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How to Clean a Rusty Rangefinder – Explained in 7 Easy Steps

How to Clean a Rusty Rangefinder
Written by Dan Goldsmith
Last Update: August 11, 2023

A rangefinder is a device that might get dusty or rusty throughout the months/years of continuous operation.

Regardless of the type of rangefinder you use, you need to make sure it is clean. Longevity of the device aside, you at least don’t want to put an unclean thing on your eye, do you?

To ensure that your rangefinder works well with great performance, you need to make it neat and clean.

To many of us, cleaning rangefinders can feel like a nuisance, but cleaning rust on a rangefinder doesn’t have to become a burden when you can do it effortlessly.

To know about the process of how to clean a rusty rangefinder, read the guidelines below.

How to Clean a Rusty Rangefinder: 7 Easy Steps

How to Clean a Rusty Rangefinder

Rusty rangefinders can be a nuisance, but they don’t have to be!

With the right supplies and a few simple steps, you can have your rangefinder looking like new in no time. Here’s the step-by-step process on how to clean a rusty rangefinder:

Step 1: Separating all the parts

Before you start your “Cleaning Rangefinder” operation, it’s imperative to take all the parts of the rangefinder apart so that you can clean it very well.

It is essential for you to maintain because you can’t clean well if all the parts of a rusty rangefinder are together.

Step 2: Cleaning the body

In the time for cleaning any rusty rangefinder, you have to clean its body first. For that, you have to dismantle all the parts of the body of the device.

You have to open the screws that are visible. Also, you have to clean it properly to be able to use it for a long time.

You can use tissues, soft papers, and clean oil for body cleaning.

If you use body cleaning oil that can harm the rangefinder, please use tissue or soft paper for removing that oil.

Step 3: Screw cleaning

In the time of making all the parts of a rusty rangefinder separate for cleaning it, you will find two screws. If those are in need of cleaning, please clean them with medium hard paper or hard tissue to remove their rust.

Step 4: Keeping the camera aside

Remove and keep the camera aside when you are cleaning a rusty rangefinder

At the time of cleaning a rusty rangefinder, you have to remove the camera from it, and you also have to keep it aside with very much careful attention so that it can stay safe.

Step 5: Cleaning the lens

The camera lens with the rangefinder may get rusty due to repeated use. So, it also needs to be cleaned for better work in the future. To clean a lens, follow the below instruction.

  • Use a UV or Skylight filter
  • Lens cleaning fluid
  • Cleaning Tissues
  • Cleaning microfiber cloth
  • Use a blower
  • Use a brush
  • Use silica gel

Providing that you can maintain the above following instructions in time of cleaning the lens of the camera used with a rusty rangefinder, you will undoubtedly get successful cleaning.

Step 6: Cleaning the other parts

After following the above-mentioned instructions for cleaning a rusty rangefinder, you have to clean its other parts to make it perfectly clean. Its different parts are given below.

  • Film counter
  • Shutter release
  • Shutter dial
  • Film reviewer
  • Self-timer
  • Range finder

You must have to clean it very carefully and very well so that any rust cannot be found after cleaning.

Step 7: Assembling all parts after cleaning

After cleaning the parts mentioned above, make them together again for use.

When you assemble all the pieces as they were before cleaning, the rangefinder is ready to use. Anything that can freshen may work well in this context.

So, if you want to keep your favorite rangefinder neat and clean for getting better services, there is no alternative to cleaning this.

Congratulations! Now you know how to clean a rusty rangefinder easily and effectively.

FAQs

How Often Do I Need to Clean My Rangefinder?

Generally, you should give your rangefinder a quick wipe down after each use with a dry cloth.

For more thorough cleaning, you should clean it at least once a month with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Does the Weather Affect the Need for More Frequent Cleaning?

Yes, the weather can definitely play a role in how often you need to clean your rangefinder.

If you use it in wet or humid conditions more frequently, you will likely need to give it a cleaning more often than once a month. Similarly, if there is a lot of dust in the air, then you should clean your rangefinder more often than once a month.

Finally, if you use your rangefinder in very cold weather, it will likely need to be cleaned more often due to the buildup of condensation and frost.

How Should I Store My Rangefinder When Not in Use?

When not in use, your rangefinder should be stored in a dry, dust-free environment that is away from direct sunlight. You should also make sure that the lens is covered with a dust cap or some other protective cover.

About the author

Dan Goldsmith

Hi, this is Dan. We all know firearms are dangerous, but only when one doesn’t know how to use and care for them. I have 30+ years of experience with different types of guns and for the last 10 years, I have taught numerous people how to hold and shoot a gun while staying safe and keeping the surroundings unharmed.

My neighbors are some of my biggest admirers who enjoy talking to me about their guns, firearms safety and maintenance.

Whenever I am able to catch a moment of free time, you will find me enjoying my family or heading to the range on my motorcycle. I have enjoyed shooting sports ever since my dad introduced them to me as a child.

I like to think of myself as an outdoorsman who lives his life to the fullest. I hope you will benefit from my efforts to create valuable resources on this website. Happy reading!

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