Re: Head Cleaning

I did not say that you should never clean it. Panasonic says heads drum should be cleaned every 500hrs drum running time but I think you can go past that depends how and where you use it.
I said that heads should be cleaned in authorized service center. If you break it cleaning it you will have to pay to replace it and void warranty. You are free to use cleaning tape but I would be careful how often you do it. Use it when you have blinking lights on the camera but not before every shoot :)
Sony has much more durable cylinder and heads. On the Varicam it is so much easier to break it. It is your choice. It maybe be just not worth it since you need to get that clening arm.
You can do it but you have to be very careful. I recommend using authorized service.