There is some schmutz on the IR filter of my Kodak DCS Pro 645 back. I wanted to verify with past and present owners here the cleaning instructions on the Kodak website, which apply to their DSLR's and which reference "E-Pads" and "alcohol."

I've used a Sensor Brush to remove the loose dust from both the IR filter and the sensor cover glass; for the latter, that appears to be all that's needed. But the IR filter has a couple of obvious small smudges on it which for all I know might even be liquid from the canned air I used to charge the sensor brush. I'd not worry about it except they are showing up in my images.

Any cleaning advice from other Probac owners? Pec-Pads? What (if any) solvent?

Thanks much in advance.

I've used the Pec Pads and cleaning solution successfully but these days I rely on the Visible Dust brush and motor spin thingy ... (technical description!). When using a pad/solvent I've just followed the instructions and used a single pad for each clean swipe and everything has been fine.

Generally there's a lot of FUD out there about how delicate the IR glass cover is. Remember you're not touching the actual sensor (unless you've got crud under the IR filter).

Cleaning the pro back is a "dream".

You have total access to the sensor, and you have a company that has no issues the end user cleaning the sensor.

E pads refers to the older sensor swabs, now you have several options from either visable dust or sensor swab. You would want to full swab meant for a true sized 35mm camera. I don't believe they make one for the large medium format sensors.

Many will create their own swab, many articles on this out on the web, then use the pec pads.

I have only ued the swabs and they do fine. However with the sensor brush, most times that's all you need unless it's a very bad spot.

On AA or IR filter, you can use the same method, however they are very fragile and I have applied too much pressure once and broke an IR filter.

Paul Caldwell

I guess the line between never having damaged an IR filter to breaking it is probably just one of experience and I'll only find out if I do it. (I'm glad I secured a spare a while back just in case)

Just how hard do you folks push on the glass? I treat it as delicate glass but not excessively so. I don't really ever apply any significant pressure at all and rely on the fluid and swab to loosen any stubborn crud. Otherwise I just use the large visible dust brushes for general maintenance.

You are correct about the back cleaning being a dream compared to the act of plunging a brush into the black hole of a DSLR ...

Phase Backs ship with Digi-Clean, whcih is a two part solution that you apply to a pad that is wrapped around a plastic paddle. First solution A, then solution B. Cleans really well. I apply the pad with gentle pressure in one direction only, and use a rocket blower beforehand.

Thanks to everyone who replied. I got hold of Sensor Swabs and Eclipse fluid and, after Rocket blower dusting and Sensor Brushes for the loose dust, I managed to get the adherent greasy crud off the cover glass and IR filter (mostly the latter) without mangling anything. I guess I'm a wuss; the thought of inflicting a four-figure repair bill by cleaning malpractice was daunting, but not as daunting as those huge blooming spots in my skies.

With luck my only problem going forward will be stuff I can blow away rather than swab away.

Many thanks folks.