Nikon F55

[greg_nixon2]

I have one of these camera. I grabbed it of the shelf to use it and have found that the rubber handgrip on the RH side of the camera has become very sticky. What are the chance of finding a replacement part, or finding a cleaning method that works.

[ben_hutcherson]

Unfortunately, this is a problem with virtually all Nikons of that age.

 

You can try wiping it down with IPA or dusting with talcum powder.

 

If that doesn't work, unfortunately your best bet is going to be to look for another that doesn't have this problem.

[Rick Helmke]

I've had good luck on my N90S bodies using 70% Isopropyl alcohol and a couple of good rags. Takes some time but it is effective.

 

Rick H.

[dennisbrown]

Unfortunately, resolutions require removing the coating. I had an N90s with the same problem, and ended up removing the finish with a mild scotch brite pad and some dilute paint remover. There are a number of ways to remove the goo, but none of them can usually save the finish.

 

I have an F5, and an F4s, but both of those finishes are rather pristine; no hint of "crudding".

[ben_hutcherson]

Unfortunately, resolutions require removing the coating. I had an N90s with the same problem, and ended up removing the finish with a mild scotch brite pad and some dilute paint remover. There are a number of ways to remove the goo, but none of them can usually save the finish.

 

I have an F5, and an F4s, but both of those finishes are rather pristine; no hint of "crudding".

 

I've never handled a sticky F4, or otherwise seen one advertised for sale. The same also seems to be true of the other first-gen AF cameras-the N8008, etc.

 

The problem seemed to come on strong with the N90 era cameras, although I've also seen it on the N80. The N80 has the same textured rubber that Nikon started using with the F5, so it's bad.

 

F100s don't get sticky, but they're really bad about completely losing their grips(or having them peel). I've seen the same happen to F5s to some extent, but it doesn't seem as endemic on them as on the F100.

[greg_nixon2]

I thought it was going to be one of those cases like my F90, but in the end it turned out too be just a thin layer of sticky rubber over a plastic base. It all cleaned up with some methylated spirits. I took the opportunity to go over the whole camera to bring up to pristine condition.

 

Thanks for all your suggestions.

 

PS methylated spirits is ethyl alcohol with about 5% methyl alcohol.

[BeBu Lamar]

I use alcohol on my D70s which has similar covering. It takes a while but it would remove all the sticky stuff. It's not like new because it's not as grippable as new but it would work fine.

[Sandy Vongries]

I haven't had the issue, just curious (for future reference) if anyone has tried Goo Gone?

[BeBu Lamar]

If you put your camera in a cool place I don't think you have the problem. If the temp goes beyond say 90F I think there would be problem.

[mwmcbroom]

I've owned a few N80s with this problem. I still own one. To get rid of the stickiness, I dusted my hands lightly with talcum powder, and then just "handled" the camera all over. It got rid of the stickiness -- permanently.

[JDMvW]

Naphtha and a LOT of elbow grease will eventually take off the goo, eventually.

Contrary to printed statements, it may also remove printing on the camera:

 

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