Lubrication for cameras???

[BrianShaw]

For critical applications you are quite right. Cameras are not critical applications. It doesn't take a team of scientists and engineers to validate the substitution of a modern high-quality teflon lubricant in place of a traditional grease when the result is a smoothly moving mechanism that shows a higher likelihood of not attracting grit. Satellites and pacemakers are different stories.

[DennisD]

Be especially careful when lubricating parts made of plastic or nylon, I.e. gears, etc. Many lubricants are not plastic friendly and can cause problems ranging from discoloration to weakening to destruction. In these cases mineral oil based lubricants, synthetic or silicone lubricants might be recommended.

Above all, follow the manufacturer's recommendation.

Below is a link with related information:
http://motionsystemdesign.com/mechan...ic-gears-0894/

[Leigh]

I already said that Teflon was a good choice (post #5).

Lubricants in general are complicated products, with additives for particular purposes. It's not just oil in a bottle.

- Leigh

[Bill, 70's military B&W]

Thanks to everyone, I've got a lot to read and experiment with. I knew that WD-40 and 3n1 oil were not the answer.
Bill

[Leigh]

WD-40 is paraffin dissolved in a carrier that evaporates, but the smell remains.

- Leigh

[BrianShaw]

Leigh, we understand each other. I was reacting a bit to the absolutism and trying to temper it with a distinction between critical lube conditions and everything else. For anyone faced with lube selection decisions sticking with a spec'd lube is a good approach. But there are few products for non-critical applications that don't have reasonable alternatives. As mentioned by you and others in the myriad threads on this topic, having a lube that is compatible with the intended application is essential. Fortunate for us is the www on which application guides are readily available to find n acceptable lube for almost any situation. Most of these application guides are written for a smart reader but not necessarily requiring a Ph.D. To understand.

Peace, brother!

[Leigh]

Hi Brian,

I think we agree.

My main concern is the volatiles in many products.
I have no idea how they might affect sensitized products or lens coatings as they out-gas over time.

- Leigh

[Bill, 70's military B&W]

Leigh and Brian, The out putting of gas is very important! My brother and I bought a couple of brief cases, for pistol cases. We lined them with foam rubber and glued in a soft vinyl. Only glue we had was white Elmers. Got the project done and he put his gun in his case and went home. Lucky for me I did not. About a week later he opened his case and the gun was rusted beyond repair. Those fumes ATE that pistol. Just passing it along so that maybe it will save someone else.
Bill

[BrianShaw]

In a confined environment like a gun case outgassing sure can be problematic. Same as in a vacuum environment like outer space. In an open environment, not so much.

[BrianShaw]

P.S. It may have been the foam or vynal outgassing as much or more than the glue. Buut no matter, what a bad experience.