Cleaning Source Four Lenses And Reflectors
The steps below are the only approved cleaning method for Source Four lenses. Any other cleaning method has not been tested by ETC and could result in damage to your equipment.
Question:
What do I use to clean the lenses and reflector of my Source Four equipment?
Answer:
Do NOT use household ammonia and water to clean the lens, as it may damage the glass surface and anti-reflective coatings. Never use blue window cleaner to clean the reflector because it may stain the reflector. Diluted solutions of isopropyl alcohol or denatured alcohol are recommended (begin with a 10% alcohol solution); please see below. These steps can apply to both standard lenses and Enhanced Definition Lens Tubes (EDLTs).
Cleaning 5° and 10° polymer lenses
Remove dust with a blast of oil-free air. If this is not sufficient, follow the instructions below. You will need a Phillips screwdriver.
Caution: Handle polymer lenses by their edges only. Never rub anything dry on a polymer lens. Do not use glass and window cleaners on the lens.
Caution: Change lenses if they become visibly damaged or deformed to the extent that their effectiveness is impaired, for example, by cracks or deep scratches.
- Remove the beam focus knob. Gently pull the lens tube out of the barrel.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the brackets that hold the lens in. Remove the lens from the lens tube.
- Dip lens in clean alcohol/water mixture (10% alcohol).
- Use a moistened nylon bristle brush to wash the smooth side in a straight motion.
- Use the same moistened brush to clean the ridged side, following the ridges, without hand pressure.
- Dip lens in clean alcohol/water mixture (ten percent alcohol).
- Use air gun to dry the smooth surface.
- Use air gun to dry the ridged surface. Use air stream to move liquid away from you. Continue to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Inspect the lens for dirt. Repeat the entire process, as necessary.
- Set the lens back in the lens tube with the ridged side facing the front of the tube. Replace the brackets.
- Slide the lens tube back into the barrel with gel frame retainer on top. Replace beam focus knob.
Cleaning 14º glass lenses
Caution: Change lenses if they become visibly damaged to the extent that their effectiveness is impaired, for
example, by cracks or deep scratches.
- Remove the beam focus knob at the bottom of the barrel. Remove the lens tube from the barrel.
- Dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with alcohol/water mixture or white vinegar. You may also use water, but it
will leave spots which you may remove by polishing the lens gently with a clean, dry cloth.
Warning: Never use glass and window cleaner, ammonia or any abrasive material to clean the lens.
Glass and window cleaners can stain the lens surface. Abrasive materials (such as steel wool) will damage the lens.
- Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the brackets that hold the lens in. Remove the lens from the lens tube.
- Starting from the center, gently wipe the lens.
- The rear lens cannot be removed from the housing, as it is riveted together. Carefully reach into the lens tube and wipe the rear lens, starting from the center.
- Wipe the other side of the rear lens, again starting from the center.
- Set the lens back in the lens tube with the colored dot facing the front. Replace the brackets.
- Slide the lens tube back into the barrel with gel frame retainer on top. Replace beam focus knob.
Cleaning 19°, 26°, 36°, and 50° glass lenses
Caution: Change lenses if they become visibly damaged to the extent that their effectiveness is impaired, for
example, by cracks or deep scratches.
- Remove the beam focus knob at the bottom of the barrel. Remove the lens tube from the barrel.
- Dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with alcohol/water mixture or white vinegar. You may also use water, but it
will leave spots which you may remove by polishing the lens gently with a clean, dry cloth.
Warning: Never use glass and window cleaner, ammonia or any abrasive material to clean the lens.
Glass and window cleaners can stain the lens surface. Abrasive materials (such as steel wool) will damage the lens.
- Starting from the center, gently wipe the lens.
- Slide the lens tube back into the barrel with the color frame retaining clip on top. Replace beam focus knob.
Cleaning the reflector
Remove the lens tube. Remove dust from the reflector with a blast of oil-free air, or wipe with a clean, lint-free
cloth. If this is not sufficient, follow the instructions below. You will need a Phillips screwdriver to complete
this procedure.
Warning: Unplug the fixture before attempting to clean reflector.
Warning: Do not use glass and window cleaners on the reflector. Chemicals in these cleaners will stain the reflector.
- Unscrew and remove the barrel rotation knob located at the bottom of the barrel. Use a Phillips screwdriver
to undo retainer bolt located at the top of the reflector housing. - Grasp the barrel and rotate it 45° in either direction. Carefully remove the barrel from the reflector housing and set it aside.
- Dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with alcohol or distilled water. (Alcohol is recommended.)
- Gently wipe the reflector.
- Insert the barrel into the reflector housing with the pattern slot on top. (Line up the triangles on both parts.)
- Pressing in gently, rotate the barrel 45° clockwise until it settles into position. Rotate the barrel counter-clockwise 45°. The barrel should be firmly attached and the triangles should line up again.
- Replace the barrel rotation knob and tighten the bolt.