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09-11-2021, 10:55 PM   #1
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Clipper oil, is it thin enough for cameras?

I have a tiny bit of watch oil left but I also have the oil I use on my clipper blades, which is really thin. Is it OK for cameras or is it another like wd40 to be avoided at all costs?

09-12-2021, 01:35 AM - 2 Likes   #2
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Lubricants are tricky, because many of their properties don't transfer well to other uses they weren't designed for. Some break down differently over time, and become quite viscous. Others are too thin, and run to places they shouldn't. Personally, I would only use your watch oil on watches, and your clipper oil on clippers.
If you can't get your hands on exactly the right lubricant, my recommendation would be to get any camera gear serviced properly. Just my $0.02.
09-12-2021, 03:23 AM - 5 Likes   #3
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QuoteOriginally posted by Cerebum Quote
I have a tiny bit of watch oil left but I also have the oil I use on my clipper blades, which is really thin. Is it OK for cameras or is it another like wd40 to be avoided at all costs?
Clipper oil is simply paraffin oil, also called "white mineral oil". Watch oils are available in different varieties depending on whether used for watches or clocks. Most watch oils, these days, are synthetic oils or a mix of mineral oil and synthetic oils, for the reason that most mineral oils "gum up" after time while synthetic oils will remain stable for much longer.

Moebius 8000 (a good watch oil) has the following characteristics:

Viscosity at 0°C 280 cSt
Viscosity at 20°C 95 cSt
Viscosity at 40°C 41 cSt

Density at 20°C 0.908 g/ml
Refraction index at 20 °C 1.472
Acidity 0.5 mg KOH / g

Shelf life 2 years
Temperature range -15 °C to +80 °C

Application fields
Classic oil to be used for :
Precision micromechanics (watch, timer, measuring devices , tools)
Instrumentation and counters
Cameras and optical instruments
General mechanics (office equipment, fans,…)
Lubrication of fast moving watch parts with low torque (pendulum pivots, escapements, some wheels)

On that basis, I'd think that watch oil is OK for (some) cameras, but I would not consider hair clipper oil to be suitable.

The even better watch oil would be Moebius 9010 Synt-A-Lube Watch Oil which is a fully synthetic oil with a 6 year shelf life.

But, refer this chart for a better idea of which oil will work for which application: https://www.moebius-lubricants.ch/sites/default/themes/moebius/extras/pdf/tableEN.pdf
09-12-2021, 05:33 AM - 1 Like   #4
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QuoteOriginally posted by pjv Quote
Lubricants are tricky, because many of their properties don't transfer well to other uses they weren't designed for. Some break down differently over time, and become quite viscous. Others are too thin, and run to places they shouldn't. Personally, I would only use your watch oil on watches, and your clipper oil on clippers.
If you can't get your hands on exactly the right lubricant, my recommendation would be to get any camera gear serviced properly. Just my $0.02.
Sounds very wise to me

---------- Post added 12-09-21 at 05:35 AM ----------

QuoteOriginally posted by MarkJerling Quote
Clipper oil is simply paraffin oil, also called "white mineral oil". Watch oils are available in different varieties depending on whether used for watches or clocks. Most watch oils, these days, are synthetic oils or a mix of mineral oil and synthetic oils, for the reason that most mineral oils "gum up" after time while synthetic oils will remain stable for much longer.

Moebius 8000 (a good watch oil) has the following characteristics:

Viscosity at 0°C 280 cSt
Viscosity at 20°C 95 cSt
Viscosity at 40°C 41 cSt

Density at 20°C 0.908 g/ml
Refraction index at 20 °C 1.472
Acidity 0.5 mg KOH / g

Shelf life 2 years
Temperature range -15 °C to +80 °C

Application fields
Classic oil to be used for :
Precision micromechanics (watch, timer, measuring devices , tools)
Instrumentation and counters
Cameras and optical instruments
General mechanics (office equipment, fans,…)
Lubrication of fast moving watch parts with low torque (pendulum pivots, escapements, some wheels)

On that basis, I'd think that watch oil is OK for (some) cameras, but I would not consider hair clipper oil to be suitable.

The even better watch oil would be Moebius 9010 Synt-A-Lube Watch Oil which is a fully synthetic oil with a 6 year shelf life.

But, refer this chart for a better idea of which oil will work for which application: https://www.moebius-lubricants.ch/sites/default/themes/moebius/extras/pdf/tableEN.pdf
This is one of the most comprehensive answers I have ever received (and I have had some good un's) thank you very much for this, I will have a read

09-12-2021, 01:39 PM - 1 Like   #5
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QuoteOriginally posted by Cerebum Quote
Sounds very wise to me

---------- Post added 12-09-21 at 05:35 AM ----------



This is one of the most comprehensive answers I have ever received (and I have had some good un's) thank you very much for this, I will have a read
Thanks! Watches is a bit of a hobby of mine.
09-12-2021, 03:17 PM - 1 Like   #6
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QuoteOriginally posted by MarkJerling Quote
The even better watch oil would be Moebius 9010 Synt-A-Lube Watch Oil which is a fully synthetic oil with a 6 year shelf life.
@MarkJerling, thanks for your informative post. Surprisingly, at least one Canadian watch-making supply house carries Moebius oils (and other interesting tools). Bookmarked for future reference.


- Craig
09-12-2021, 07:44 PM - 1 Like   #7
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QuoteOriginally posted by MarkJerling Quote
On that basis, I'd think that watch oil is OK for (some) cameras, but I would not consider hair clipper oil to be suitable.

The even better watch oil would be Moebius 9010 Synt-A-Lube Watch Oil which is a fully synthetic oil with a 6 year shelf life.

But, refer this chart for a better idea of which oil will work for which application: https://www.moebius-lubricants.ch/sites/default/themes/moebius/extras/pdf/tableEN.pdf
Amazing response. This deserves an article or sticky of its own!


Steve

09-12-2021, 07:47 PM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by c.a.m Quote
@MarkJerling, thanks for your informative post. Surprisingly, at least one Canadian watch-making supply house carries Moebius oils (and other interesting tools). Bookmarked for future reference.


- Craig
I'm not that surprised! They are considered one of the top watch oil manufacturers.
09-12-2021, 07:47 PM   #9
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QuoteOriginally posted by stevebrot Quote
Amazing response. This deserves an article or sticky of its own!


Steve
Thank you Steve!
09-12-2021, 08:22 PM - 1 Like   #10
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This refers only to between the lens shutters. Flood clean carefully , then dissolve a little amount of fine grained molybdan powder in the liquid. this works for at least minus 18 celcius. More about it in Tomosy Camera maintanense and repair

Last edited by niels hansen; 09-12-2021 at 08:23 PM. Reason: spelling
09-12-2021, 08:27 PM - 1 Like   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by niels hansen Quote
This refers only to between the lens shutters. Flood clean carefully , then dissolve a little amount of fine grained molybdan powder in the liquid. this works for at least minus 18 celcius. More about it in Tomosy Camera maintanense and repair
For those not in the know, Tomosy Camera Maintenance and Repair is the classic book for DIY camera repair and is often available through one's local library.


Steve
09-13-2021, 08:58 AM   #12
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Tomosy's book can also be purchased for e-readers (kinlde) from Amzaon and other places
09-13-2021, 11:02 AM - 1 Like   #13
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Different viscosity lubricants are specified depending on particular mechanism.
In a single camera this can range from thin oil to heavy grease.

Micro-Tools has a fairly comprehensive selection of lubricants used in camera repair:

https://www.micro-tools.com/collections/lubricants

Chris
09-13-2021, 04:47 PM - 1 Like   #14
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QuoteOriginally posted by titrisol Quote
Tomosy's book can also be purchased for e-readers (kinlde) from Amzaon and other places
The $7 used copy they had yesterday is gone, though

-Eric
09-14-2021, 11:31 AM - 1 Like   #15
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QuoteOriginally posted by titrisol Quote
Tomosy's book can also be purchased for e-readers (kinlde) from Amzaon and other places
Tomosy is a good inspiration, but together with youtube you are driving well
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