Experience with Sensor Cleaning Products
Dec 13, 2013 17:08:19 #
Anybody have experience with either of the cleaning products or approach listed below? My sensor is filthy, and I am definitely paranoid about cleaning it. Adorama has an article on cleaning sensors, so I guess it is good. :-)
Sensor Cleaning page:
http://www.adorama.com/alc/0013666/article/The-Secret-of-Effectively-and-Safely-Cleaning-Your-Digital-Camera-Sensor-Yourself
Products:
http://www.adorama.com/CPVDEZKLC16.html?ndlvid=164
http://www.adorama.com/CPSK.html?ndlvid=164#pr-header-back-to-top-link
Sensor Cleaning page:
http://www.adorama.com/alc/0013666/article/The-Secret-of-Effectively-and-Safely-Cleaning-Your-Digital-Camera-Sensor-Yourself
Products:
http://www.adorama.com/CPVDEZKLC16.html?ndlvid=164
http://www.adorama.com/CPSK.html?ndlvid=164#pr-header-back-to-top-link
Sensor Test per Article
Dec 13, 2013 17:14:48 #
BrettOssman wrote:
Anybody have experience with either of the cleanin... (show quote)
Have you noticed any spots in your images?
I've cleaned mine with a kit from Amazon. I don't think there's too much difference between cleaning kits. You get a little bottle of alcohol and some swabs. Just be sure to get the size that matches your sensor.
It took me several attempts to get all the spots off. This is what I got.
http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Survival-KIT-Sensor-Eclipse/dp/B000PNGM18/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386972835&sr=8-1&keywords=sensor+cleaning+kits
A Giottos Rocket is a good first step in cleaning.
Dec 13, 2013 17:23:47 #
Thanks
I have a Canon Rebels XS, which is an APS-C sensor. I also have a rocket, but that didn't do the trick.
There can be spots on my photos depending on the aperture (smaller aperture, more noticeable).
I have a Canon Rebels XS, which is an APS-C sensor. I also have a rocket, but that didn't do the trick.
There can be spots on my photos depending on the aperture (smaller aperture, more noticeable).
jerryc41 wrote:
Have you noticed any spots in your images? br br ... (show quote)
Dec 13, 2013 17:26:23 #
BrettOssman wrote:
Thanks
I have a Canon Rebels XS, which is an APS-C sensor. I also have a rocket, but that didn't do the trick.
There can be spots on my photos depending on the aperture (smaller aperture, more noticeable).
I have a Canon Rebels XS, which is an APS-C sensor. I also have a rocket, but that didn't do the trick.
There can be spots on my photos depending on the aperture (smaller aperture, more noticeable).
You can try local camera shops and see if they can do it and for how much. If they have to "send it away," I'd try elsewhere.
Dec 13, 2013 17:43:51 #
jerryc41 wrote:
You can try local camera shops and see if they can do it and for how much. If they have to "send it away," I'd try elsewhere.
$50 or $75 depending on how fast you want it
Dec 13, 2013 17:48:01 #
I've also read and heard you have to be VERY careful cleaning them, so I wonder how much room you have for error. Especially if you've never done it.
Dec 13, 2013 17:58:28 #
Check out Copper Hill Images. They have online tutorials on cleaning the sensor and they reasonably sell the equipment. I was very apprehensive my first time too. Once you do it it's a piece of cake... Yours is extremely dirty though. You may need to take a few "cracks at it." Let me know if I can help you further....Good Luck.
Here's the link.
http://copperhillimages.com/
Here's the link.
http://copperhillimages.com/
Dec 13, 2013 18:00:15 #
Local camera shop near me will do it for 45$+tax & I trust them. There has got to be a reputable shop near you in a big city like Tampa. I would be uneasy cleaning something as vital as a sensor.
Dec 13, 2013 18:10:42 #
The article is pretty good (hey, it's Adorama - they know what's what!). The first time I cleaned my sensor I too was a bit hesitant, but it's not all that difficult.
Remember there are three possible stages of cleaning - blowing air, physically brushing off particles the air stream didn't dislodge, and if there's still gunk then Eclipse and swabs. And of course, be sure you have a fully charged battery so the locked-up mirror doesn't sudden drop while you're working.
The blowing is obviously pretty easy - it's non-contact so there's little chance you'd do any damage. Holding the body face down is best, to prevent dust from just falling in with gravity's help.
The brush is also simple enough - the Arctic butterfly has a motor that spins the actual bristle head to cause static electricity to build up; this is meant to attract particles that didn't get clown away. Remember to only swipe one time after "charging" - if you swipe once, put on the lens and tie a test shot and still find dust, spin and swipe again.
The part that may concern you most is the actual touching of the sensor (well, the AA filter on top of the sensor) with a Pec Pad moistened with Eclipse or other solution. Again - one use per pad is the important thing. And obviously don't scrape it like it's ice on a windshield you're trying to dislodge.
Of course, you could use methods 1 and 2 and if they fail to remove the offending grit THEN take it to a shop and pay for someone else to do it.
Oh, and having a sensor loupe of some kind is very important (as mentioned in the article).
Remember there are three possible stages of cleaning - blowing air, physically brushing off particles the air stream didn't dislodge, and if there's still gunk then Eclipse and swabs. And of course, be sure you have a fully charged battery so the locked-up mirror doesn't sudden drop while you're working.
The blowing is obviously pretty easy - it's non-contact so there's little chance you'd do any damage. Holding the body face down is best, to prevent dust from just falling in with gravity's help.
The brush is also simple enough - the Arctic butterfly has a motor that spins the actual bristle head to cause static electricity to build up; this is meant to attract particles that didn't get clown away. Remember to only swipe one time after "charging" - if you swipe once, put on the lens and tie a test shot and still find dust, spin and swipe again.
The part that may concern you most is the actual touching of the sensor (well, the AA filter on top of the sensor) with a Pec Pad moistened with Eclipse or other solution. Again - one use per pad is the important thing. And obviously don't scrape it like it's ice on a windshield you're trying to dislodge.
Of course, you could use methods 1 and 2 and if they fail to remove the offending grit THEN take it to a shop and pay for someone else to do it.
Oh, and having a sensor loupe of some kind is very important (as mentioned in the article).
Dec 13, 2013 18:21:20 #
My experience with cleaning my own sensor is limited. I did clean it on my D300 twice. Frankly I had it cleaned professionally twice more after that.
I just did not like doing something I was clearly not comfortable with.
I just did not like doing something I was clearly not comfortable with.
Dec 13, 2013 18:50:44 #
Thanks again all, and in advance to everyone else who replies. :mrgreen:
Dec 13, 2013 19:13:22 #
Hello Brett. If you don't mind can I ask where near Tampa you live. Have 2 cousins who live in Tampa & one who lives in Valrico. My moms from Florida.
Dec 13, 2013 19:56:27 #
masonmike wrote:
Hello Brett. If you don't mind can I ask where near Tampa you live. Have 2 cousins who live in Tampa & one who lives in Valrico. My moms from Florida.
I'm in Wesley Chapel, about 20 miles north.
Dec 13, 2013 20:38:27 #
I'll second Copperhill products! Great tutorials and priced right! Go ahead, you can do it!
Dec 13, 2013 20:52:06 #
BrettOssman wrote:
Anybody have experience with either of the cleaning products or approach listed below? My sensor is filthy, and I am definitely paranoid about cleaning it. Adorama has an article on cleaning sensors, so I guess it is good. :-)
That looks pretty bad; more than just dust...oil, perhaps. Looks like it came from a D600. What kind of camera are you using?
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