It is important that your view camera work and work smoothly without glitches in the field. Nothing is worse than having some issue when you are out working. I spend a lot of time maintaining our cameras. I feel it is better to do this before we go out, than to have problems that require work in the field. Nothing is worse than wasting time on repairs when you are out.
A high-quality Microcrystalline Wax is one of your best friends when it comes to keeping your view camera clean and working smoothly. See my previous post titled “Wax On. . . Wax Off” for more information about waxing the camera.
But, waxing the camera is only part of keeping it functioning smoothly. You need lubrication for the metal parts. Metal rails, guides, and locking knobs need lubrication to keep them working freely. Nothing is worse than having a threaded part to seize up in the field. The best lubrication for metal parts is a dry lubricant. One that goes on wet but dries leaving a slick lubricant that does not get on your hands and possibly on your lenses or film. A dry lubricant also does not attract dust and dirt.
One of the best lubricants I have found is a product made for lubricating bicycles. Pedro’s Ice Wax 2.0 is a natural wax-based dry lube for use on bicycle chains. It is also an excellent choice for the metal-to-metal parts of the view camera. It works on brass, steel, and aluminum surfaces equally well. The manufacturer says it is a Hydrophobic wax coating that repels water and provides protection from wear and contaminants. It goes on wet and dries leaving a lubricating film that keeps parts moving freely.