Clean Kievs (and other FSU RFs)

[DanOnRoute66]

So much of the members' FSU gear posted here looks so spankin' clean, much like my non-FSU gear. My Kievs, on the other hand, look as if they were just unearthed from the rubble of the Stalingrad siege -- and that's after I've done the easy cleaning on things such as the backs, cleaned up stray adhesive on the leatherette, etc. I've even taken the film-advance and rewind knobs off, one at a time, and put them in the dishwasher (which works quite well) with my silverware. Other stuff, not easily removed, such as the toothy focusing wheel near the infinity lock and the recessed area around/behind the lens mount, seem impervious to any kind of cleaning. Anyone had any success cleaning these areas? What kinds of cleaner solutions, tools or whatever have you used? Some guidance would be much appreciated.

[-doomed-]

Ive found Russ's site to be quite helpful, i tore my 4 apart today i realized my top casting has a crack in it under the meter/rewind knob though , i hope it doesnt affect it too much.

Kiev survival site link
http://www3.telus.net/public/rpnchbck/index.html

[Gray Fox]

While you have the camera apart you could reinforce the underside of that crack with some J-B Weld steel filled epoxy and it would probably last longer than you will. Probably cost you $2.50 and leave you enough for many future repairs. BTW, once set up it is sturdy enough to be drilled and tapped (the Air Force does this on some repairs) so it might work on buggered up screw holes, too if you ever encounter some.

[tvagi]

i use WD-40 for oxidized or rusty parts.i also remove dirt from the metal parts with it.
for dirty leatherette i use a German spray for cleaning car cockpit!(Auto-Profi COCKPITPFLEGE) it gives excellent results!