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Post by nikonbob on Feb 16, 2007 11:24:15 GMT -5
I would like some suggestion for an appropriate off the self grease suitable for re lubing FSU camera bodies and lenses. Something that won't breakdown and migrate oil to other parts.
Bob
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Post by kiev4a on Feb 16, 2007 11:31:20 GMT -5
I use just a while lithium grease on the lens focusmechanics. On the shutter mechanism I use a Teflon oil available at Radio Shack. The key on the oil is to apply it very sparingly--as in a drop on the end of a toothpick. More isn't better in this case. You also have to be very careful with oul around the shutter tapes because it will instantly dissolve the shellac used to glue the tapes to the shutter drums.
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Post by doubs43 on Feb 16, 2007 12:57:23 GMT -5
I would like some suggestion for an appropriate off the self grease suitable for re lubing FSU camera bodies and lenses. Something that won't breakdown and migrate oil to other parts. Bob Bob, I use light instrument oil that I got from military surplus sales years ago. For light grease I use gun grease and for lens helicoils I use high temperature wheel bearing grease. All of it has performed well so far. As Wayne stresses, a little goes a long way and it's easy to use too much. My rebuilt Exakta VX-IIa is as smooth as anything you're likely to pick up and those are the lubricants I used. I've used the HTWB grease on a number of lenses with complete success. Walker |
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Post by nikonbob on Feb 16, 2007 14:00:26 GMT -5
Thanks for the advice guys. I am trying to work up the courage to try some overhauls and want to get it as right as possible the first time round.
Bob
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PeterW
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Post by PeterW on Feb 16, 2007 19:57:35 GMT -5
This evening I cleaned and relubed the stiff focus thread on the lens of the FED 4 I picked up a week or so ago. I finished it and came on the forum, and came across Bob's posting about lens grease.
After cleaning the old green looking grease off with Ronsonol I, like Wayne and Walker, use just a light smear (put it on and wipe it off just leaving some in the threads) of high melting point white grease. I use Castrol PH originally made for the linkages inside car brake drums. It's quite a light grease and makes the focus easy to use but seems to give just the right amount of 'drag' so the focus stays where you put it. I've never had any problems with migration.
PeterW
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Post by John Parry on Feb 16, 2007 20:16:34 GMT -5
Peter, I bought a package deal of four cameras from a rather 'dippy' sounding seller in Yorkshire. Two of the cameras were a complete write-off. Of the others, one was a Hanimex (hurray for the Empire!), but the other was a superb Fed 4. Pristine condition, and the lens is smooth as the yak intended. Maybe yours was a Friday afternoon model?
Regards - John
ps - Why do FSU Ever Ready cases always stink? I have a Zenit B, and an E, plus the Fed, and my wife wouldn't let me bring them in the house!
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PeterW
Lifetime Member
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Post by PeterW on Feb 16, 2007 20:43:48 GMT -5
Comrade Parry: How dare you libel the workers in the USSR by suggesting that they worked only a five-day week!
Come to think about it, maybe mine was a Monday morning job after a heavy night before on the vodka! ;D
PeterW
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Post by kiev4a on Feb 16, 2007 21:26:38 GMT -5
I've got a huge cardboard box full of leather FSU Neverready cases on a shelf in the garage--my wife says they smell too bad to keep in the house!
The white auto grease works well on the helicoils. At one point I bought two different weights of helicoil grease from Microtools--all of it was too stiff for the FSU gear. The auto lithium grease works better. The official helicoil grease has a purpose, however. Just a microspot of it on the tip of a screwdriver will hold a tiny screw on the tip until I can get it threaded into the proper hole!
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Post by John Parry on Feb 16, 2007 21:38:23 GMT -5
Same problem then Wayne! Thing is though, they're so beautifully made, you don't really want to seperate them from the cameras. I think Ron Herron or Randy suggested spraying the inside of the case with hair spray or something. May try that if if I have to unify my camera collection!
Regards - John
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Post by kiev4a on Feb 16, 2007 23:19:49 GMT -5
A good share of the cases have stitching that is rotting so they aren't much good anyway. I have a couple od Zorki 1 cases that I hacut the top and front cover off and just use the bottom to hold the camera since that model doesn't have strap lugs. Some folks cut the top loose and the rivet on a snap- so the two pieces can be fastened together when you want a full cover.
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Post by nikonbob on Feb 17, 2007 13:45:45 GMT -5
Thanks again for the advice. FWIW I used Lucas brand Red "N" Tacky #2 and it looks like the patient survived. One heck of a lot smoother and almost no hitching in the focus throw.
Bob
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Post by wolves3012 on Mar 10, 2007 18:15:53 GMT -5
I've relubed a fair few lenses now with a silicone grease available from Maplin electronics in the UK. A little goes a long way and it doesn't migrate or age like many "normal" greases might. I've also used it on gears in the winders etc. It seems to need more "working in" though before everything goes smooth.
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