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Is that canned air bad for slides and negative?


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I would suggest that you get a "Rocket Blower" or similar large blower bulb for blowing dust from slides and negatives. If you mess up with the canned air (and you will, eventually) you'll get propellant all over the slide/neg and then you're screwed.

 

Giottos Rocket Blower: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/318545-REG/Giottos_AA1910_Rocket_Air_Blower_.html

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I stick to manual blower for film, just to be on the safe side. Neither method will get everything. Canned air likely gets a bit more, but I just don't want to risk it.

 

I have a can, but try to minimize it's use. And for something major things like dusting out the computer's inside, I find using a vacuum cleaner set to blow is much more effective.

 

Also, helps the environment to reduce your use of these.

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"Canned air works better at removing dust than any rubber blower bulb."

 

It sure does. Then all you have to worry about is how to remove the residual spray chemicals off the film when the those pesky accidents occur?

 

Oh right, you can't.

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In canned "air" the air IS the propellant - a low-boiling liquid related to Freon.

 

If the can is tipped too far, you may discharge liquid propellant which may contain non-volatile contaminents which leave spots. These droplets are extremely cold, -40 deg C or so, which may damage delicate surfaces like digital sensors. You will not have a problem if you keep the can upright and at least 6 inches from the film.

 

Canned air is very dry, which tends to create static on the film (and other surfaces). However the velocity is high enough that it is effective in removing dust. It is expensive, so I use a conductive brush whenever possible, which is most of the time. You could get an oil-free airbrush compressor for about $50 - the price of about 10 cans of "air".

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Just for the record: if you screw up and get propellant all over a b&w negative, just wash and dry it. It will likely be fine. I have done it.

 

Having said that, it is a good idea not to get propellant all over the negative, just in case the odd time washing it does not work.

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