Update: Tried two different methods for cleaning a Pentax K1000 shutter curtain

Had a K1000 come in last week with the classic sticky shutter issue. The curtain was gummed up pretty bad. I've always used a cotton swab with a bit of lighter fluid, going slow and careful. This time, I decided to try a method an old timer mentioned, using a tiny drop of pure isopropyl alcohol on a microfiber cloth instead. The difference was night and day. The alcohol evaporated faster and left zero residue, where the lighter fluid sometimes left a faint film that could attract more dust. The curtain action is now smooth as butter, no drag at all. It took me about 15 minutes start to finish. Has anyone else moved away from lighter fluid for this specific job? I'm curious if there are other solvents you guys trust for old cloth curtains.

2 comments

2 Comments

knight.diana1mo ago

Wouldn't lighter fluid be safer for the old cloth?

iris_rivera441mo ago

That's the kind of logic that gets people in trouble. People see "safer" on a label and turn their brains off. They'll use lighter fluid on cloth near an open flame because the can says it's for lighters, then act shocked when it goes up fast. Same thing happens with cleaning products. Mix a bunch of "safe" things together and you've made a toxic gas. The word isn't a magic shield.