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disemjg · Joined: 10 Jan 2002 Posts: 474 Location: Washington, DC

I have encountered several cameras with stained chrome, evidently a nicotine residue from the days when the photogs smoked like chimneys. Instead of being relatively white, the chrome surfaces are an irregular golden brown, depending on the severity of the coating. I have a Pacemaker Speed on my bench right now that is really coated and discolored. This coating does not want to clean up with any of the common solvents I have tried (denatured alcohol, Goo Off, Goof Off, lighter fluid,etc.). Does anyone know of a solvent to remove this stuff?

[ This Message was edited by: disemjg on 2004-01-09 09:34 ]

[ This Message was edited by: disemjg on 2004-01-09 09:35 ]

t.r.sanford · Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2004 5:46 pm Post subject:

The first thing I'd try is a liquid household cleanser like "Fantastik," applied with a cotton swab. The next thing would be a gentle metal polish like "Flitz" or (if you can still get it) "Silvo."

Incidentally, I've got this kind of staining on the silver areas of the labels on the backs of my film pack adapters. I have a feeling those labels are paper, and I am very reluctant to try anything heroic to clean them. I'd be interested in suggestions or comments.

I'm holding onto the FPAs because (of course) film pack WILL come back...

disemjg · Joined: 10 Jan 2002 Posts: 474 Location: Washington, DC

If the labels on your film packs are like mine, they are decals and are very delicate. They will never withstand harsh cleaning methods. Try gentle cleaners and do not allow them to soak as the decals may soften. I am going to root around in the utility cabinet to see what kind of household cleaners I have, and will attack the chrome stains with them. Thanks.

disemjg · Joined: 10 Jan 2002 Posts: 474 Location: Washington, DC

The stains are gone. The best household cure is SHOUT laundry stain remover, with multiple applicatons and scrubbing with a soft brush. Complete disassembly is required as the process is messy and requires thourough washing afterwards. Small areas could of course be spot treated carefully.

45PSS · Posted: Sat Jan 10, 2004 3:04 am Post subject:

MOTHERS Mag and Aluminum Polish and 1/2oz. elbow grease.
All previous suggestions require 1 lb. elbow graease.
Chalres

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glennfromwy · Joined: 29 Nov 2001 Posts: 903 Location: S.W. Wyoming

Formula 409

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"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"