Author Topic: Baldix rust,is there a cure?  (Read 2064 times)

euge...

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Baldix rust,is there a cure?
« on: September 24, 2011, 10:17:43 AM »
I have a recent oxfam purchase purchase ,a Baldix ,thats a bit rusty on the back and sides.Its clean inside and the aperture settings are fine.Shutter speeds work down to 1/50th but longer than that they seem to all be in bulb mode.
Any ideas on how to clean the rust?  My hands look like I smoke 80 untipped a day after picking it up.

Any thoughts on the camera would be welcome.

Apologies for the ipod image quality

Sandeha Lynch

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Re: Baldix rust,is there a cure?
« Reply #1 on: September 24, 2011, 01:19:54 PM »
I just overhauled a Baldix a couple of weeks ago and it seemed like a really nice camera.  Among other problems the gear on the frame counter was worn, but the design meant it was quite easy to rectify with a needle file.  Neat that you wind backwards and then forwards so that the counter keeps up with the film and interlock.  Though even in best condition the rangefinder is probably less accurate than an equivalent Agfa.

Unless you happen to be a chemical engineer with a specialisation in metallurgy I'd suggest you have only two options for the bodywork.  Use a scraper, file and Dremel with a brass brush to remove the worst of the grot, and then use Hammerite Kurust to prep the surface for enamel painting.  Or go further with the Dremel and some sanding disks and take it all down to bare metal - you can then polish and varnish.

Francois

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Re: Baldix rust,is there a cure?
« Reply #2 on: September 24, 2011, 02:46:29 PM »
You'd actually probably be quite surprised by the results you get with just WD-40 and some paper towels.

If that doesn't cut it, you can try soapy steel wool... but for that you need to use water so be extra careful.

If all else fails, you can go to the hardware store/auto supply store and get something called Naval Jelly. It's a rust dissolver that is quite strong. Cool thing is you apply it where you need it with a brush.

And for cleaning other surfaces, you can try a melamine sponge (Magic eraser).

There's also very fine grit wet/dry sandpaper...
Francois

Film is the vinyl record of photography.

Nigel

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Re: Baldix rust,is there a cure?
« Reply #3 on: September 25, 2011, 07:01:15 PM »
Sorry to be immature but can I add 'Naval Jelly' to the Official Francois quote book.  :) :)
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Francois

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Re: Baldix rust,is there a cure?
« Reply #4 on: September 25, 2011, 10:08:30 PM »
Like they once said on TV: "When you got jelly coming out of your naval, it's pretty bad" :)

I have no problem with quotes  ;D
Francois

Film is the vinyl record of photography.

al

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Re: Baldix rust,is there a cure?
« Reply #5 on: September 28, 2011, 04:12:35 PM »
You'd actually probably be quite surprised by the results you get with just WD-40 and some paper towels.

If that doesn't cut it, you can try soapy steel wool... but for that you need to use water so be extra careful.

If all else fails, you can go to the hardware store/auto supply store and get something called Naval Jelly. It's a rust dissolver that is quite strong. Cool thing is you apply it where you need it with a brush.

And for cleaning other surfaces, you can try a melamine sponge (Magic eraser).

There's also very fine grit wet/dry sandpaper...

If the WD40 soaked rag doesnt work, instead of water try using wd40 or a light oil like 3-in-1 with very fine wire wool, works well to remove rust stains.

Naval jelly is an acid based rust disolver which works well but the trouble is you have to wash it off afterwards.
A converter like kurrust is probably better for this as it converts the rust and gives a black primed finish, no need to rinse.
(too many years sowning rusty old cars!)

But once you've removed the surface rust, as long as you don't keep it in damp conditions again the rust probably won't be a significant problem again
 

Francois

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Re: Baldix rust,is there a cure?
« Reply #6 on: September 28, 2011, 10:11:23 PM »
You could also do a black oxide treatment...
Look for "gun blacking" on google
Francois

Film is the vinyl record of photography.

moominsean

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Re: Baldix rust,is there a cure?
« Reply #7 on: September 28, 2011, 10:40:27 PM »
you might also try mcguire's car polish. works really well getting rust off of car paint and chrome, don't see any reason it wouldn't work on a camera.
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euge...

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Re: Baldix rust,is there a cure?
« Reply #8 on: October 06, 2011, 12:08:23 AM »
Thanks for the suggestions.I'll work on a sliding scale starting with the stuff I can lay my hands on straight away ie wd40 ,fine sandpaper knowing that a dremel may be involved at the end of the tunnel.

Flippy

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Re: Baldix rust,is there a cure?
« Reply #9 on: October 19, 2011, 07:33:20 PM »
I don't know if it would work for a camera, but a trick a lot of bicycle people I know use for vintage bikes is a bath in a weak solution of oxalic acid.  It disolves rust but doesn't harm the paint, decals or chrome.  It can cloud chrome if too strong though.  However, it must not be used on aluminum.  If you go this route, obviously some disassembly would be required.  However you wouldn't risk abrading the paint or chrome with sand paper.  Just remove the rusty bits and soak them.