dkeysser Loc: Minneapolis

Guys, I shoot several different Sony mirrorless cameras, and I am not clear on the best method for cleaning the sensor. In making some prints recently, I found signs of dust particles on the sensor of one of the cameras. Any suggestions? From everything I have read (confusing and contradictory sometimes), there is no mention of using a camel-hair lens brush, like the kind I used to use in cleaning my SLR mirrors. Suggestions? Sources for Info?

Thanks in advance.

MDI Mainer

I use a purpose-built sensor cleaning pad and solution. There are many on the market from camera shops and Amazon, to fit various sized sensors, e.g.:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1250332-REG/visibledust_18512950_ez_sensor_cleaning_kit.html

https://www.amazon.com/UES-Professional-Digital-Cleaning-Advanced/dp/B01B0TX6UA/ref=durable-asin-recommendation-tag_sccl_3_1/130-3975849-4584237?pd_rd_w=c1YJW&content-id=amzn1.sym.40ddbd8e-f303-4711-8817-484293d6b2ef&pf_rd_p=40ddbd8e-f303-4711-8817-484293d6b2ef&pf_rd_r=M3HCP5Y90WZW6K2ZZGS4&pd_rd_wg=69GIu&pd_rd_r=15cbcf1f-66ca-4232-b10c-58c24b5a1eb3&pd_rd_i=B01B0TX6UA&psc=1

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

You clean the sensor on a MILC the same way you clean the sensor on a DSLR.

woodyH

The same as the rules given by the guide on the tour thru the harem, look but no touch. Go to Utility, set Pixel Mapping, and let it run. The computer will memorize where not-normal shades/tones exist and fill in with adjacent values. There probably is some limit to how deep into a false tone the computer will adjust so the Mapping may have to be done several times. The sensor will still not see what is actually being imaged but the technique has been surprisingly helpful. Of course, you could send the camera in for service, for a wet mop job. My local service guy won't do them, too much risk of damage I guess, and the camera is out of your hands for a while, and your pocket out of considerable cash.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

If your service guy won't clean sensors, maybe you should consider finding a new service guy. Every time I've had a DSLR in for service, they have cleaned the sensor. Just part of doing a good job.

Grahame Loc: Fiji

I have read somewhere that the exception is those sensors with IBIS.

niteman3d Loc: South Central Pennsylvania, USA

Have you tried a rocket blower?

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

I use sensor swabs when there is something that can't be blown off. For cameras with IBIS, Sony at least, the camera should be off when cleaning the sensor.

zug55 Loc: Naivasha, Kenya, and Austin, Texas

Mirrorless cameras tend to be dust magnets--happens on my Sony bodies all the time

There are three things you can do:

1) Use the in-camera cleaning mode. This does not always work, however.

2) Use a rocket blower. Hold the camera body opening downward and vigorously blow on the sensor; also blow possible dust particle out of the entire chamber as well. This usually does the trick. I always keep a blower in my camera bag. I always clean the sensor with a blower at the end of the day before I put the camera away. Good maintenance essentially eliminates the need for the third step. I also clean my lenses with a soft brush and the blower at the same time. I would not use the brush on the sensor though.

3) If you have persistent spots, you may have to use the wet method. These two short videos describe how it is done. I have done this myself, and it works great. Obviously, you should turn off the camera before doing this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r31u2M8tnDw
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1832544630120775

PS: never blow out on the sensor with your mouth. You invariably get spit on the sensor that you will have to clean off using the wet method. I was stupid enough to do this once.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

That is my question.
Will pressure on a sensor that moves damage the mechanism?

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

This post, with example results, uses a Giotto Rocket Blower. The blower is the primary tool I use.

An exercise in sensor cleaning

dkeysser Loc: Minneapolis

Thanks, guys, excellent advice. One method I use to avoid even getting dust in the first place is to rarely change lenses. I tend to shoot with 2-3 lens (especially 35mm and 85mm) most of the time, and I have separate bodies for each of them. Much simpler and quicker than changing lenses in the field.

TreborLow

I have had 3 Pentax DSLRs, (since the K-20) with IBIS and I have successfully cleaned all of them with the standard moist swab kits. I continue as directed and nothing bad as ever happened. I usually try the squeeze blower first with pretty good results...but moist swab cleaning is sometimes needed.
Pentax is particularly nice about having a built in picture taken of the sensor and displays the spots in context of the front of the camera. No confusion of where the spots are located.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

As others have noted, it's no different from cleaning the sensor in a DSLR.

Here is everything you need to know: http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/

That site is written and maintained by a professional camera repair tech and an author who literally has written the book on camera maintenance and repair (actually Larry has written many books on the subject).

The pro tech Curt Fargo also owns and operates Micro-Tools.com, one of the foremost sites where pro camera techs shop for their tools and supplies. They also sell virtually any cleaning product you might want.

There are sensor cleaning kits available there. You can also find their kits on Amazon and selling elsewhere.

Pay extra attention to the "cleaning flow chart" you'll find at the above website. It illustrates well the steps of the process (hint: it's almost never accomplished with a single cleaning device).

A soft brush can be used to clean sensors... But the sensor needs to be completely free of oils or they will contaminate the brush, pretty much ruining it. It is not uncommon for sensors to have some spots of oil on them. Particularly if they have never been cleaned before. It's probably excess lubrication thrown off by the shutter when it travels across.

EDIT: I am guessing most cameras with IBIS "lock" the sensor in place when the camera is turned off. I know optical IS in lenses locks when turned off.

ShelbyDave Loc: Lone Rock, WI

My first digital camera was a Canon Rebel and I had the same problem. Now I also have a Sony mirrorless that I get dust specks on the sensor, so I got out my Artic Butterfly sensor cleaning system. It works by spinning the cleaning brush with an electric handle, building up a static charge in the brush. When you use the brush on the sensor the dust specks adhere to the brush and they are removed quickly and easily. I have NEVER had to use a wet cleaner using this. It is pricey for a cleaner, but it works well. Check it out, if you decide to spend the money I think you will be impressed. https://www.adorama.com/cpab724s.html#:~:text=Visible%20Dust%20Arctic%20Butterfly%20724S%20Super%20Brite%20Sensor%20Brush