Rusty Roller etc.

I am helping a work colleague with a box of old cameras that she was left by her Dad. They have been sitting on a shelf for 20 years or more I think. There is an MPP Microflex TLR (Nice), a Zenit B and 58 f2 (not so nice) a 4 x 4 Primo JR made by Tōkyō Kōgaku, a couple of PK lenses (both Tokina, 28mm and an 80-200) and a monster TAIR 300mm f4.5. The Primo is a bit bashed up, but the rest of it seems to be fully functional, other than the fact that one of the film rollers on the Microflex is a bit rusted through the chrome over about half of the roller at one end.

As is it, I’m sure this would scratch the film, or at least flakes of rust could get into the mechanism. Any ideas how best to get this back to a smooth condition? I’ve thought about using a proprietary rust remover such as Japlac, but this might take off the good chrome finish?

I would just use a very find sandpaper, or perhaps wire wool to smooth it down, without necessarily removing the rust completely, just so that it presents a smooth surface to the film.

As with many TLR's the Microflex viewing hood can be lifted off after removing the four screws which secure it to the body, two on either side. Then you can access the mirror, but clean it with great care as the silvering on the front surface is very easily damaged.

Unfortunately the Microflex has a very poor reputation for reliability. Do you have the manual? If not try to download a copy. The film loading procedure needs to be carefully observed otherwise the mechanism can be damaged - have a look at this thread about it, especially my second post.

MPP Microflex (and Microcord)

I would just use a very find sandpaper, or perhaps wire wool to smooth it down, without necessarily removing the rust completely, just so that it presents a smooth surface to the film.

 

As with many TLR's the Microflex viewing hood can be lifted off after removing the four screws which secure it to the body, two on either side. Then you can access the mirror, but clean it with great care as the silvering on the front surface is very easily damaged.

 

Unfortunately the Microflex has a very poor reputation for reliability. Do you have the manual? If not try to download a copy. The film loading procedure needs to be carefully observed otherwise the mechanism can be damaged - have a look at this thread about it, especially my second post.

 

MPP Microflex (and Microcord)

Thanks for that advice John. I'll have a look later at the body again, didn't notice any screws before, but it needs to be sorted, quite a dim view, not helped by the dust. I seem to remember a post somewhere, where someone had suggested not putting any more force on front silvered mirrors than you would 'if it were your own eyeball', and I have always remembered this. I'm going to run a film through it to check function, so will be sure to follow advice about loading - especially since the camera isn't mine! :eek: