use 3 in 1 at all".

So I'm unsure about which kind of lubricant should I use, so I'd appreciate very much your opinions about which grease to use.

Thanks in advance!.

Jes.

[Sevo]

None, whereever possible. And you want to avoid oil creep onto the lenses and aperture (and shutter) blades, which excludes 3-in-1 and the like.

The only place where lenses are always factory-greased is the focus and zoom gearing - and you would want a very immobilized grease in there. YMMV as to what is appropriate - the best would be the manufacturer specified grease, but having to buy and store dozens of different industrial-scale size cans for a lens collection would be prohibitive.

Long-life greases specified for aluminum/plastics compound cycle shift grips (like Shimano "green goo") are a reasonably safe and easily obtainable choice.

If you have to grease originally dry parts of a lens to make up for wear, use very minimal amounts, and resort to dry lubricants like graphite or teflon dust whereever possible.

Sevo

[Stan]

> If you have to grease originally dry parts of a lens to make up for
> wear, use very minimal amounts, and resort to dry lubricants like
> graphite or teflon dust whereever possible.

IMO Graphite or teflon dust should not be used for optics. It is dust and sooner or later it will be on the lens surfaces. For wear compensation a thin teflon film used by the plumbers to seal the threads could be used. It is thin, slippery and does not produce dust.

[Jesito]

Thanks, Stan and Sevo, but I don't dare to open a lens (yet ).
I was talking about lubricating mechanical parts inside the cameras, like levers, etc.

I've heard nasty things about graphite powder. I think I'll try the oil used in sewing machines instead of the "3 in 1".

Jes.

[maddog10]

Go ahead and crack open a lens Jes, it's fun!

Another benefit of this Forum - someone will probably be able to help you put it back together again.

[Farside]

[Jesito]

Hi Mike and Dave,
The lenses are too complex to my limitted mechanical skills. I opened a half Helios 44-2 and the base of the CZJ Planar, but did nothing with them but closing them again.
I'm afraid to touch anything that would prevent of fully working again.
Lenses are like a religuous fetish to me ...
And I've got so many cameras to fix that I'll busy for the next years, so no need to opening lenses by now.

But if the need arises, for sure I'll be asking for advice here prior to do any harm.

Jes.

[Sevo]