The Blackmagic Design Spares - Camera PCC6KPro - ND Assembly is a precision mechanical and optical module unique to the "Pro" and "G2" versions of the Pocket 6K. This assembly is a motorized filter wheel that sits between the lens mount and the sensor, allowing the operator to toggle between Clear, 2-stop, 4-stop, and 6-stop IR-cut ND filters at the touch of a button.
The Mechanical Heart of the Pro
Unlike external filters, this internal assembly is integrated into the camera's core processing:
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Motorized Precision: It uses a high-speed micro-stepper motor to snap the glass filters into place with perfect alignment.
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IR-Cut Integrated: The glass in this assembly isn't just darkened; it includes specialized infrared (IR) filtration to prevent the "red shift" often seen when using heavy ND on digital sensors.
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Metadata Communication: The assembly communicates its current position to the Main PCB so the specific ND value can be recorded into the BRAW metadata.
When to Replace the ND Assembly
This is a mechanical part with moving glass, making it one of the more sensitive components in the camera:
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"ND Filter Error" Message: If the camera displays a software error when you try to change filters, the motor has likely stalled or the position sensor has failed.
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Physical Obstruction/Jamming: If you hear a "grinding" or "clicking" noise when pressing the ND buttons, a mechanical gear may have stripped or a foreign object has entered the assembly.
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Dust or "Oil Splatter": If you see blurry spots on your image that don't go away after cleaning your lens or the sensor's outer glass, dust may be trapped inside the ND assembly glass layers, or internal lubricant may have migrated onto the filter.
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Filter Cracking: While rare, a severe physical shock to the camera can cause the internal glass filters to shatter or dislodge from their circular carrier.
Key Features
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Genuine OEM Part: Essential for maintaining the specific color science and IR-cut performance Blackmagic intended for the 6K Pro.
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Sealed Optical Path: Designed to be as airtight as possible to prevent "dust donuts" from appearing on the sensor.
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Electronic Interface: Includes the ribbon cable and connector required to plug directly into the Main PCB.
Technical Installation Note
DANGER: Level 4 (Expert) Repair. Replacing the ND assembly is one of the most difficult repairs on this camera.
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Clean-Room Environment: You are opening the "chamber of secrets." Any dust that enters the camera during this repair will end up on your sensor. You should use a localized HEPA air filter or a "clean box" during installation.
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Sensor Alignment: The ND assembly is sandwiched between the lens mount and the sensor block. Removing it requires removing the sensor. You must be extremely careful not to touch the sensor's OLPF (Optical Low Pass Filter) during the process.
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Ribbon Cable Fragility: The stepper motor ribbon cable is incredibly thin. If it is creased or pinched during reassembly, the ND filters will fail to move, and you will have to tear the camera down all over again.
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Static/Fingerprints: Never touch the glass filters with your bare hands. The oils from your skin can "cook" onto the glass due to the heat of the sensor, creating permanent stains.
Expert Advice: If your ND filters are simply "stuck," try a firmware update or factory reset first. Sometimes the motor calibration gets lost in the software. If the filters move during the "startup dance" when you turn the camera on, the motor is likely fine and the issue might be software-related!
Are you seeing a specific error message on the screen, or is the filter physically stuck halfway across the sensor?
