MACT Loc: Connecticut

My Nikon 7200 sensor has picked enough dust that it has to be taken care of. Nikon say I need to ship it back to them with a two week timetable, but colleagues suggest I do it myself. There do not seem to be any recent posts on this topic, so I would appreciate input from the forum on the risk/benefits and suggestions for which kit would be best.

happy sailor Loc: Ontario, Canada

Check out the Lenspen SensorKlear Loupe Kit B&H # LENSKLK1 MFR # NSKLK-1 at B&H $49.99. It is easy to use and works very well. If your in Canada they Henry's have them. should be able to take all the dust off your sensor. The sensor is actually covered with a glass layer, you are cleaning glass.

Takes about five minutes, ten tops

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

The first thing to check before sensor cleaning is to have a fully charged battery in your camera before you lock up the mirror.
I use a range of products by VisibleDust.

http://www.visibledust.com/products3.php?pid=3

DEBJENROB Loc: DELRAY BEACH FL

check your local camera store ...... I tried to clean the sensor in my D800 ..... big mistake ..... $ 600 later .... I had a new sensor .....

Capn_Dave

We are all afraid of the first time......I had read and seen videos on the net about cleaning the sensor. I decided to give it a whirl pearl.
I was like a virgin on prom night. This was my first time and really nervous. I brushed and blew the outside of my camera off. Then removed the lens and took the Rocket Blower and shot a couple of blasts of air inside the camera. I put the lens back on went outside and took some pictures of the sky. Back inside I went downloaded the pictures and, nope spots still there mostly in the different places. I repeated the first couple of steps and then got the Rocket Blower out again and then I fired up the Artic Butterfly. I looked into the camera and stared at the (what everybody calls the sensor but is a plate over it) and with a shaking hand wiped the sensor in one direction and then the other. My heart was pounding like crazy, I could hear it in my ears. I put the camera back together and headed outside once more to shoot the sky. I then came back in downloaded the pictures and low an behold I was down to 3 spots. Here we go I know the third time is the charm Mr. Murphy loves threes, this was it the do it or die moment. Brushed off the camera took off the lens, hit the sensor with the Rocket Blower, hit the sensor with the Artic Butterfly. Now I opened the package of sensor swabs. I am starting to shake. Each swab is packed in a cellophane package. I fumble to get the package open, I am holding the swab in one hand, trying not to touch anything with it and knowing there are humongous particles flying around inside my house. The particles look like balls with diamond spikes sticking out and they are slamming into that swab, just waiting to scratch the hell out of my sensor. I open the bottle of sensor cleaner, and by now I am shaking like a canary trying to pass a peach seed, I gingerly try to get two drops of solution onto the swab. I empty about a quarter of the bottle on my hand and arm but do manage to finally get the couple of drops on the swab. Look out camera I going in. I notice the sensor fits perfectly on the sensor, I swipe one then the other, I remove my trembling hand, drop the swab, slap a lens on, light up a cigarette (I don't smoke) poured a glass of single malt scotch, and go outside to take pictures of the sky once more. Upon checking this time, Wahoo, no spots. Piece O' cake.
After that fiasco I bought a sensor loupe so I could look and see if any crud was on the sensor.

I clean my sensor about 3 to 4 times a year and just do it. No shaking, no sweats, and like the Virgin on prom night, I stop and think "Is that all there is?"
Capn_Dave

ronichas Loc: Long Island

Capn_Dave, I read your description with anxious anticipation. LOVED it!!!

I too have cleaned my sensor with the sensor sticks, no problem.

ABJanes Loc: Jersey Boy now Virginia

I too had a similar experience but after the first time, it is no big deal. My D7100 had gummy shutter lube on the sensor, once cleaned off, it has been such easier ever since. I think it took 12 wet swabs the first time. The sensor loupe with a built in light is very helpful for sure. I think our local camera store, 1 hour away, takes two weeks and $90.00 later to do the same thing I accomplish in 15-30 minutes.

Jim Bob

While I can appreciate the supportive and encouraging tenor of your post, I also find it sexist and therefore, in poor taste. Go ahead. Hit the ignore button. I don't give a sh*t.

Tracht3

Give it up

The Villages Loc: The Villages, Florida

Great story writing. Like a murder mystery. Waiting to know the outcome.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

once you get over the initial hesitation it is easy to do. I use the Delkin sensor scope kit

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

I just did...Adios!

Al Beatty Loc: Boise, Idaho

Hi happy sailor,

Check YouTube for instructions. The Angry Photographer is the producer of the YouTube instruction I found most helpful. Take care & ...

Jim Bob

Good for you, better for me.

kd7eir Loc: Tucson, AZ

I cleaned the sensor of my D7200 with wet and dry swabs. Came out perfect. As stated previously, you are actually cleaning a piece of glass, not the sensor itself.