Lens Cap Original

How can I remove corrosion from mirrored lenscaps?

I have a Rolleiflex TLR camera with twin lenses. It’s a 1950 model. I have the original, mirror lens caps but they’ve terribly corroded. Can anyone recommend something to remove the corrosion and restore them to something resembling their original mirror finish? Thanks for all help.

The original caps used a somewhat proprietary plating process that doesn’t lend itself to restoration well. I tried pretty much all of the metal polishes out there, and haven’t had any luck. They could probably be replated, but I’ve never tried this and can’t offer any advice.

Unfortunately, too, the collectors snap up all the really nice ones. I’ve seen near mint Bay III caps sell for more than I’ve paid for all three of my Rolleis put together. Even a nice Bay 1 cap can sell for $60+.

My solution on my “user” Automat was to get one of the earlier stamped aluminum one piece caps meant for the Rolleicords. I was able to polish it to a shine not quite as bright as a proper mirror cap, but still quite attractive.

If your Rolleiflex is from 1950, this same cap, which was only made in the Bay-1 size, should fit yours as well.

There was also a black plastic Bay-1 cap made for the Rolleiflex T, but that will also fit all the other Bay-1 Rolleis, that looks nice and is available inexpensively($10 or less).

If your Rolleiflex is a Bay II or Bay-III, I’m afraid your only options might be to either get a nice one(pricey, think $100+) or live with what you have.

Whatever you do, enjoy your Rolleiflex! I didn’t even touch my 35mm cameras for a month after I got mine.

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