Cleaning haze buildup on port of Ikelite SLR housing

[DazedAndConfuzed]

I have a Ikelite SLR housing with a flat lens port. WHen looking through it, I could notice some haze or film that seem to be on the inside of the port. Washing it with soap does not seem to do anything. Is there anything stronger that I could use? Alcohol, Turpentine, Acetone, Motorcycle windshield scratch remover?

BTW, what is the housing/port made out of? Lexan? Acrylic? Polycarbonate? Plexiglass?

Thanks.

 

[Bob3]

Some of your listed "cleaners" may cause permanent damage.
For best results, I'd fire off an email to Ikelite & see what they recommend.
Sounds like an acrylic plastic polish *might* work though.
If Ikelite says that's OK, I'll tell ya where to find some.

 

[DazedAndConfuzed]

I asked them once, and they said to get a new port. They don't seem to be too interested in supporting old ports, which this is.

Anyone has experience with the Novus plastic polish? Will those things make the port not optically flat anymore?

 

[Bob3]

Novus is what I use, I'd recommend starting off with the #3 & finish with #2 on some chamois.
It does a good job on instrument screens, no noticible distortion.

Your mileage may vary, so do a little practicing on a non-critical part first.

 

[herman]

The best bet is to email Ikelite but it they don't respond then the tried and tested mask cleaner, non-gel toothpaste, would be my choice. DON'T use any of solvents,you may well end up distroying your housing.

 

[DazedAndConfuzed]

Upon closer inspection, it looks like a thin coat of something over part of the port to smooth out scratches(?)

Tried alcohol and acetone already (on the side of the lens port first, though.) Did nothing to it. I guess if it is some surface coating, then solvents would probably not have an effect.

I heard about the Novus #1-3. But it says it is not for Lucite. Is the Ikelite housing made out of lucite by any chance?

 

[Bob3]

The #3 says: "not for use on eyeglasses, polycarbonate, or coated plastics"

The #2 says: "not recommended for use on eyeglasses or coated plastics".

The #3 is the "heavy scratch" remover, requiring the #2 to make pretty again. The #1 is just for "clean & shine, reduces static".

Almost sounds like someone already tried some coarse polish on the critter, eh? Keep those solvents away from the housing, yer scaring me.

 

[DazedAndConfuzed]

I don't think they polished this contraption, it looks like they poured something onto the port, since going over it with my fingernail, the fuzzy area feels higher than the clear port area, and the scratches cannot be felt.

Those solvents I used are pretty much stuff lying around, alcohol & acetone (nail polish remover.) My only concern would have been that it seeps between the port plate and barrel, causing solvent to go through and resulting in leaks. But it didn't do anything.

I don't have any strong stuff around, or I would have been tempted to use it.

 

[scorpionfish]

Hi, lwang!

Let me tread here, with trepidation!

First, let me explain why Ikelite does not seem to "support" your older port. It is because in order for the port to function properly it must be optically flat. This is done by polishing at the factory to very precise standards.

If someone has done something to the port that requires anything more than just wiping off a film of some substance, you run the risk of not maintaining optical flatness. Hence, Ikelite will not recommend any sort of abrasive, which by its very nature, could remove some of the port material.

The Ikelite housings are made of polycarbonate, but it is unlikely that the "lens" portion of the port is. I would guess that it is glass that has been ground to very exacting specifications.

If you want to try something to ameliorate you problem, try some Soft Scrub or some non-gel tooth paste. These are very mild abrasives and might help. Anything more potent will probably exacerbate the problem.

What I would really like to know is what the offending substance is. Did you ever store your housing with any kind of oil or volatile substance? Did you ever put anything in the housing besides a camera or film?

Finally, my guess is that Ikelite is right and that you are the proud possessor of a vintage, but defunct, Ikelite port. If so, it could take its place of honor on your mantle along with one or two of your best photos!

Scorpionfish

 

[DazedAndConfuzed]

Scorpionfish,

The housing is from ebay. Seems that Ikelite knows anyone who calls about housings for SLR got them from ebay.

Also, the port is not glass, that is why it scratches so easy. If it was glass, I would have it easy, since many polish would grind away but is not hard enough for glass.

I don't think the port is defunct. The housing might be, but the port would still fit a new housing. Ikelite doesn't sell parts to retrofit old housing for different cameras.