Modern lubes for Norma?

[Ben Calwell]

I can’t imagine why this model Sinar is called Norma. Does anyone know?

[darr]

I can’t imagine why this model Sinar is called Norma. Does anyone know?

Carl Hans Koch created the Sinar Norma view camera in 1947 from his garage in Switzerland. Norma does not represent a famous female or a family member but the German word for “normal.” It means “standard,” as in a basic view camera kit. Love my Norma.

[Ben Calwell]

Carl Hans Koch created the Sinar Norma view camera in 1947 from his garage in Switzerland. Norma does not represent a famous female or a family member but the German word for “normal.” It means “standard,” as in a basic view camera kit. Love my Norma.

Thanks, Darr — that explains it.

[Daniel Unkefer]

I think NORMA is engraved on the front of the basic rail, since everything hooks on to that. Hence "Standard". Endcap with Sinar Rule snaps into the front. Rule is quite useful for determining bellows extension factors. It's engraved on the back side of the rule.

[Drew Wiley]

It's because it was so well thought out that it made other cameras seem abnormal.

[rdenney]

Moly grease is black and will stain. Be aware. Molybdenum Disulfide is a superb anti-wear additive for situations of high pressure and temperature, but honestly it seems overkill for a view camera. Valvoline Synpower is a good one, too.

The white stuff in the Sinar photo looks to me like lithium grease, like the old Lubriplate. Campagnolo branded similar stuff for bicycles.

Rick “who uses Molykote DX for watch parts that are greased—bring your checkbook” Denney

[ashro20]

Moly grease is black and will stain. Be aware. Molybdenum Disulfide is a superb anti-wear additive for situations of high pressure and temperature, but honestly it seems overkill for a view camera. Valvoline Synpower is a good one, too.

The white stuff in the Sinar photo looks to me like lithium grease, like the old Lubriplate. Campagnolo branded similar stuff for bicycles.

Rick “who uses Molykote DX for watch parts that are greased—bring your checkbook” Denney By the way to have your homework done use this website

thank you for the warning rdenney! about moly grease

[Daniel Unkefer]

thank you for the warning rdenney! about moly grease

**Wear nitrile gloves around the grease and liquids**

My collection of Norma cleaning supplies by Nokton48, on Flickr

Here's what i have accumulated so far to clean up my Sinar Normas.

[Daniel Unkefer]

It's because it was so well thought out that it made other cameras seem abnormal.

Hilarious but actually quite true. Well done Drew

[phdgent]

I would advise BALLISTOL, it's an old gun oil (Greman imperial army) I used it on mine and it worked perfectly. One advantage is that you can use it first to clean the movenent's gears and then lube these with fresh oil.
It doesn't stiff up, is not greasy, it penetrates in the metal's surface structure, it conservate, it is easy to clean a way and you only need a very a few drops.