Buttons sticking HELP!!!

[flareside]

A couple of resources I have found useful for sticking buttons are:

Underwater Camera Maintenance
Matt Gieselman | Fixing sticky buttons on underwater camera housings

While much of the same information has already been provided here, there is a bit more that can be gleaned from them.

 

[slowhands]

Usually the sticking is caused by a buildup of salt crystals on the metal shaft. I have had no luck with soaking in water. I tried weak acid - vinegar. It worked much better. Obviously this is with the case sealed and no camera. In stubborn cases I disassembled the stuck button. Be very careful when doing this not to lose the spring or any hardware. I clean the Oring with a lint free cloth, not a Qtip which will leave fibers on it. I soak the shaft in vinegar for as long as needed. I then lightly lubricate the shaft with silicone grease and reassemble.

This solves the problem. In rare cases when I lose a spring or E-Clip, any other housing by the same maker typically uses similar hardware so I cannibalize it. I have done this with several Canon and Ikelite housings, and solved the problem.

 

[DSR-3]

Hmmm ... I wonder what a few minutes in an ultrasonic cleaner might do ...
... Bob (Grateful Diver)

I wouldn't try that one. Depending on the power in the tank (and the position in the tank) you could easily "cook" the plastic in places, much like a microwave does. *I used to melt our competitors pens at tradeshows to show how much power we could put through ours. Cavitation erosion is another issue.

 

[Bubbletrubble]

Vinegar will destroy Buna N O-rings. Simple Green, lol, go right ahead, I think I will pass on that.

I have been using SG for about a year now without issue and I got the tip from a couple of instructors who have used it for years without any problems as well.

Isn't Simple Green made out of people?