How can I safely clean oily residue from a camera body and controls?
Asked 7/22/2012
3 views
2 answers
0
My camera body develops a thin film of skin oil on frequently handled areas, including around controls like the shutter button. I’ve used mild soap and water on a few exterior parts, but I’m concerned about getting moisture into buttons or seams. What’s a safe, easy way to remove oily residue from a camera body without damaging it or letting liquid get inside?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
5
Any good plastic cleaner and a microfiber cloth will do the job just fine. For cameras and lens bodies, apply a small amount of the cleaner to the cloth and wipe the surfaces down. This will prevent it from getting into places where it shouldn't.
Many plastic cleaners leave behind a very thin layer that fills in microscopic surface irregularities (sorry, I know that reads like marketing copy), making it more resistant to smudges and easier to clean. Pretty much everything plastic I buy -- ranging from motorcycle fairings to musical instruments to some of my camera gear -- gets a couple of goings-over early in its life.
The two cleaners I recommend are Plexus Plastic Cleaner (which is what I've been using for the last decade or so) and Novus #1 Plastic Clean & Shine. Be aware that Novus has three formulas, and the other two contain light abrasives. They're both a little expensive, but a little goes a very long way. Both are available worldwide and can usually be found at shops catering to aviation, RVs or motorcycles or from some plastic supply houses.
Originally by user6508. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user6508
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Use a microfiber cloth with a small amount of cleaner on the cloth, not directly on the camera. For light oil on non-optical exterior surfaces, a plastic-safe cleaner or even a gentle wet wipe can work well. The key is to avoid excess liquid, especially around buttons, seams, and moving parts.
If you use any liquid cleaner, remove the battery first and let the camera dry thoroughly before reinstalling it. A plastic cleaner may also leave a light anti-smudge layer that makes future cleaning easier.
Some users also clean camera bodies with rubbing alcohol because it evaporates quickly, but use it sparingly and keep it off optical surfaces unless the product is specifically suitable for that use.
In short: use minimal liquid, apply it to the cloth first, wipe carefully, and let everything dry fully before powering the camera back on.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI14y ago