Compact Scientific Digital Cameras
Chapter 10: Maintenance
Rev C, August 27, 2021
Page 31
Chapter 10
Maintenance
There are no user-serviceable parts inside the camera. Removing the rear cover of the camera without
expressed authorization from TSI will void the camera warranty.
TSI scientific grade cameras are manufactured in a clean environment. Before shipping, each camera is tested to
assure that it meets stringent specifications for cleanliness and quality.
10.1. Cleaning Guidelines
Frequent lens changes, especially without careful attention to contaminants, can allow debris to accumulate on the
infrared blocking filter and lens surfaces. Therefore, TSI provides the following guidelines for cleaning those
components.
To minimize the need to clean the optical surfaces, do not remove the protective lens mount cap shipped with the
camera until you are ready to mount the camera to the optical system.
For an informative tutorial refer to the
“Handling and Cleaning Procedures for Optical Components”
. The
following guidelines, specific to TSI cameras, are meant to be used in conjunction with the procedures
described in the tutorial.
Cleaning the Lens of Optical Assembly
Please follow the lens manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning. TSI is not responsible for any damage caused
to a lens or optical assembly caused by customer cleaning or misuse.
To ensure optimum image quality with any TSI camera, do not remove the protective lens-mount cap until ready to
mount the camera on the application. If the camera is removed from the application, immediately replace the cap.
Doing so will keep dust and other contaminants from accumulating on the optical surfaces. In addition, please note
the following model-specific guidelines.
Standard Camera Precautions
While the lens mounting ring and locking flange allow the user some lens back-focus adjustment, complete removal
of the ring will expose the sensor faceplate and will likely cause debris to accumulate on its surface.
Extreme care
should be taken to avoid completely removing the lens mounting ring and exposing the sensor faceplate
unless absolutely necessary. Fingerprints or other evidence of contact with the sensor faceplate may void
the warranty.
Cleaning the Infrared Filter or AR-Coated Window
The filter or window is visible when the lens is removed, mounted inside the lens mounting ring. This filter blocks
invisible, near-infrared light from reaching the sensor. This filter is required for accurate color reproduction.
•
What must I do before cleaning the IR filter or AR-Coated Window?
Do not remove the filter or window 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.
•
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.
•
What if the contamination includes a smudge?
