Sensor cleaning, Sony a6000: The sensor of my Sony a6000 has spots. I’ve tried blowing air on it (with one of those blower thingies made for this purpose) as well as using the...

betsysmorris Loc: Durham, NC

The sensor of my Sony a6000 has spots. I’ve tried blowing air on it (with one of those blower thingies made for this purpose) as well as using the in-camera sensor cleaning function, with no improvement. I’ve read the posts on this site about cleaning my sensor, and watched the YouTube videos. I’m still somewhat terrified of cleaning the sensor myself, so I’ll ask just one more question before taking the plunge. The sensor is 23.5mm, so I think I’d use this kit from B&H: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/999241-REG/visible_dust_12298031_1_15ml_smear_away_5_swabs.html/overview

Is this a good choice? Or is there another one that would be preferable?

Thanks for your input.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I used a similar one on a Lumix M4/3 sensor with good results. Matching the size of the swab with the sensor helped. I forget the brand or where I bought it. It helped to have a magnifier like this one: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/851383-REG/Carson_SM_44_SM_44_5x_SensorMag_Magnifier.html/quick-compare

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

It is a daunting first step, but mirrorless and frequently used cameras need regular sensor cleaning. The directions are clear and, if you take the time, the results are gratifying.

betsysmorris Loc: Durham, NC

Good tip. Thanks so much.

betsysmorris Loc: Durham, NC

Thanks!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I bet that "Smear Away" is rubbing alcohol, which is the standard cleaning agent for sensors. Are the spots so bad that you can't easily get rid of them in post? From my experience, when I make a pass with the swab, I remove some spots and add others. It takes several swipes to get the sensor clean. I use a loupe to examine the sensor between swipes.

https://www.amazon.com/Carson-Camera-Sensor-Magnifier-SM-44/dp/B0091SS310/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=camera%2Bloupe&qid=1634818829&qsid=132-6355536-4248545&sr=8-8&sres=B074N4Z4J1%2CB00BTCWZYC%2CB06XWZGC78%2CB07RM5C81H%2CB0091SS310%2CB07SR9NM4C%2CB07K7B8R2V%2CB07DC841ST%2CB08CXHB1LQ%2CB07STWCW77%2CB09BKX9JDM%2CB07L9ZMS3V%2CB07SR7YPV5%2CB07M97SRFN%2CB07PVMRZQH%2CB00LAX52IQ&srpt=MICROSCOPES&th=1

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

bsprague wrote:

I used a similar one on a Lumix M4/3 sensor with good results. Matching the size of the swab with the sensor helped. I forget the brand or where I bought it. It helped to have a magnifier like this one: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/851383-REG/Carson_SM_44_SM_44_5x_SensorMag_Magnifier.html/quick-compare

Yes, that magnifier is a big help. You can simply look at the sensor, rather than taking pictures and examining them.

One thing to keep in mind - if you see a spot on the left in the loupe, it is actually on the right.

agillot

on a dslr , i use house vacuum cleaner with accessory hose attached to it .Lens off , set at 3 sec time , hose a inch away , fire camera 2 or 3 times .dust gone .Also do rear of lens . doing it on 3 cameras , never had a issue .

Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana

You might feel better knowing that you are not actually cleaning the sensor itself. It is buried under some other layers. That is what you are actually cleaning.

Floyd Loc: Misplaced Texan in Florence, Alabama

betsysmorris wrote:

The sensor of my Sony a6000 has spots. I’ve tried... (show quote)

Recommend you use a 24mm swab.Just finished cleaning my 23.5mm sensor. A smaller sensor will require at least 4 trips across the sensor; the 24mm only 2 trips. Purchased swabs from Amazon-"Full Frame Sensor Cleaning Kit" Model: FFR-24. Included excellent instructions.

Don, the 2nd son Loc: Crowded Florida

Floyd wrote:

Recommend you use a 24mm swab.Just finished cleaning my 23.5mm sensor. A smaller sensor will require at least 4 trips across the sensor; the 24mm only 2 trips. Purchased swabs from Amazon-"Full Frame Sensor Cleaning Kit" Model: FFR-24. Included excellent instructions.

SONY a6000/6300/6500 are APSc rather than full size sensors.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

You have a smaller sensor. An APS-C kit would work well. If u can’t take the chance , have someone knowledgeable do it for you or as Jerry suggested , do it in post processing. You really won’t hurt the sensor if you follow directions. Good luck
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