Chicago312 Loc: Western suburb, Chicago

Hello,
Yesterday, while shooting, I noticed a few large spots on the screen/viewfinder. Lens were clean, but examining the sensor under magnification, I found the "spot"

Attempted to clean the sensor with a gel stick (purchased a while ago from Photographylife.com) which has worked fine in the past. Was unable to remove the all of the spots, especially the large ugly one. I did not attempt to further clean the sensor - I didn't want to risk damaging anything.

Purchased the "UES FFR24 Professional DSLR SLR Digital Camera CMOS and CCD Sensor Cleaning Swab Kit for Full Frame Sensors" on Amazon which uses broom-like cleaner (with solution) to wipe away the dirt/dust on the sensor.
It's due to arrive in a few days.

Has anyone used this product? I am trying to take the cheaper, hopefully more timely manner, of cleaning my sensor instead of sending it out.

I thought I would try cleaning the sensor one more time, and if unable, then heading to the local camera store (ProCam) to see what they can do (and charge) for cleaning.

Appreciate any thoughts / experiences re: amateur vs professional sensor cleaning
thanks and have a great week

worldcycle Loc: Stateline, Nevada

I use swab cleaners often as part of a maintenance routine. I have used several brands and they all work fine. Sometimes whatever the stuff is that makes it to your sensor is fairly stubborn and will need a few swabs to clean it off.

bikinkawboy Loc: north central Missouri

I’ve used the little swabs that look like little fabric covered brooms. The cleaning liquid says it is all natural, so I’m guessing it’s water. On one of my cameras I had to use three of them, which comes to six swipes across the sensor. I have no idea of what was on it, but it was 15 years and 35,000 clicks worth. I like them and need to order more of the little swabs.

jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

I haven't heard of that specific cleaning kit. Mine is a Delkin kit with a sensor lighted loupe that works really well. Same "mop" to clean sensor. Biggest question mark is what the cleaning solution really made of and will it damage the sensor.

Although I still have the kit, I usually just rotate my bodies and lenses annually, based on use, for maintenance by CPS and let them clean the sensors.

GLSmith Loc: Tampa, Fl

I have used the "broom style" for over 10 years with sensor cleaning...I learned from a photo store (if you remember those) to only add 2 drops to the head of the cleaner. Any more and it leaves streaking on the sensor. Also I learned shortly after purchasing that traveling through security at airports, it will be seized as it is considered flamable.

agillot

i am going to waste my time here , but assuming the spots are dust on the sensor [ 99 % ] of the time , you can clean that with just a vacuum cleaner .remove lens , set camera shutter at 2 or 3 sec , hold vacuum cleaner hose 1 inch or so away from opening , actuate shutter 3 or so time , you are done .do back of lens while you are at it . a small shop vac [ $25 ] is ideal for this .

Lagoonguy Loc: New Smyrna Beach, FL

It took me a long time before I used my wet cleaning sensor kit as I was relying on a gel stick to clean my Nikon sensors. The gel stick generally works very well on it’s on. Once I got the courage to do it I cleaned all four of my cameras and only one needed more than three swipes. Don’t apply more than two drops on the wipe or there may be some residue remaining on the sensor however, the gel stick takes it off immediately. I have not worked up the courage yet for my tiny 4/3 sensor on my G9 since it is reportedly more difficult to stabilize. Good luck.

osoblancophoto Loc: Venice FL

If you're unsure about cleaning your sensor or have a spot you can't easily remove go to Helix Camera and Video in Itaska and gave them clean it for you professionally

rrayrob Loc: Las Vegas, NV

Yes, I've used the Sensor Cleaner from Amazon and it has worked quite well to my surprise. Follow directions and you should be good to go. If the spot can't be removed after several attempts you might need it professionally cleaned. Also, don't forget to try the built in sensor cleaner with Mirror Up on your camera - if you have it.

charles tabb Loc: Richmond VA.

Has anyone heard of "Sensor Klear "Loupe" ?
It has worked great for me.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Swabs with cleaning solution and gel sticks are just a couple of the tools used for sensor cleaning.

But it is usually a multi-step process. A more complete kit of tools may be needed. For example, you might find a lighted magnifying loupe handy, probably should have a bulb blower ("rocket blower") to puff away loose stuff, and will likely need a "sensor pen" to polish haze that's often left behind after a wet cleaning. A small, low powered vacuum and a brush also might be useful.

Much of this stuff only needs to be purchased once, then you're set to do future cleanings. Other stuff is "consumable" and will need replacement from time to time. For example, because only a couple drops are needed each time that bottle or cleaning solution will typically go a long, long way but eventually run out. The swabs are only usable once... first one direction, then the reverse. But it may be possible to recover them with Pec Pads rather than have to buy more swabs in the future (swabs are expensive... especially the pre-moistened type, though those can be handy to have in your bag when out shooting someplace remote).

It's good to learn to do the cleaning yourself, since it's rarely needed at convenient times.

One of the best sources of info about sensor cleaning is: http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/

That web site is maintained by Curt Farge and Larry Lyells... both professionals in the camera service and repair industry. Curt owns and operates Micro-Tools.com, which is one of the main suppliers to the industry. He also sells virtually every sensor cleaning product and makes kits that sell on Amazon and elsewhere. Larry has literally written the book... actually many of them... on camera repair.

Before you attempt a cleaning... especially a somewhat riskier type like a "wet cleaning"... read and understand everything at the above site thoroughly. It isn't a difficult job, but needs to be done properly to avoid damaging your camera.

Some common mistakes...

- Be sure your battery is fully charged. It's needed to lift the mirror (on DSLRs) and hold the shutter open (borth DSLR & mirrorless) during the cleaning. If power drops too low during the cleaning, the shutter and/or mirror can drop onto a cleaning tool doing damage. Usually a full charge gives at least 45 minutes continuous use... plenty of time to do a cleaning. Also be careful to not accidentally switch off the camera during a cleaning. In some cameras opening the memory card door or battery cover will cause the camera to shut down, which in turn will cause the shutter to close and mirror to drop.

- Never EVER use common household "cotton buds" (such as "Q-Tips") ANYWHERE inside a camera. Those shed tiny, tough fibers that can get into and jam delicate mechanisms like shutters.

- I recommend never trying to clean the mirror or focusing screen in DSLRs..... both are very easily damaged and anything on them WILL NOT show up in images. It's just a minor nuisance for anything on the mirror or focus screen, which you might see when looking through the viewfinder. With a DSLR, just leave the mirror/focus screen cleaning to a pro and have the camera professionally cleaned occasionally. It's different with mirrorless cameras... they use the actual image sensor to generate what's seen in their electronic viewfinders. So if yours is a mirrorless, things seen in the EVF will show up in images.

- Do not use a standard household vacuum too close to the camera. A strong vacuum can cause damage to the mechanisms.

- You may be able to minimize the need for cleanings by doing lens changes promptly, always keeping the camera capped when no lens is on it and keeping your lenses capped when not installed on the camera. Also try to avoid changing lenses in very dusty situations and hold the camera facing downward when changing lenses. If your camera has a self-cleaning sensor and you can do so, set it to run automatically each time the camera is powered up (and don't interrupt the process). Don't forget to clean the insides of your rear lens caps and body caps. Also occasionally vacuum out your camera bag.

Sorry, but I'm not familiar with the brand of swabs and cleaning solution you purchased.

PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA

I have used some available from Amazon and they worked very well, cleaned off all the spots and no apparent damage to the sensor. Quick, easy and efficient are how I will describe them.

lowkick Loc: Connecticut

Check out https://www.google.com/search?q=moose+peterson+sensor+cleaning&rlz=1C1JZAP_enUS950US950&oq=moose+peterson+sensor+&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j33i160j33i299l2.9946j0j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#kpvalbx=_-95VYofdAtGzggfLpp_ABw18

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

My take on sensor cleaning:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user-page?upnum=2857

loubikes

I've successfully used the "broom-like" kits to clean my sensor but always use a blower and sensor brush first. If they do the trick, then no need for the more "invasive" broom and sensor solution.