Keeping vulcanite complete

[colyn]

I just got my new/old Leica IIIf BD from KEH and the vulcanite is complete with no chipping etc or missing pieces. :) :) :)

What is a good way to keep it that way while still using the camera for its intended purpose??

[Al Kaplan]

Not that I know about.

[Ronald M]

It deteriorates from drying out like all rubber.

Silicone or McGuires tire and vinyl finish from a auto supply store.

Other use leather conditioner like Lexol.

McGuires has worked for me.

[Nikon Bob]

There are some suggestions here http://nemeng.com/leica/032b.shtml .

Bob

[Melvin]

There is a rubber conditioner specifically made to keep the rubber rollers in tape recording decks from drying out, if you can find it, it would work great.

[photomoof]

Frankly as you will note from the article referenced above, once the Vulcanite begins to go in large chunks, it is a lost cause.

[john neal]

Microtools sell a cream that they say is good for keeping your vulcanite in good oreder, but I have not tried it, and the name esacapes me for the moment. Of course, it could be one of the products noted here in a different package ;)

[Nikon Bob]

Frankly as you will note from the article referenced above, once the Vulcanite begins to go in large chunks, it is a lost cause.

I can't argue that, but in Colyn's case the vulcanite is complete and he just wishes to try and maintain it that way. I was wondering if you thought it is worth the effort or is the drying out inevitable no matter what you so to prevent it? Is it worth the effort to try and prevent it?

Bob

[Roger Hicks]

I just got my new/old Leica IIIf BD from KEH and the vulcanite is complete with no chipping etc or missing pieces. :) :) :)

What is a good way to keep it that way while still using the camera for its intended purpose??

A lot of it is luck, I suspect. I've had my 1936 IIIa for over half its life and the vulcanite is all there but it's now brown instead of black and smells a bit rubbery. I have a theory that using 'em helps: skin oil, maybe.

Cheers,

Roger

[colyn]

Frankly as you will note from the article referenced above, once the Vulcanite begins to go in large chunks, it is a lost cause.

This is what I want to prevent. Right now this camera has complete undamaged vulcanite..

[Bill58]

Ordinary Glycerin available from any drug store works just fine once or twice a year. Thoroughly clean/ dry surfaces first (I use a light dishwashing detergent solution and water w/ an old toothbrush and old cloth towels.

[ray*j*gun]

I have three Barnacks made in 1949, 1946 and 1936....all have perfect vulcanite. I use Bill58's method and no problems.

Ray

[HuubL]

I use silicone oil. A drop applied once a year evenly spread over the vulcanite leaves a nice shine. This is what Wikipedia says about Silicone oil: "Silicone oil plays a useful role in gas powered airsoft guns where it is used to lubricate the rubber gas seals in gas blowback guns without degrading them as carbon-based oils would, as well as lubricating the moving parts of the guns."

[ray*j*gun]

Huuble, Does the silicon oil make the surface slippery? I have always been afraid of that possibility.

Ray

[HuubL]

Huuble, Does the silicon oil make the surface slippery? I have always been afraid of that possibility.

Ray
Just a bit after application, but in a day or so the slipperiness is gone. BTW, the oil also gives the chrome a nice protecting coating. I've used silicon oil for about 4-5 years now on all my Leica bodies without any adverse effects.

[Bill58]

Ordinary Glycerin available from any drug store works just fine once or twice a year. Thoroughly clean/ dry surfaces first (I use a light dishwashing detergent solution and water w/ an old toothbrush and old cloth towels.

Dumb me--I forgot to add that after you have allowed the Glycerin to soak in for a few hours, you must wipe off the residue!

[kevin m]

For those whose vulcanite is too far gone, I have to say that the Asahi imitation is pretty darned good. I had it on my recently sold M2 and it fooled me at first glance. :)

[ray*j*gun]

Thanks..... I will try that next go round.

Ray

Just a bit after application, but in a day or so the slipperiness is gone. BTW, the oil also gives the chrome a nice protecting coating. I've used silicon oil for about 4-5 years now on all my Leica bodies without any adverse effects.

[Rob-F]

In addition to applying the potion of your choice, consider using the camera in a half-case. My M2 lives in a Luigi case now. In fact, that's it, in my avatar.