I have an Acratech head. It's essentially an open ball with a clamp.
It's dry - there's no obvious lubricant. The alcohol must be to simply
remove any crud.
Martin
-----Original Message-----
From: Charles Geilfuss [mailto:charles.geilfuss@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 4:09 PM
To: Olympus Camera Discussion
Subject: Re: [OM] Ball head lubricant
I seem to remember that WD-40 is mostly hexane, liquefied petroleum gas/
or
CO2 (propellant) and about 10% mineral oil; so it should have a little
bit of lubrication ability. A quick G**gle search revealed a range of
recommendations for cleaning ball heads that varies among brand. Markins
clearly recommends WD-40, particularly if doused in water (they claim
that none of their internal parts are damaged by water or WD-40 but it
could freeze up in very cold weather).
Arca-Swiss says no lubrication of any type; clean with dry cloth and
air blast.
Acratech says to avoid lubricants and to clean with alcohol.
Kirk says WD-40 is OK.
I suspect these recommendations are based on the differing materials
of the balls and internal parts. Best listen to your manufacturer.
Charlie
--
_________________________________________________________________
Options: http://lists.thomasclausen.net/mailman/listinfo/olympus
Archives: http://lists.thomasclausen.net/mailman/private/olympus/
Themed Olympus Photo Exhibition: http://www.tope.nl/
|