[Leica] Sticky rubber knobs, chest harness recommendation?

[Jayanand Govindaraj]

No idea about # 1. I have never encountered the problem, but my inclination
would be to just replace the ball head with another that fits, especially
as it did not cost much and lasted 12 years!

As far as # 2 is concerned, I use the Cotton Carrier harness, which I first
started using in South Georgia/Antarctica because I needed both my hands
free to navigate the uneven terrain with the help of hiking sticks. I have
found it extremely comfortable to wear and relatively easy to use - I use
the two camera version.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1345430-REG/cotton_carrier_686grey_ccs_g3_camera_harness.html

Cheers
Jayanand



On Wed, Mar 20, 2024 at 8:38 AM Peter Klein via LUG <lug at leica-users.org>
wrote:

> Two questions for our collective expert mind.
>
> 1. My tripod ball head's adjustment knobs have developed "sticky rubber
> syndrome." So has the focusing ring on one of my lenses.  The ball head
> is particularly nasty. It leaves a sticky/oily residue on my fingers,
> which can then get on other things. Does anyone know a remedy for this?
>
> 2. Can anyone recommend a chest harness or other type of camera strap
> that spares my neck muscles when I'm out and about using a heavier
> lens?  I've read so many ads and reviews that I'm cross-eyed, but
> haven't yet seen "the one." Looking for the minimum amount of hardware
> to do the job comfortably.
>
> Details re. the tripod:
> I tried a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol (70% isopropanol). This
> appears to partially work, but only after several applications and
> considerable rubbing. Internet articles are contradictory regarding
> alcohol, Windex with ammonia, grease-cutting dish detergent, or a
> "Formula 409-type general purpose cleaner--some say use this or that,
> some say don't.
>
> The tripod is a Dolica Proline GX 650B204. I got it using brownie points
> my former employer gave me for exemplary tech support. Those points were
> only redeemable at some general consumer Web site that sold off last
> year's goods. So the tripod was probably cheap and cheerful, but it's
> worked well for 12-odd years. The manufacturer's Web site now looks like
> that of a "company" that is selling off everything. I sent them a
> message, who knows if there will be a useful response. The tripod's ball
> head is "sold out."
>
> if all else fails, I suppose I could just wrap the knobs with gaffer
> tape, or something similar but more permanent.
>
> Thanks in advance!
> --Peter
>
> _______________________________________________
> Leica Users Group.
> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information