Yashica A TLR - Cleaning

[martinturner]

I have recently bought a Yashica A TLR. It's in very good condition, although could do with a really good clean on the outside and all the metal knobs. Its covered in what is supposed to be leather (although it feels a touch more like plastic) - what can I use to bring this back to black? I did have a crazy idea of using a very small amount of 'back to black' which is used on car dashboards but I think that may be a touch too much and someone else suggested I steer clear of silicon based products. Also, the metal knobs could do with a good polish to make them shiney again.

Apologies, I don't have any pictures at present, but if you do a search for Yashica TLR on Flickr it will give you an idea.

Thanks

 

[Ambermile]

Brooks Proofide. No contest.

 

[martinturner]

Excellent; it looks pretty good. Thank you!

Anyone else recommend what to use on the metal bits to bring them up nice and shiny?

 

[RaglanSurf]

I've used Brasso and Autosol in the past without any detrimental affects, I'd suggest you try it somewhere inconspicuous first.

 

[martinturner]

Thank you! I have ordered Brooks Proofide and some Brasso; any suggestions on cleaning the viewing a taking lenses? Some alchohol type cleaner?

Much obliged!

 

[excalibur2]

Well I clean the outside leather/plastic/metal of the body with silicon polish (the stuff for dashboards etc) and the viewfinder with lighter fuel on a cotton bud.