Sticky lens ring

[Epicuros]

A friend has two EOS DSLRs and some EF lenses. One of the lenses (I think a 28-200mm) was left in a gear bag for close to 15 years. Upon retrieving it to use it she found that the lens rubber zoom ring is sticky to the touch as if the rubber were dissolving. I know that this is a common problem with several gear, but did not expect it to occur on an EF lens. Is there a cure for this problem?
I would appreciate your input.
Rds,
Vasilis

[Trev B]

Think this is caused by dampness, more than likely it will need to go to a Canon service centre to be replaced.

[John Liddle]

I have had success in other (similar) cases by cleaning the affected material with Isopropyl Alcohol (Isopropanol) and plenty of rubbing with a soft cloth or paper tissue. This seems to remove the plasticiser which has migrated out of the material onto the surface.

Try it out on a small area first.

If it fails, then Trev's solution might be needed.

[Epicuros]

Thank you both for the tips. I will pass the information over to my friend who has the problem and see what happens.

[Farider]

I found an elderly film camera recently (not canon) and the same thing had happened to the grips on that.

Ian

[Epicuros]

[QUOTE=John Liddle;n757753]I have had success in other (similar) cases by cleaning the affected material with Isopropyl Alcohol (Isopropanol) and plenty of rubbing with a soft cloth or paper tissue. This seems to remove the plasticiser which has migrated out of the material onto the surface.


Isopropyl alcohol did work. Thanks for the tip Trev.