Cleaning a stuck aperture ring with a drop of lighter fluid

Had a Minolta X-700 come in with a 50mm lens where the aperture ring wouldn't turn past f/8. After cleaning with isopropyl didn't work, I put one tiny drop of Ronsonol lighter fluid on the ring seam and worked it back and forth for about five minutes. The gunk dissolved and it moves smoothly through the full range now. Anyone know a better solvent that's safe for the painted numbers?

3 comments

3 Comments

spencer_kelly28d ago

Ronsonol lighter fluid" is that stuff safe for the lens coating long term?

sarahc5328d ago

Safe for the lens coating long term" misses the real risk. That stuff can degrade the lens cement between elements, not just the coating. A hazy lens from inside is way worse than a scratched coating.

jakef663d ago

I used Ronsonol on an old Nikon lens for years with no issues. Just make sure you use a tiny amount on a soft cloth.