Rust!

[Towermax]

I got this Canon IIF2 through Craigslist and it was a real bargain.  It's really in excellent shape except for the surface rust shown in the picture.  

What's the best way to remove this rust?  Something like Naval Jelly or is there a better/safer option?

Carroll

[LarryD]

Hard to tell from that stealth picture.

[Towermax]

Hard to tell from that stealth picture.

You're fast!  Was trying to insert a Flikr image, but nothing shows up.  I've read the instructions, but still haven't got it quite right.  I'm going to try using my picasa account . . .

In the meantime, I've added a link to the Flikr photo.

[LarryD]

I have seen worse. A little mild abrasive and some nail polish should fix most of that. As for navel jelly I am not sure as that stuff runs and takes off skin. I would be afraid it could get into the rangefinder or on the glass.

EDIT removed the picture.

[Towermax]

Used the BBCode.  It worked--thanks.

[radiocemetery]

Not Rust! That Canon top plate is brass that is chrome plated. The chrome has popped off, possibly from poor metal prep or contaminants in the brass itself or contaminated plating solutions. There isn't a cure outside of plating the piece again. Consider the missing chrome as you would consider "brassing" on a black painted camera body. It adds character and patina from honest use.  :cool:

[br1078lum]

You might try coating the affected areas with a little bit of clear, just so it doesn't turn green on you.

PF

[Towermax]

Not Rust! That Canon top plate is brass that is chrome plated. The chrome has popped off, possibly from poor metal prep or contaminants in the brass itself or contaminated plating solutions. There isn't a cure outside of plating the piece again. Consider the missing chrome as you would consider "brassing" on a black painted camera body. It adds character and patina from honest use.  :cool:

Brass!  Well then, it's for sure not rust.  No cure, hmm . . . .

Is there some way to neutralize it to keep it from getting worse?  Probably not, since it's either under the plating or in the plating.

I'm going to have to read up on chrome plating and maybe visit a plating shop here in town and see if they have any ideas. 

You're right, though--it adds character. :p

[Towermax]

You might try coating the affected areas with a little bit of clear, just so it doesn't turn green on you.

PF

The guy I bought it from says it's been like that for the 15 years he's owned it.  So I'm not too worried about it getting worse.  Still, it might not hurt to cut off the oxygen supply with some kind of clear coat.  Time to do a little research.

[LarryD]

One of my Zenits is so brassed I thought about stripping it and giving it a clear coat. Imagine the looks a brass camera would get.

[LarryD]

Good Brass is well pretty stable. It is a copper alloy and the amount of copper in it if good keeps the green away. Zink and Copper and Zink does not tend to oxidize as it is used to prevent rust.

Brass of lower grades are often coated in lacquer to avoid oxidation but If yours is 15 years old with it I bet finger oil was enough to keep it sealed.

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-brass.htm