Cleaning optical components
205
Prosilica GT Technical Manual V3.2.0
Locating impurities
Before you dismount the lens you must find out if the impurity is on the filter, lens,
or sensor.
1. Start acquiring a uniform image (for example, a white sheet of paper) with the
camera.
2. To identify the affected surface, move the suspected optical component and
see if the contamination follows this movement.
a. If you move only the lens (not the camera) and the impurity moves as well,
the impurity is on the lens.
b. If you move the IR cut filter or protection glass window and the impurity
moves as well, the impurity is on the filter or protection glass. Carefully
remove the filter or protection glass and clean it on both sides using the
techniques explained in the next section. If the impurity is neither on the
lens nor the IR cut filter or protection glass, it is probably on the sensor.
Materials for cleaning optical components
NOTICE
A pin spanner wrench (Allied Vision order code: E9020001) suitable for IR filter
removal is available for purchase from Allied Vision for all Prosilica GT cameras
except Prosilica GT Large Format cameras.
Don’t attempt to remove the camera IR filter for Prosilica GT Large Format
cameras. Contact
support@alliedvision.com
for assistance.
Use only these cleaning materials for optical components:
•
Optic approved lens cotton, cloth, or tissue that is chemically pure and free
from silicones and other additives.
•
Optic approved low residue cleaning liquid.
NOTICE
Never use these cleaning materials for optical components:
•
Dry swabs or tissue can cause scratches.
•
Metal tools may cause scratches.
•
Disposable cotton cosmetic swabs can contain contaminants harmful to optical
glass.
•
Cosmetic cotton my cause scratches or get caught in small gaps.
•
Consumer eyeglass cleaning cloths can be pretreated with silicone which is
harmful to optical glass.
•
Aggressive cleaners like benzine, acetone, or spirits may damage the surface.
