Cleaning dichroic filters

I have a Durst L1200 fitted with an VLS501 multigrade head. The darkroom has been out of use for about 7months and I am wondering if I should try and clean the filters in the head. There is a thin film of dust on the outside of the head which I will clean with a damp cloth.

Can anyone give me advice on the safest way to do this or are they best left alone. I have never tried to clean the filters in all the time I have owned the enlarger. I intend to give the bulb a wipe with a soft dry cloth.

Thanks in advance.

Adrian

I'd not do a routine cleaning. Too much risk of damage. I cleaned the thin film off my 1975 enlarger's filters when setting it up for my kids last year, but there was no change in printing times. I usually only clean them if I'm in there for some other repair. Then sometimes not. When I opened up my 1992 Durst CLS2000 head for repairs I left the filters alone. Especially since replacing a broken filter could easily amount to more than I paid for the entire head.

I was cavilier about cleaning the filters on my first D5500 back in 2001, but back then one could easily get replacement filters in just about any size from fpoint. Right now I know of no source for generic replacement filters in appropriate sizes for enlargers. (statement proven wrong...see below)

ic-racer said:

Right now I know of no source for generic replacement filters in appropriate sizes for enlargers.

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UQG Optics stock a range of "standard" sizes - They can also cut to size (for a price). I would imagine there are similar suppliers in the USA.

paul_c5x4 said:

UQG Optics stock a range of "standard" sizes - They can also cut to size (for a price). I would imagine there are similar suppliers in the USA.

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Thats great! I was hoping someone would point to a source. It figures its not in the USA, but I expected that.

ic-racer said:

Thats great! I was hoping someone would point to a source. It figures its not in the USA, but I expected that.

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Try Dead Link Removed over there.. - I've never used them, but they appear to have a broad range of filters & glass that would be useful for photographic purposes.

paul_c5x4 said:

Try Dead Link Removed over there.. - I've never used them, but they appear to have a broad range of filters & glass that would be useful for photographic purposes.

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Got it, here they are. Prices seem reasonable:

Dead Link Removed

Now where is the guy over on the LF forum with the cracked Cyan filter...