[Alessandro Serrao]

I’ve been using canned air to clean dust from negatives, but recently it spat on one of them (I swear I didn’t shake it). Whatever it spat evaporated quickly and left a nice mark. I like the convenience and force of canned air, but I don’t like this side effect. Plus, canned air needs replenished; I’d like something reusable and inexpensive.

I’ve been looking at something called a Giottos Rocket, and I’ve read of people using it to more safely blow dust off of negatives. I can’t imagine it blows with the same force as canned air though (does it?), but I’m wondering if it’s enough to do the job just as effectively.

Also, I’ve been looking at an anti-static cloth from Ilford. It looks good for a quick, gentle wipe of the negative – perhaps for more stubborn dust.

I’m wondering how effective one or both of these solutions would be in lieu of canned air. Or maybe someone has something else in mind. Thanks.

isopropilic alcohol