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.

Just a drop or two worked into the metal-on-metal surfaces is all you need.  And it lasts for a long time.  It is also good for all threaded locking knobs to keep them free and to prevent them from seizing up.  A little Microcrystalline Wax plus some Ice Wax, and you should be good to go. . . go to the field that is, without any glitches to slow you down.

JB

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