
12
7.1.4.
Cleaning the infra-red filter (Standard and TE-Cooled Cameras)
The infra-red filter is visible when the lens is removed, mounted inside the lens
mounting ring. This filter blocks invisible, near-infra-red light from reaching the CCD
sensor. This is desirable in most applications where the camera is imaging in the visible
spectrum.
7.1.4.1.
What must I do before cleaning the infra-red filter?
Do not remove the filter from the camera.
First, remove the lens and carefully examine the filter in a clean location
under a strong, direct light. Try to determine if the contaminants are a few
dust particles, oily smudge (such as fingerprints) or both.
7.1.4.2.
What if the contamination is only a few dust particles?
Use a CLEAN, DRY (preferably brand-new), camel hair lens cleaning brush
(such as those used by photographers) to gently wipe the particles off of the
filter.
7.1.4.3.
What if the contamination includes a smudge?
The filter is a high-quality, coated optical component and should be treated
with extreme care. Scratches, chemical contamination, or other damage due to
improper cleaning may void the warranty.
•
Remove the camera from the optical assembly and bring the camera to a clean,
dry location where it is safe to use flammable solvents (please see caution
below)
•
Carefully loosen the lens mount lock ring using the supplied DVC lock ring
wrench.
•
Orient the camera so that the lens mount is pointing downward and carefully
unscrew the lens mounting ring and integral filter.
•
Place the camera face down on a clean, dry surface to prevent particles from
accumulating on the CCD faceplate.
•
Once the filter is removed, Use a CLEAN, DRY (preferably brand-new), camel
hair lens cleaning brush (such as those used by photographers) to gently wipe
the particles off of the filter.
•
Re-examine the filter after removing the dust. If a smudge is still visible,
proceed by dipping a clean, lint-free cotton swab in ethyl or isopropyl alcohol.
The swab should be saturated, but not dripping.
•
Carefully draw the swab once across the surface, then rotate the swab 180
degrees to expose the fresh surface and draw it across the filter surface again. Be
careful not to pool alcohol on the glass surface.
•
Re-examine once again and repeat the process once, if necessary.