Focus rings have sticky degrading rubber across multiple lenses

[bobakman]

I have EF lenses some that were included in my kits and another the 70-300 that I purchased separately. 
I have noticed that the rubber outer covering of the focus rings only not the rubber on the body of the lenses, have deteriorated becoming sticky and soft with age.
These lenses have been stored when not in use in either my camera gear bag or separate lens cases.
These are the specific lenses and date of purchase below.
I am the original owner and have always had clean hands when using these lenses never any chemicals such as Insect repellant or perfumes or cologne on my hands.
I have submitted service requests for all of these lenses to Canon and am awaiting a resolution.
Has anyone else had this issue with their Canon Lenses?
Video link here: https://youtu.be/tK24Y3TMTm4
Thanks, Bob

EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM. 2013-01-22

EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM. 2013-06-03

EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM. 2013-06-03

[bobakman]

I actually used Isopropyl alcohol to remove the residue so I could order those rubber pieces and found out that the focus rings  are NOT rubber but hard plastic. Pretty bad though when hard plastic starts turning soft on the surface.
This would explain though why the rubber on the body is not affected.
So the pieces on Ebay would basically stretch over I assume the existing focus rings so if they do get sticky again they would be covered and not exposed.
Bob

[March411 · Accepted solution]

I watched a disassembly of the lens deebatman316 and understand what you are telling me, the zoom ring is a single piece with a plastic collar. You would have to tear down the lens to replace it. 

[ebiggs1 · Accepted solution]

Bob tyr the tennis racket grip tape it will last a long time.

[justadude]

"Use Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol to clean the rubber parts."


I was given an older Tamron 70-300mm lens years ago that was getting sticky on the rubber ring.  He told me if I wanted to bother cleaning it up, I could have it.  Said he heard rubbing alcohol was the way to go.  So I tried it, but all it did was gum it up even worse.  So either he tried to do the same years earlier, then it sat and got worse, or there rubber just deteriorated to the point of no return.

[March411 · Accepted solution]

Tennis racket grip tape does appear to be the best bet given the value of the lens. And black is available so this might be the easiest way to get around the stickiness.

[bobakman · Accepted solution]

I was able to get the ring back to its non-sticky hard plastic  self without it turning into gum. I used 90% not the usual 70% dries faster due to only 10% water. What I did not want to do and the danger is real, is have the gooey  mess with the solvent making its way in-between the body of the lens and the ring into the focus ring internals. At this point the sports tape/tennis racket tape looks to be the best option now that I have cleaned it.
Thank you ALL for your comments and ideas you have been very helpful.
Bob

[bobakman]

All three of my lenses have been repaired with the tennis racket wrap placed over the rings. I cut mine about 1 cm for the larger rings a little narrower than the actual focus ring so that wouldn’t overlap on the edges. I used a drop of superglue with the first lap and then finished the wrap with another drop of superglue because the stuff does not stick very well to itself. You pull it slightly not enough to stretch it too narrow and it seems to be in place well. Nice thing about this it can always be redone anytime.
You will need a sharp instrument to cut the wrap, I used a scalpel and a good straightedge and a tube of good quality superglue.
Bob

Bob

 

 

[March411]

They look good, it turned out real nice and the tennis tape will give you a nice grip.

ebiggs, great thought on the factory modification.