Sticky Nikon F80

[aim54x]

I have finally gotten my Nikon F80 back from loan (this last loan has seen it being away from me for over six months) but to my dismay, all the rubber gripping has become sticky. My poor camera also seems to have picked up a few more scratches since the last time I saw it.

I have tried to wipe the grip down with E2 and pec pads, but does not seem to have any affect. Does anyone have any ideas?

Right now my "new" F80 (bought 2007 New Old Stock) looks more tatty than my "ex-Police" F80.

[aim54x]

So far I have tried....
-Eclipse E2
-Zippo fluid
-"special" fluid that is used to clean/restore 2nd hand cameras
with no luck...

I think I am going to have to get a technician to replace my grips..and possibly the body shell of my poor camera

[biggerry]

if its a rubber grip of sorts the rubber may have started to perish or been exposed to somethign that has destabilised it - i would try a non-petroleum based solvent to see if it removes it...does it 'roll' up when you rubber the sticky rubber?

[aim54x]

The "special" reconditioning solution took some stuff off it....but the others really didnt seem to do much. Its funny how you can call on all the people that you work with for advice and then be able to try it all. Sadly this time it is looking dismal. I am going to hunt a dead ex-police F80 with nice rubber grips to give to a tech to swap for me....I have a candidate body but it lacks a data back (not that I use it), now to ask the boss how much he will give it to me for.

[DaveB]

My first suspect for the cause would be someone with oily DEET insect repellent on their hands...

That stuff dissolves the rubber, so if it's too bad I can imagine that replacing the rubber is the only solution.

[aim54x]

My first suspect for the cause would be someone with oily DEET insect repellent on their hands...

That stuff dissolves the rubber, so if it's too bad I can imagine that replacing the rubber is the only solution.

I will keep it in mind to stay well away from DEET. Other than coming into contact with a strong solvent it has also been suggested that it has been stored in very humid conditions.

I think replacing the grips will be what I will end up doing. Thank god that I have now made good friends with a few very good technicians AND there are quite a few F80's coming in from which I may be able to buy a faulty for the parts.