Sensor Cleaning
Mar 31, 2023 09:16:10 #
Nikon Z-5 Shooter.
As I'm going through pics from a recent vacation, I notice a lot of sensor dust -- in a few cases, it's consistently in the same location. Easily fixable in Lightroom -- but still a PITA.
In general, I use the sensor clean function of the camera every two or three times I shoot, and believe I have it set to clean the sensor when I turn on the camera, but it is not getting everything.
So .... any recommendations as to a good sensor cleaning kit. (And since I'm asking the question, it's obvious that I have no experience in doing this -- so, is it recommended that I do it myself or do I need professional assistance.)
As I'm going through pics from a recent vacation, I notice a lot of sensor dust -- in a few cases, it's consistently in the same location. Easily fixable in Lightroom -- but still a PITA.
In general, I use the sensor clean function of the camera every two or three times I shoot, and believe I have it set to clean the sensor when I turn on the camera, but it is not getting everything.
So .... any recommendations as to a good sensor cleaning kit. (And since I'm asking the question, it's obvious that I have no experience in doing this -- so, is it recommended that I do it myself or do I need professional assistance.)
Mar 31, 2023 09:31:46 #
I have done my own a few times. It’s not for the faint of heart. You have to be very careful. Probably best to look at a video or two on YouTube. As for what to use, there are a variety of kits to use. I used the liquid and swab method. Worked well for me. I purchased it off Amazon.
Mar 31, 2023 09:36:55 #
KenProspero wrote:
Nikon Z-5 Shooter. br br As I'm going through pic... (show quote)
http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com <<< Read this first.
https://photosol.com <<< The supplies I use and recommend for stubborn or sticky stuff on sensors
Mar 31, 2023 09:37:02 #
Giotto Rocket Blower is an industry standard... works for me...
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/259157-REG/Giottos_AA1900_Rocket_Air_Blower.html
To test, stop your lens down to minimum aperture... aim at clear blue sky or white sheet etc and defocus.
Any sensor particulates will show up clearly...
How to avoid? Don't use any "Pumper Zooms" i.e. lenses that change length when zooming.
Bottom Line? Internal Focus optics are your best friend here...
Or shoot wide open, then sensor dust is far less obvious....
Not a good idea to "practice" learning how to "wet clean" your sensor... experience is a brutal teacher here.
a.k.a. "professional assistance" is both appropriate and germane
And yes obviously don't change lenses in an environment prone to "dust"
Oh, rather than the Nikon Z-5 the Z-9 I believe has a guillotine screen that drops down after exposure to protect the sensor. Guess you get what you pay for :)
Hope this helps Ken
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/259157-REG/Giottos_AA1900_Rocket_Air_Blower.html
To test, stop your lens down to minimum aperture... aim at clear blue sky or white sheet etc and defocus.
Any sensor particulates will show up clearly...
How to avoid? Don't use any "Pumper Zooms" i.e. lenses that change length when zooming.
Bottom Line? Internal Focus optics are your best friend here...
Or shoot wide open, then sensor dust is far less obvious....
Not a good idea to "practice" learning how to "wet clean" your sensor... experience is a brutal teacher here.
a.k.a. "professional assistance" is both appropriate and germane
And yes obviously don't change lenses in an environment prone to "dust"
Oh, rather than the Nikon Z-5 the Z-9 I believe has a guillotine screen that drops down after exposure to protect the sensor. Guess you get what you pay for :)
Hope this helps Ken
Mar 31, 2023 10:11:13 #
I was trepidatious about doing it myself in the beginning, but I bought the VSGO kit from Amazon and it is very simple. Read your owner's manual on how to lock the mirror up and then follow the directions in the kit. Be gentle and you will not damage the sensor. The kits are available in APSC and full frame sizes. Get the proper one and you can do it yourself whenever needed.
I've had my kit for a few years (haven't needed to clean my sensors frequently) and the cleaning solution stores very well with a good stopper for the vial to prevent evaporation.
Good luck, do not be afraid to try it.
I've had my kit for a few years (haven't needed to clean my sensors frequently) and the cleaning solution stores very well with a good stopper for the vial to prevent evaporation.
Good luck, do not be afraid to try it.
Mar 31, 2023 11:36:53 #
Start with the Giotto blower. A wet sensor cleaning is easy enough, but unwarranted if you can just blow the dust off.
An exercise in sensor cleaning
An exercise in sensor cleaning
Mar 31, 2023 11:52:18 #
KenProspero wrote:
Nikon Z-5 Shooter. br br As I'm going through pic... (show quote)
Very easy to clean.
Get kit and follow instructions or watch YouTube.
It really is very easy and on mirrorless cameras the sensor is far easier to access than DSLRs.
Mar 31, 2023 11:55:10 #
[quote=KenProspero]Nikon Z-5 Shooter.
As I'm going through pics from a recent vacation, I notice a lot of sensor dust -- in a few cases, it's consistently in the same location. Easily fixable in Lightroom -- but still a PITA.
In general, I use the sensor clean function of the camera every two or three times I shoot, and believe I have it set to clean the sensor when I turn on the camera, but it is not getting everything.
So .... any recommendations as to a good sensor cleaning kit. (And since I'm asking the question, it's obvious that I have no experience in doing this -- so, is it recommended that I do it myself or do I need professional assistance.)[/quot
Because you asked here is my choice from all the sensor cleaning kits. It is a dry form of cleaning, I also have the (wet) cleaning wipes, but I have never had to use wet as yet.
but with "SensorKLEAR loupe" all has been great.
As I'm going through pics from a recent vacation, I notice a lot of sensor dust -- in a few cases, it's consistently in the same location. Easily fixable in Lightroom -- but still a PITA.
In general, I use the sensor clean function of the camera every two or three times I shoot, and believe I have it set to clean the sensor when I turn on the camera, but it is not getting everything.
So .... any recommendations as to a good sensor cleaning kit. (And since I'm asking the question, it's obvious that I have no experience in doing this -- so, is it recommended that I do it myself or do I need professional assistance.)[/quot
Because you asked here is my choice from all the sensor cleaning kits. It is a dry form of cleaning, I also have the (wet) cleaning wipes, but I have never had to use wet as yet.
but with "SensorKLEAR loupe" all has been great.
Mar 31, 2023 13:26:21 #
Thanks all -- Starting with the Giotto blower. Will see how things go from there. This thread will be a fantastic resource to me if I need more.
Mar 31, 2023 14:30:05 #
KenProspero wrote:
Thanks all -- Starting with the Giotto blower. Will see how things go from there. This thread will be a fantastic resource to me if I need more.
I always start with the Giottos Rocket Air blower, test, and if needed, go straight to Sensor Swab and Eclipse fluid from Photosol.
To avoid sensor dust and other contaminants:
Change lenses in still air. A parked car with windows up and engine off is a good place!
Always body-cap the camera when no lens is on it.
Always rear-cap lenses when they are not on the camera.
Hold the camera with the lens flange facing down while changing lenses.
I always clean the entire back of a lens and the inside of the rear lens cap before a trip or assignment. Of course, I clean the front lens elements, front lens caps, and all my filters at the same time...
I hate spotting in post-production, and I hate lens flare from dust and fingerprints, too! Clean equipment is a necessity for the results I seek.
Don't forget to clean your smartphone lens before using the camera, either.
Mar 31, 2023 14:31:53 #
burkphoto wrote:
I always start with the Giottos Rocket Air blower,... (show quote)
Great Advice!!! Thanks.
Mar 31, 2023 20:03:09 #
Apr 1, 2023 06:41:33 #
I bought a kit for $18 from Amazon comes in a zipper firm box container. Kuuzuse is the brand contains every thing to do a job on any size sensor.
Sensors may be tender, but they are protected by a tough as nails hard glass bonded directly to them. This video shows that you must not use a box cutter to remove dirt otherwise it may scratch.
Seriously worth the watch to see how tough that glass sensor shell is and that you should not worry about damage.
https://petapixel.com/2020/06/22/how-scratch-proof-is-a-sony-camera-sensor/
If you see crisp dots then it is dust on the glass covered sensor dust further away is not firmly focused and is fuzzy.
Sensors may be tender, but they are protected by a tough as nails hard glass bonded directly to them. This video shows that you must not use a box cutter to remove dirt otherwise it may scratch.
Seriously worth the watch to see how tough that glass sensor shell is and that you should not worry about damage.
https://petapixel.com/2020/06/22/how-scratch-proof-is-a-sony-camera-sensor/
If you see crisp dots then it is dust on the glass covered sensor dust further away is not firmly focused and is fuzzy.
Apr 1, 2023 06:50:21 #
NikonRocks
Loc: Sydney
KenProspero wrote:
Nikon Z-5 Shooter.
As I'm going through pics from a recent vacation, I notice a lot of sensor dust -- in a few cases, it's consistently in the same location. Easily fixable in Lightroom -- but still a PITA.
snipped
As I'm going through pics from a recent vacation, I notice a lot of sensor dust -- in a few cases, it's consistently in the same location. Easily fixable in Lightroom -- but still a PITA.
snipped
It is a good idea to also check that you don't have any "stuck" pixels. I found this to be the case recently with my D7200. Stuck pixels are those that no longer respond to light falling on them. In my case the pixels appeared to be white. I noticed this when enlarging a NEF file in my editor. In my case I put the lens cover on the lens and snapped an image in manual mode. It was quite easy to magnify the image and then look at the rear screen whilst panning across the image to verify that a white dot was present.
I took the camera to an authorised Nikon repair centre where they were able to map out the offending pixel and clean the camera innards at the same time.
Apr 1, 2023 08:31:02 #
Here we go , talking about mirror type camera , like a D300 or 7100 . first i have never used the sensor cleaning from the camera . The theory that work , is to have mirror up , shutter open , and a vacuum cleaner that use a hose.Something like a small shop vac .This remove the dust every time . so a 3 sec exposure with hose a inch or so away will do the job .And no , you will not extract the sensor out . Just too easy for some folks . After a few years talking about that way , have not found anybody willing to try .Been doing it with zero issue . Also do the back of lens when you are at it . Be brave .
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