Lens Rubber knurl cleaning?

Tony3d · 03-04-2016, 07:13 AM

Hi all, how do you guys clean the rubber knurl on the lens barrel of Pentax lenses such as the 18-135mm?

Sliver-Surfer · 03-04-2016, 07:24 AM

Originally posted by dcshooter

Toothbrush and armor-all.

same here

**monochrome** · 03-04-2016, 10:44 AM

To remove finger oil and dirt I use a soft toothbrush and a 30% solution of window cleaner and water. I wet the brush and tap the water off and very gently scrub the grip in a circular pattern. It's a pretty dry treatment, leaves a slight foamy residue. Dry with a microfiber cloth. Follow with a light treatment with a natural rubber restorative cream that removes surface oxidation and brittleness.

I don't care for the oily residue of Armor All.

TheOneAndOnlyJH · 03-04-2016, 10:59 AM

Originally posted by monochrome

I don't care for the oily residue of Armor All.

I second that! The one time I had my car interior professionally cleaned I had to go out and buy a new steering wheel cover because it bothered me so much. Now I only use it on the dash board and door sills and I use a small spritz of Windex for other plastic surfaces and knobs that I'll actually be touching.

I haven't had to clean my 18-135 yet, but I bought an older Sigma 70-300 that had white chalky residue on the rubber ring that I cleaned off. Water wouldn't work, and I ended up I using isopropanol / rubbing alcohol to break up the grime and drying it right after. In hindsight that may not have been the wisest decision, but that's what I had and the ring is still in good condition. (I think they saving grace is that I dried it right away before the isopropanol could react with the rubber.)

I'd say try just water first to avoid any chemical reactions that might degrade the material. If that doesn't work, move on to Armor All or window cleaner, but as little as possible.

**.a.t.** · 03-04-2016, 11:11 AM

Here's a related thread:

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/248242-pres...er-lenses.html

**yucatanPentax** · 03-04-2016, 01:30 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

To remove finger oil and dirt I use a soft toothbrush and a 30% solution of window cleaner and water. I wet the brush and tap the water off and very gently scrub the grip in a circular pattern. It's a pretty dry treatment, leaves a slight foamy residue. Dry with a microfiber cloth. Follow with a light treatment with a natural rubber restorative cream that removes surface oxidation and brittleness.

I don't care for the oily residue of Armor All.

I did a search for "natural rubber restorative cream" and got a wide variety of topics back, but not a product for protecting rubber.

Do you have a certain brand or type that you prefer? Something that is readily available, or does it have to be ordered?

**monochrome** · 03-04-2016, 01:47 PM

Originally posted by yucatanPentax

I did a search for "natural rubber restorative cream" and got a wide variety of topics back, but not a product for protecting rubber.

Do you have a certain brand or type that you prefer? Something that is readily available, or does it have to be ordered?

i'll grab it and respond when I get home. I ordered it years ago on the net.

**jlstrawman** · 03-04-2016, 05:10 PM

Originally posted by Tony3d

Hi all, how do you guys clean the rubber knurl on the lens barrel of Pentax lenses such as the 18-135mm?

Great thread and good info everyone. I have a Konica lens, where the rubber grip is in great shape, but is loose. Any suggestions on a type of glue to reattach the rubber grip?

**monochrome** · 03-04-2016, 05:30 PM

Originally posted by dcshooter

The "rubber" use" in lens grips (parituclarly Pentax ones) is actually usually a synthetic plastic, not natural/vulcanied latex. A UV protectant/plastcizer like Armor-All really is the best solution for long-term preservation of your grips. The obvious residue will wear off after just a day or two's use.

I didn't mean 'rubber' as in real, natural rubber

. The product I use is actually a car detailing conditioner designed for vinyl and plastic interior surfaces, especially vinyl car seats - Poor Boy's Natural Look - that is water based and leaves a matte finish.

But Brian is the expert on lens restoration. I defer to his recommendation.

lukulele · 03-04-2016, 05:54 PM

Originally posted by jlstrawman

Great thread and good info everyone. I have a Konica lens, where the rubber grip is in great shape, but is loose. Any suggestions on a type of glue to reattach the rubber grip?

I would also defer to Brian and his expertise but I used 3M FasTack trim adhesive for years on professional bicycle racing tubular tires. Clement and the other Italian cements had a strange propensity to loosen under extensive downhill braking heat. You haven't experienced the ultimate road rash until you've rolled a tire on a 50mph descent…….YMMV.

**yucatanPentax** · 03-04-2016, 10:41 PM

Originally posted by monochrome

I didn't mean 'rubber' as in real, natural rubber

. The product I use is actually a car detailing conditioner designed for vinyl and plastic interior surfaces, especially vinyl car seats - Poor Boy's Natural Look - that is water based and leaves a matte finish.

But Brian is the expert on lens restoration. I defer to his recommendation.

Thanks for that info! I found Poor Boy's Natural Look at that link. It sounds interesting. And not too expensive. I'll try some for car and lenses, both, perhaps!

Originally posted by dcshooter

Sounds like a good solution. I'll have to check it out. I usually use a standard contact cement. I clean both the metal surface and the rear surface of the grip with alcohol or naphta first for best adhesion.

If the grip has expanded, you can put some rubber bands around it and hit it with a hairdryer, which is often effective at shrinking the rubber back to its original size.

Brian, thank you for even more tips. I was wondering if you had any idea about a source for new / replacement "rubber." I have some old silver Tamron Adaptals which have lost their rubber over time. They're perfectly good lenses, but no rubber. As always, great info and kind of you to share!

Tony3d · 03-04-2016, 11:52 PM

Thanks to everyone! Helpful responses!

Architecture · 03-05-2016, 08:04 AM

I like to use an LCD screen cleaning solution from Calrad Electronics. It's a little more viscous than your traditional screen spray but still very much a liquid. I just spray a couple spritzes into the microfiber cloth and gently wipe down my equipment, it works very well.

**jlstrawman** · 03-10-2016, 06:29 AM

Originally posted by dcshooter

Sounds like a good solution. I'll have to check it out. I usually use a standard contact cement. I clean both the metal surface and the rear surface of the grip with alcohol or naphta first for best adhesion.

If the grip has expanded, you can put some rubber bands around it and hit it with a hairdryer, which is often effective at shrinking the rubber back to its original size.

Thanks for the helpful info, dcshooter. Using the hair dryer has helped just a bit. Closer examination shows the entire metal focus ring is just noticeably loose. Since I have no experience with lens dis-assembly/assemby, I'll leave that alone and live with it.

Thanks also, to lukelele for mentioning the adhesive.

03-04-2016, 07:13 AM	#1
Tony3d Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Orlando Florida Posts: 487	Lens Rubber knurl cleaning? Hi all, how do you guys clean the rubber knurl on the lens barrel of Pentax lenses such as the 18-135mm?

03-04-2016, 05:30 PM	#9
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by dcshooter The "rubber" use" in lens grips (parituclarly Pentax ones) is actually usually a synthetic plastic, not natural/vulcanied latex. A UV protectant/plastcizer like Armor-All really is the best solution for long-term preservation of your grips. The obvious residue will wear off after just a day or two's use. I didn't mean 'rubber' as in real, natural rubber . The product I use is actually a car detailing conditioner designed for vinyl and plastic interior surfaces, especially vinyl car seats - Poor Boy's Natural Look - that is water based and leaves a matte finish. But Brian is the expert on lens restoration. I defer to his recommendation. Last edited by monochrome; 03-04-2016 at 05:56 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Please help; Adapting Pentax lens to Canon 70D, lens cleaning.	StillSanj	Welcomes and Introductions	4	04-14-2015 11:10 PM
Cleaning the yellow rubber?	SpartanD63	Pentax K-01	12	09-24-2013 06:55 AM
Rubber Lens Hoods	Garyleed	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	4	11-25-2009 02:58 PM
Rubber lens hood question...	heatherslightbox	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	8	06-26-2008 04:58 AM

03-04-2016, 07:24 AM	#2
Sliver-Surfer Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,558	Originally posted by dcshooter Toothbrush and armor-all. same here

03-04-2016, 10:44 AM	#3
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	To remove finger oil and dirt I use a soft toothbrush and a 30% solution of window cleaner and water. I wet the brush and tap the water off and very gently scrub the grip in a circular pattern. It's a pretty dry treatment, leaves a slight foamy residue. Dry with a microfiber cloth. Follow with a light treatment with a natural rubber restorative cream that removes surface oxidation and brittleness. I don't care for the oily residue of Armor All.

03-04-2016, 10:59 AM	#4
TheOneAndOnlyJH Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 351	Originally posted by monochrome I don't care for the oily residue of Armor All. I second that! The one time I had my car interior professionally cleaned I had to go out and buy a new steering wheel cover because it bothered me so much. Now I only use it on the dash board and door sills and I use a small spritz of Windex for other plastic surfaces and knobs that I'll actually be touching. I haven't had to clean my 18-135 yet, but I bought an older Sigma 70-300 that had white chalky residue on the rubber ring that I cleaned off. Water wouldn't work, and I ended up I using isopropanol / rubbing alcohol to break up the grime and drying it right after. In hindsight that may not have been the wisest decision, but that's what I had and the ring is still in good condition. (I think they saving grace is that I dried it right away before the isopropanol could react with the rubber.) I'd say try just water first to avoid any chemical reactions that might degrade the material. If that doesn't work, move on to Armor All or window cleaner, but as little as possible.

03-04-2016, 11:11 AM	#5
.a.t. Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: yesterday Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,261	Here's a related thread: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/10-pentax-slr-lens-discussion/248242-pres...er-lenses.html

03-04-2016, 01:30 PM	#6
yucatanPentax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas / Yucatan Posts: 1,841	Originally posted by monochrome To remove finger oil and dirt I use a soft toothbrush and a 30% solution of window cleaner and water. I wet the brush and tap the water off and very gently scrub the grip in a circular pattern. It's a pretty dry treatment, leaves a slight foamy residue. Dry with a microfiber cloth. Follow with a light treatment with a natural rubber restorative cream that removes surface oxidation and brittleness. I don't care for the oily residue of Armor All. I did a search for "natural rubber restorative cream" and got a wide variety of topics back, but not a product for protecting rubber. Do you have a certain brand or type that you prefer? Something that is readily available, or does it have to be ordered?

03-04-2016, 01:47 PM	#7
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	Originally posted by yucatanPentax I did a search for "natural rubber restorative cream" and got a wide variety of topics back, but not a product for protecting rubber. Do you have a certain brand or type that you prefer? Something that is readily available, or does it have to be ordered? i'll grab it and respond when I get home. I ordered it years ago on the net.

03-04-2016, 05:10 PM	#8
jlstrawman Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Midwest US Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,058	Originally posted by Tony3d Hi all, how do you guys clean the rubber knurl on the lens barrel of Pentax lenses such as the 18-135mm? Great thread and good info everyone. I have a Konica lens, where the rubber grip is in great shape, but is loose. Any suggestions on a type of glue to reattach the rubber grip?

03-04-2016, 05:54 PM	#10
lukulele Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Blue Ridge Escarpment, North Carolina, US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,850	Originally posted by jlstrawman Great thread and good info everyone. I have a Konica lens, where the rubber grip is in great shape, but is loose. Any suggestions on a type of glue to reattach the rubber grip? I would also defer to Brian and his expertise but I used 3M FasTack trim adhesive for years on professional bicycle racing tubular tires. Clement and the other Italian cements had a strange propensity to loosen under extensive downhill braking heat. You haven't experienced the ultimate road rash until you've rolled a tire on a 50mph descent…….YMMV.

03-04-2016, 10:41 PM	#11
yucatanPentax Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas / Yucatan Posts: 1,841	Originally posted by monochrome I didn't mean 'rubber' as in real, natural rubber . The product I use is actually a car detailing conditioner designed for vinyl and plastic interior surfaces, especially vinyl car seats - Poor Boy's Natural Look - that is water based and leaves a matte finish. But Brian is the expert on lens restoration. I defer to his recommendation. Thanks for that info! I found Poor Boy's Natural Look at that link. It sounds interesting. And not too expensive. I'll try some for car and lenses, both, perhaps! Originally posted by dcshooter Sounds like a good solution. I'll have to check it out. I usually use a standard contact cement. I clean both the metal surface and the rear surface of the grip with alcohol or naphta first for best adhesion. If the grip has expanded, you can put some rubber bands around it and hit it with a hairdryer, which is often effective at shrinking the rubber back to its original size. Brian, thank you for even more tips. I was wondering if you had any idea about a source for new / replacement "rubber." I have some old silver Tamron Adaptals which have lost their rubber over time. They're perfectly good lenses, but no rubber. As always, great info and kind of you to share!

03-04-2016, 11:52 PM	#12
Tony3d Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Orlando Florida Posts: 487 Original Poster	Thanks to everyone! Helpful responses!

03-05-2016, 08:04 AM	#13
Architecture Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Texas Posts: 147	I like to use an LCD screen cleaning solution from Calrad Electronics. It's a little more viscous than your traditional screen spray but still very much a liquid. I just spray a couple spritzes into the microfiber cloth and gently wipe down my equipment, it works very well.

03-10-2016, 06:29 AM	#14
jlstrawman Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Midwest US Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,058	Originally posted by dcshooter Sounds like a good solution. I'll have to check it out. I usually use a standard contact cement. I clean both the metal surface and the rear surface of the grip with alcohol or naphta first for best adhesion. If the grip has expanded, you can put some rubber bands around it and hit it with a hairdryer, which is often effective at shrinking the rubber back to its original size. Thanks for the helpful info, dcshooter. Using the hair dryer has helped just a bit. Closer examination shows the entire metal focus ring is just noticeably loose. Since I have no experience with lens dis-assembly/assemby, I'll leave that alone and live with it. Thanks also, to lukelele for mentioning the adhesive.