Can we talk about the shift from using alcohol to using naphtha for cleaning shutters?

For years, my whole bench used 99% isopropyl on everything... but after a sticky Minolta SR-T 101 last month, I switched to Ronsonol on a hunch. The old lube just dissolved cleaner, no residue. Is this a real change in the trade, or did I just get lucky with that one camera?

2 comments

2 Comments

richard_nelson1mo ago

That "old lube just dissolved cleaner" thing is key. I've found some older greases turn into a gummy mess with alcohol, but naphtha cuts right through it. Might depend on the exact type of grease they used back then.

adams.taylor1mo ago

Ronsonol is basically just lighter fluid, pure naphtha. It's my go-to for that exact problem. Old shutter curtain lube and some body greases turn into glue with alcohol. The naphtha breaks it down without leaving anything behind. You have to be careful with painted surfaces and plastics, but for metal parts it works every time.