Could anyone advise how to remove the stickiness of my Canon EF Zoom lens. I’ve noticed over time that the rubber breaks down and gets very sticky. Maybe I can stabilise with oil? Is this a common problem. The lens has been stored safely in my camera bag but not used for about 2 years Thanks and regards Kevin
i dont know the answer and would love one on this too as i have got two pairs of binoculars with the same problem, they been in there box for a good10 years and the rubbers on those have gone very sticky to the point they leave black marks on your hands, not great.
Sigma lenses with "ZEN" coating have a similar problem. Looking on line there are various suggestions but basically it boils down to rubbing the sticky coating off with an alcohol based cleaning solution. I tried this on a Sigma 600mm mirror lens and an old HP digital camera, it took a lot of rubbing to get it off and may not prevent it from re-occurring.
Kevin, I had a similar problem with a Sigma 35 - 135mm zoom lens it had a complete rubber covering over the entire lens and when you handled it your hand would come away black. My solution was to use Metholated spirits, another thing to try would be lighter fluid. Use caution due to the flammability of the fluid and you don't know ho the rubber or rubberized plastic will react to the fluid. Pour a small amount on a cloth,I used a old bit of towel and dab it on a small area. See how it reacts and if it cleans . When you are happy with the results and have clean it properly I then squirted dish washing liquid on the cleaned area and wiped this off with a damp rag. This got rid of the Metholated spirit smell and stopped any degradation of the part after I finished cleaning it. My lens looks like there was never a problem with it. All the best with it.
Thanks Thanks Craig that shifts the trick. Cleaned up with alcohol on a cotton bud and all the black goo came off. Good as new now Thanks Kevin
