DeoxIT® on Nikon camera lens contacts

-----Original Message-----
From: David B.
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2008 8:10 AM
To: info@caig.com
Subject: DeoxIT with cameras
There is a raging debate currently going on the dPreview Nikon D300 forum about the advisability (or not) of using DeoxIT to clean the lens contacts, both those on the barrel of the lens and the pads just inside the dSLR camera body. This camera has had a large number of people experiencing the so-called False Dead-Battery Indicator, wherein the camera, even with a newly charged battery, indicates a dead battery. Cycling the camera on and off often rids the problem for a few shots, but then it comes back. Sometimes jiggling the lens in its mount restores normal operation for a while.
Many who have experienced this problem, including myself, have found it to be resolved by cleaning the lens contacts with DeoxIT. While I do not know for sure the cause, it appears to me to be a problem with poor contact connections causing the digital communication between the camera's CPU with the lens' to become problematic, causing the camera to "think" the battery charge is low.
In any event, as I say, many people have found DeoxIT to resolve the problem. But others are concerned that DeoxIT applied to the lens pads in the camera could sublimate and cause problems to the camera's sensor, which is about an inch or so away.
So, my question: is there any concern in using DeoxIT for this purpose, assuming, of course, that it is properly and sparingly applied with an applicator (and not a spray)?
I, myself, use the 100% solution with an applicator, but some are using the 5% spray, applied to an applicator away from the camera, before use on the contacts. Are there any possible problems with either of these approaches?
thank you,
david belsley
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david b.
professor of economics
boston college

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Morning David,
No problem using DeoxIT® on the lens contacts. Actually, I have a D200 and D2X myself and use it all the time.
The product of choice is the DeoxIT® GOLD, and the applicators, as you describe are both OK.
Either use the 100% DeoxIT® GOLD, apply to a "lint-free" foam swab (CAIG Part No. SWPX), wipe the lens contact, and then remove excess on the contact with another clean swab.
With a spray, you can spray the swab and then apply the same way.
The important thing to remember is to wipe off excess. The DeoxIT® GOLD works best with a very thin layer. If you can see fluid on the surface - there is too much.
With my cameras, I have not had any issues since using the DeoxIT® GOLD on the connections, including battery and charger connections. See review by a customer (actually a physicist friend of mine), that is an amateur professional photographer: http://store.caig.com/s.nl/it.I/id.34/.f

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Mark