Warning: nearly ruined a Spotmatic 6 months ago with isopropyl on the shutter

I was cleaning out a grimy Spotmatic from a thrift store in Omaha and used 99% iso on the shutter blades - 2 days later they started sticking on half speeds. Has anyone else found a safer method for degunking blade assemblies without taking them apart?

2 comments

2 Comments

shanel131mo ago

Oh man, yeah isopropyl on shutters is a classic trap. I've had decent luck using lighter fluid (like Ronsonol) on a q-tip and just dabbing the blades lightly. Let it evaporate fully before cocking the shutter again. Takes a few rounds but wont mess with the lubrication or leave sticky residue like iso does.

joel_patel1mo ago

Watch out with lighter fluid too though @shanel13. Some older shutters have a thin coating that'll dissolve if you overdo it. I found out the HARD way on a vintage Compur - the fluid pooled under a blade and left this cloudy film that was a nightmare to get off. Now I use the tiniest dab on a toothpick tip instead of a q-tip, and I hold the blade open with a piece of paper so it air dries fast. It's all about the smallest amount possible, let it evaporate completely, then test.