Blackmagic Cintel Scanner User Manual  Servicing

To ensure optimal scan quality, it is important to keep your scanner clean and dust free. This is easily done by regularly cleaning the particle transfer rollers and using an air duster to clean the rest of your scanner’s contact surfaces including its hard rubber rollers, drive wheels and skid plate.

Cleaning the Particle Transfer Rollers

Cleaning the particle transfer rollers, or PTRs, should be done after every film run. To clean the rollers, simply remove the O-ring at the end of each PTR spindle and slide off the roller. Apply warm, soapy water to the rollers using household dishwashing detergent and allow them to air dry. We don’t recommend towel or blow drying as this can deposit new particles on the rollers or heat deform them. Once dry, simply slide the rollers and O-ring back on and you’re ready to scan.

If the PTRs are becoming hard to remove or install, apply a thin layer of silicon grease to the inside of the O rings. This will help maintain lubrication so they are easier to remove for cleaning.

To clean the particle transfer rollers, simply remove the O-ring at the end of each PTR spindle and slide off the roller.

If you find your particle transfer rollers losing stickiness even after washing, or have become difficult to mount and remove through age, wear and tear, you can purchase new rollers from the Blackmagic Design website at

Cleaning the Capstans

Clean the capstans as needed, ideally prior to scanning every new roll of film. Allow the capstans to air dry before use.

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NOTE Caution must be observed to prevent damage by liquids to electronics near the capstans. Apply only a small amount of water to a lint free cloth. Do not use solvents or sprays when cleaning the capstans.

Dusting

Dusting your scanner should be performed daily. This is as easy as using an air duster to remove any particles from your scanner’s skid plate, drive wheels and any other film contact surface. This is best performed with the skid plate removed.

When dusting, it’s worth paying special attention to the small plastic infill on your scanner’s skid plate. Dust buildup in this area can effect stabilization performance, so from time to time it’s worth wiping this down with a damp cloth.

You may occasionally wish to clean the lens over your scanner’s RGB light source. This can be done with a clean cloth and a small amount of isopropyl alcohol.

Both air dusters and isopropyl alcohol are available at most electronics stores.

Cleaning the Audio and KeyKode Reader Roller

The Audio and KeyKode Reader contains a rubber roller for film laced through its upper track. This should be cleaned from time to time with a damp cloth. Simply remove any film laced through the upper track and hold a damp cloth against the roller while turning the cleaning knob to get rid of any dust buildup.

To clean the Audio and KeyKode Reader film roller, hold a damp cloth against the roller surface while turning the roller knob to wipe away dust

We recommend using only water to clean the Audio and KeyKode Reader’s rollers and magnetic head. Alcohol, Xylene and other chemicals are not necessary and may damage the reader accessory.

Cleaning the Audio and KeyKode Reader’s Magnetic Audio Head

You may wish to occasionally clean the Audio and KeyKode Reader’s magnetic head. To clean the magnetic head, remove the top cover of the reader by removing the 4 x M3 screws with a 2.5mm Allen key.

Remove the Audio and KeyKode Reader’s upper cover to access the magnetic head

With the magnetic head exposed, simply dip a Q-tip in water and shake off any excess, then gently brush the magnetic head surface to remove dust. Allow the head to dry for a few minutes before reinstalling the reader’s upper cover.

The magnetic head is demagnetized at the factory and shouldn’t need additional demagnetization.

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Spare Parts for your Cintel Scanner

Spares of major Cintel scanner components are available through your local Blackmagic Design support office. Servicing your Cintel Scanner is generally quite easy and intuitive, but if required, documentation can be provided from your local sales office to assist.