Lubricating Tech Cameras; Is It Necessary?

[JoeKitchen]

As some of you may know, if you do not keep gears and cogs in moving parts lubricated the metal will grind against each other.  This will erode the teeth and create play on the movements.  Now I know a Tech camera is not moving as fast a bike or car parts, but would it still be best to lubricate the teeth once a year?

Also, could you lubricate the gears in gear tripod heads to extend their life?  

If so, what kind of lubricant would you suggest?  Would white lithium grease be best?

[Rob C]

As some of you may know, if you do not keep gears and cogs in moving parts lubricated the metal will grind against each other.  This will erode the teeth and create play on the movements.  Now I know a Tech camera is not moving as fast a bike or car parts, but would it still be best to lubricate the teeth once a year?

Yes; Sinar, in the early-mid-60s, used to supply a tiny container of a graphite lubricant (or something similar) just for that purpose with their new cameras.

Rob C

[Paul2660]

On the Arca rm3di, I use a brand called Hob-e-lube.  This the brand I was told to use by Arca.  Very very light application.

http://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/Item/HL656/page/1

Make sure you get the moly style, not the dry graphite.

Paul Caldwell

[DanielStone]

a friend(engineer and photographer) recommended this to me:

Dupont "Krytox"

http://www.amazon.com/DuPont-Krytox-General-Purpose-Grease/dp/B004568IC2

I've been using it to lubricate the lead-screw mechanism on my drum scanner. Goes one nice and smooth, and helps keep everything running smooth.

its considered a "white grease" btw

-Dan