It is many years, even a few decades, since I was employed in the industrial
plastics industry, but I recognise the symptoms of leaching plasticizers,
Peter.
Assuming that the plastics in question to be PVC, my guess is that the
stickiness is one of several possible phthalate plasticizers - di-allyl
phthalate, di-iso-octyl phthalate, di-octyl phthalate are some of the names I
recall, they were interchangeable chemically. They are not chemically bonded to
the resin, and can thus be "coaxed" out by application of an organic solvent,
or simply by handling, which last probably applies in your case. Phthalate
solubility in water varies, so rubbing alcohol might not be the best to try,
but if you are determined to clean up, maybe acetone would be a good one to try
.... but it won't solve the underlying problem, which will be back.
I would go for the replacement options which others have suggested.
HTH
Piers
-----Original Message-----
From: LUG <lug-bounces+piers.hemy=gmail.com@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of Peter
Klein via LUG
Sent: Wednesday, March 20, 2024 3:08 AM
To: lug <lug@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>; olympus@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx;
leicareflex@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Cc: Peter Klein <boulanger.croissant@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [Leica] Sticky rubber knobs, chest harness recommendation?
Two questions for our collective expert mind.
1. My tripod ball head's adjustment knobs have developed "sticky rubber
syndrome." So has the focusing ring on one of my lenses. The ball head
is particularly nasty. It leaves a sticky/oily residue on my fingers,
which can then get on other things. Does anyone know a remedy for this?
2. Can anyone recommend a chest harness or other type of camera strap
that spares my neck muscles when I'm out and about using a heavier
lens? I've read so many ads and reviews that I'm cross-eyed, but
haven't yet seen "the one." Looking for the minimum amount of hardware
to do the job comfortably.
Details re. the tripod:
I tried a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol (70% isopropanol). This
appears to partially work, but only after several applications and
considerable rubbing. Internet articles are contradictory regarding
alcohol, Windex with ammonia, grease-cutting dish detergent, or a
"Formula 409-type general purpose cleaner--some say use this or that,
some say don't.
The tripod is a Dolica Proline GX 650B204. I got it using brownie points
my former employer gave me for exemplary tech support. Those points were
only redeemable at some general consumer Web site that sold off last
year's goods. So the tripod was probably cheap and cheerful, but it's
worked well for 12-odd years. The manufacturer's Web site now looks like
that of a "company" that is selling off everything. I sent them a
message, who knows if there will be a useful response. The tripod's ball
head is "sold out."
if all else fails, I suppose I could just wrap the knobs with gaffer
tape, or something similar but more permanent.
Thanks in advance!
--Peter
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