Sensor cleaning equipment: There was a recent post regarding what was likely a dirty sensor. Suggestions were made as to what to do and equipment to do it with. Carson Camera Sensor...

Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum

Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register ☰

Sensor cleaning equipment

Page 1 of 3 next> last>>

Feb 16, 2023 08:46:28 #

iamimdoc

There was a recent post regarding what was likely a dirty sensor. Suggestions were made as to what to do and equipment to do it with.

Carson Camera Sensor Magnifier - 4.5 x 30mm (SM-44) was suggested as usable device for examining the sensor.

Any other similar recommended by anyone?

Giottos air blowing device was suggested.

Does blowing just move debris around inside the sensor compartment, only to land again on the sensor. Is there a role/safe technique for vacuuming debris?

Unclear if some devices are bigger, nozzles different etc than other devices

Thanks

https://www.amazon.com/Giottos-AA1900-Blaster-Micro-Fiber-Cleaner/dp/B08Y5N2MNK/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=370XWZ2S8D07D&keywords=camera+sensor+cleaner+giotto&qid=1676554647&sprefix=camera+sensor+cleaner+giott%2Caps%2C83&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=A8J2TF6F7O06&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzOVVRUFE0WktTSTk1JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTU2MjY2SEFLUjM1VUVPWlFBJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAzMTQxNDEySDRaTkUxQ0JGNVE0JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Following looks remarkably similar and there are a multitude of similar (at least in appearance) products. Anyone have suggestions as to what to avoid, what to get?

https://www.amazon.com/Cleaning-Contains-Carrying-Telescope-Magnifying/dp/B0BG8JP5NG/ref=sr_1_22_sspa?crid=2UWBV4AP0TAJ0&keywords=camera+sensor+cleaner+air&qid=1676554545&sprefix=camera+sensor+cleaner+air%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-22-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFOMTFETzRHQ0lTU0wmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA2NDIxNTBCUlRRSVhDWjhPTDImZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDcwODc0NFNENFZJVTNCMVA0JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYnRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Feb 16, 2023 08:56:53 #

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

I agree that rocket blower is a fairly effective first step. Other similar products are attempting to copy a successful design. Remove lens, hold camera so empty mount faces down. Give several sharp bursts of air. Most particles inside will fall harmlessly down and out. Then, open shutter to cleaning pisition and repeat.

This will remove most crud. If stuff is stuck to sensor then more aggressive steps are needed.

Feb 16, 2023 09:08:52 #

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Sensors are very tough and do not scratch easily:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLzrS3aSJWE

Feb 16, 2023 09:20:09 #

iamimdoc

One more request:

Sensor cleaning swabs and fluid - suggestions please.

Thanks

Feb 16, 2023 09:36:46 #

rwm283main Loc: Terryville, CT

A word of caution for mirrorless cameras. There might be a different method for cleaning a camera's sensor with built in camera stabilization (IBIS for example with Fujifilm) compared to a camera without the built in stabilization. I have a couple of Fujifilm cameras with IBIS and to clean the camera sensor the camera must be turned on and a couple of settings turned off. For mirrorless cameras without IBIS, they remain off during cleaning (battery removed as a precaution). DSLRs mirror up, usually a setting in your camera.
Rich

Feb 16, 2023 09:38:55 #

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

I found this video to be helpful. I got the kit and it worked well.
https://youtu.be/240DGR4u_0M

Feb 16, 2023 10:15:45 #

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

You could use the Giotto Rocket for vacuum too. If something is really STUCK it probably wouldn't work, but I've used it to suck stuff up that I didn't want to blow around inside the body.

Feb 16, 2023 10:37:14 #

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

Retired CPO wrote:

You could use the Giotto Rocket for vacuum too. If something is really STUCK it probably wouldn't work, but I've used it to suck stuff up that I didn't want to blow around inside the body.

How do you do that? The product description includes, "A one-way valve on the bottom brings in clean air and does not redistribute dust." Mine will not draw air in from the front.

Feb 16, 2023 10:40:00 #

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

iamimdoc wrote:

One more request:

Sensor cleaning swabs and fluid - suggestions please.

Thanks

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1250331-REG/visibledust_18512947_ez_sensor_cleaning_kit.html

Feb 16, 2023 14:22:05 #

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

bsprague wrote:

How do you do that? The product description includes, "A one-way valve on the bottom brings in clean air and does not redistribute dust." Mine will not draw air in from the front.

I'll have to take a look at mine. It might be a different blower, or an older one, but I have used a blower to suck tiny bits of debris out of the body rather than blowing it around.

Feb 16, 2023 17:58:14 #

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

[quote=iamimdoc]There was a recent post regarding what was likely a dirty sensor. Suggestions were made as to what to do and equipment to do it with.

Giottos air blowing device was suggested.

Does blowing just move debris around inside the sensor compartment, only to land again on the sensor. Is there a role/safe technique for vacuuming debris?

Unclear if some devices are bigger, nozzles different etc than other devices

Thanks

Forget the commercial stuff. At the hobby store find a soft nylon artist's brush about the width of your sensor width. Also purchase canned compressed air. Clean the brush thoroughly in alcohol and let dry. Store in an airtight container to keep it dust free.

When ready to clean the sensor blow air through the nylon bristles creating a static charge...wipe the sensor in both directions. Repeat as needed. Remember how your hair acted when combed with a nylon comb...same principle.

Feb 17, 2023 05:45:04 #

Capn_Dave

There Is also a brush to clean the sensor called the Arctic Butterfly. It is an electrostatic brush that will pick up dirt off the sensor. I bought mine years ago. Now it is kind of expensive

Feb 17, 2023 06:01:47 #

ScottWardwell Loc: Maine

dpullum wrote:

Sensors are very tough and do not scratch easily:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLzrS3aSJWE

Actually what is being cleaned is a protective filter that overlays the actual sensor. But that filter can be scratched as I learned on my D850 using a wet-swab system. Ruined a $300 bill to replace it.

Feb 17, 2023 06:26:55 #

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Dpullum wrote: "Sensors are very tough and do not scratch easily."

Actually, at least in dSLR cameras, what is cleaned is the AA filter, not the sensor.

Feb 17, 2023 08:27:18 #

agillot

99% of time , it is dust particles , a home shop vac WILL take care of that , lens off , camera set at 3 or so sec , vac on , hold the hose a inch away from camera opening , take 3 or so shots , voila , dust gone .Also do the lens before putting back on .I know , just too easy .NEVER had a issue doing that .

Page 1 of 3 next> last>>

If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.

Main Photography Discussion

Home | Latest Digest | Back to Top | All Sections

UglyHedgehog.com - Forum