How to remove mould on the rubber grip of a 70-200mm Sigma lens?


sleeksports

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Aug 24, 2007
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I just bought this lens a couple of days ago and discovered the discolouration(white patches between the grooves) on the grip which facilitates in the zooming process...I was advised to remove the mould b4 it spreads into the lens...Was quoted $45 for the job and takes 1 day to complete.

Anyway of doing it by myself and save the $$$$ ? Would the use of a can of WD40 do the trick?
 

It's not mould. It's oils coming out of the rubber, seems like it was stored too dry. Nothing to worry about, but I would use a cloth and isopropyl alcohol.

NEVER use WD40 - it will not kill any mold, and will not evaporate, it will seep into the lens joins, etc etc. Worst idea possible.
 

Sigma's rubber is notorious for oxidation. Almost all the Sigmas I've seen carry this trait, including three of mine.
 

It's not mould. It's oils coming out of the rubber, seems like it was stored too dry. Nothing to worry about, but I would use a cloth and isopropyl alcohol.

NEVER use WD40 - it will not kill any mold, and will not evaporate, it will seep into the lens joins, etc etc. Worst idea possible.

Thks bro for the great tip....I am sure many members will benefit from this advice...CHEERS :)
 

sleeksports said:
WOW!!! Thks for the share.... wonder if it is a design flaw .... that is ....in the material used ? :(

That's what I'm suspecting. My other brand lenses never had such a problem. There's a thread on dpreview discussing ways to remove it. Some suggested shoe polish. Some even tyre conditioner. But I wouldn't go that far since it's just more of cosmetic-related (as what bro Rashkae have said). I just wipe mine along the grooves with a damp towelette or toothbrush. But if your lens is the crinkle (or Zen) finish variant you have to be careful as too much pressure will leave fine marks where rubber and paint meet.
 

try army style, tooth brush and kiwi. lol

nothing serious, may just replace the rubble when you are about to sell the lens.
 

agree on sigma lenses, maybe the type of rubber they are using...tokina rubber abit shiny not prone to oxidation...
 

I use Amorall, which is a protector for rubber, plastic, leather etc. It protects as well as prevents dirt from sticking.

This can be obtained from some Petrol Kiosk.
 

If you suspect it is mould, best thing against it is simple clorox bleach. Dilute 1:1 normal household bleach. Use a cotton swap or other small cotton bud. Dip into clorox solution and then gently apply on to the white patches. Make sure not to get it into any of the interior parts of the lens. Use a small toothbrush if necessary. Dry throughly and THEN use Armorall on the rubber.
 

old or weathered rubber .... just wax the spot lightly with Kiwi Neutral to condition it ..... or some regular car seat leather conditioner ...... it wont go to pieces anytime soon..... enjoy the lens ... nothing fatal that will affect the image produced
 

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sleeksports said:
I just bought this lens a couple of days ago and discovered the discolouration(white patches between the grooves) on the grip which facilitates in the zooming process...I was advised to remove the mould b4 it spreads into the lens...Was quoted $45 for the job and takes 1 day to complete.

Anyway of doing it by myself and save the $$$$ ? Would the use of a can of WD40 do the trick?

Could you perhaps share who told you that it was mould on the rubber?
 

$45 to clean rubber grip? :eek:


That rubber grip can be removed easily, just slide it out of the barrel.
Once removed, you can wash with soap and water, rinse with water and let it dry, then slide it back to your lens.
(Rubber grips are ordinary rubber. So water is definitely safe to use. In fact, if the environment is too dry, rubber will become brittle and will eventually crack. )

Simple, cheap and you don't have to worry that you will introduce chemicals that may react with lens optics.
 

Sigma's rubber is notorious for oxidation. Almost all the Sigmas I've seen carry this trait, including three of mine.

Pardon me but it's not limited to Sigma lenses only, I'm seeing them in other brands as well :) In fact, camera rubber grips are prone to this problem as well.
 

fatigue said:
Pardon me but it's not limited to Sigma lenses only, I'm seeing them in other brands as well :) In fact, camera rubber grips are prone to this problem as well.

True. For the record, some of my Maxxum lenses are too. :) But I'm giving the Maxxums a break since these guys are super old and they have every right to deteriorate. :p
 

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