How to unstickify a camera 'on/off' switch?

June 22, 2009 2:27 AM

How to unstickify a camera 'on/off' switch?

How to unstickify a camera 'on/off' switch?

I own a Fuji camera with one of those wonderful 'on/off' switch where you push the lever over to switch it on or off. While nothing dirty or bad has happened to it, I've noticed that the switch has gone from normal to almost impossible to switch on/off over the last few months. It's received normal use, carried around fairly carefully in a manbag, and I've had it for over a year.

How would you clean this particular part of the camera, and what would you clean it with?

posted by chrisinseoul to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (2 answers total)

The universal gadget cleaner™ is isopropyl alcohol (often available in dilute form under various names for cleaning screens/keyboards/mice etc). I'd try a soft toothbrush dipped in some of this. My guess is that there's probably some finger-grease that's worked its way into the mechanism. A gentle going-over with a toothbrush dipped in IPA might do the trick. If the gunk has worked its way too far in it might be necessary to do more radical surgery.

Of course, if the switch has been heavily used, it's quite possible it's worn out.
posted by le morte de bea arthur at 3:44 AM on June 22, 2009

Agreed with LMDBA...but be sure to take out the battery before any repair work/cleaning is done!
posted by Grither at 5:33 AM on June 22, 2009