Rongnongno Loc: FL

When I first started to clean my sensors I was using the swabs.

I did that and was never satisfied. Then I tarted heating about 'stamping the dust out. My reaction was the same as the one you likely have reading this.

I discovered not a viable alternative but mush easier and by far less prone to create other issues so, with a constricted heart I tried a kit om my D800e.

Low and behold it worked like a charm!!! Not only did I not need to drag some stuff over the sensor but I could address the issue exactly where the cleaning was needed!

Basically instead of using a swab you use a stick that ends with a silicon captor. W/o rubbing you press that thing down firmly, and repeat where needed. The dust gets stuck to the end of the stick.

The end of the stick is nothing more than silicon. Before each use (even the first one) the silicon needs to be prepared using the pad sold with the kit.

It work so well that I ditched the swab stuff.

One thing thought, this being silicon I do not trust the kit to be viable all that long so I replace it every six months if not in use (most of the time). I suspect that being exposed to light, especially sunlight, can become an issue over time. It maybe a waste here but I will not risk expensive repair because I am too cheap to by a kit that cost just about $30.00 when my cameras are worth in the 3k when not more.

When the negative reviews the first thing you will notice is: It is made in China therefore a bad product. Folks report all type of issues like scratches - on a soft silicon pad???? and adding dust. Well, that the adding dust part is what made me leery at first after all, this is serious stuff. Well, I have experienced none of that, probably because I care for kit as much as I care for my camera.

Proper use:
- Single use paper
- Stamping, not dragging - after all we are used to drag since we have learned to clean anything
- Make sure that the head does not rest on anything when checking the cleaning (use the head protector)

Proper care:
- When not in use do not let the head touch anything (use head protector)
- Purchase a new head or kit depending on time, not the number of uses
- Store the kit away from heat and sunlight.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

I would not trust any reusable cleaning products, and have standardized on the VSGO single-use kit:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K8MTQGY?aaxitk=k80F4pC2uOs2zI0GC-Irxg&pd_rd_i=B00K8MTQGY&pf_rd_p=591760d1-6468-480f-9b10-0ee9c85706fd&hsa_cr_id=4691335080801&sb-ci-n=productDescription&sb-ci-v=VSGO%20DDR24%20DSLR%20or%20SLR%20Camera%20Full-Frame%20Sensor%20Cleaning%20Kit%20(12%20X%2024mm%20Sensor%20Cleaning%20Swabs%20%2B%2015ml%20Sensor%20Cleaner)

And, these days, just about everything is made in China. Even Nikons.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Sorry, I had to clean your link...

Anyway, still swabs.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

This is what I am using:
Eyelead Camera Sensor Cleaning Kit

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

From Amazon.com

Ob1 Loc: Utah

Love this cleaning system and would use nothing else.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Do you have a link for this product?

agillot

here we go again , use a older d300 in the field with daily lens change , always eventually end up with spots on pictures , i just use a smaller shop vac , just remove lens , set camera to a 3 sec exposure , hold the hose abt a inch away , take 2 or 3 shots , and voila , you are clean .also do the rear of lens while you are at it .too easy ! .

steve49 Loc: massachusetts

How often do folks sensor clean?
I understand it is pretty dependent on useage, lens changes, etc but in general.
Every month?
6 months?
year?

brooklyn-camera I Loc: Brooklyn, NY

I used the gel stick for a while, guess my fault that it was bad news for me. I would say that you should replace the Gel-Stick once a year. Cost around $50.00.... I had the Gel-Stick for over a year and not in any area where there was sun or heat. Desk draw where I keep my photo paper and inks.
Used the stick on my 6DMKII and the end came off and was sticking to the sensor. Now what.... was able to remove the Gel portion and get the sensor clean using the wet method.
I would say that the Gel-Stick works but replace every year. $50.00 cheap investment for sure and purchase the real Gel-Stick and not a Chinese knockoff on Amazon.

https://photographylife.com/product/sensor-gel-stick

Rongnongno Loc: FL

$ 28.00 on Amazon - same product - (click on the image I posted to get the link)
I do not keep this for more than six months, just because I am aware that silicon does not last.

John_F Loc: Minneapolis, MN

By silicon did you really mean silicone? The two are very different. Check Wikipedia.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Whatever the spelling is.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I read about this sensor cleaning item on this forum some time ago. And it claimed to be an excellent cleaner. Mentioned, was that you buy the German production, and not the Chinese production. It also stated that authorized USA repair shops, use the stick cleaner, when you send it your camera for a sensor cleaning. And, you don't know, that the stick was used on your camera. But, when your camera came back, your sensor was cleaned. I have the fluid and swabs sensor cleaning kit. Unused, because I use the rocket blower periodically, and I change my lenses, with the camera in a downward position. Using the swabs and fluid cleaning method can be challenging, I have been told. You have to follow instructions precisely. Or, you could ruin your sensor. Permanently.

brooklyn-camera I Loc: Brooklyn, NY

https://www.amazon.com/Eyelead-SCK-1-Cleaning-Olympus-Camera/dp/B0046VBEE0/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=7EGGP57TF71K7QBB1RH9#HLCXComparisonWidget_feature_div

Cost with shipping still around $45-$50