gottlipe

I somehow managed to get two little spots on the surface of the sensor of my Fuji X-T3. Won't blow off. One of the spots has a little surface smear connected to it.
I'm looking for some advise about the best way/best product/easiest/safest process to clean these without having to send my camera away.
Thanks,
Paul

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

Since words are oftentimes lacking in articulation to show proper procedures, I'd consider forums like these to be good for additional ideas and the last option for such information unless someone would be willing to make a video or series of photo-instruction on how to do it correctly. Even then, that should be taken with a bit of salt as there are those know-it-all who are more than willing to give wrong information which they believe is true.

Without the correct tools and knowledge i'd rather advise to pass it on. IMHO doing it by yourself would be a gamble. Hence, you should first be willing to accept that things might get worse. As an example, One of my buddy lost a focusing screen when he tried to clean his camera and ended buying another to keep a photo-session. The good news is that he learned how in the end and now has 2 working cameras.

Your best bet is to have it cleaned by a professional and ask away if he/she can teach/show you how.

2nd would be youtube.

flyboy61 Loc: The Great American Desert

YouTube has several fairly short and excellent demonstrations for doing this yourself.

repleo Loc: Boston

If it has 'a little surface smear' you will probably need a 'wet' cleaning kit like this. https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Camera-Sensor-Cleaning-Cleaner/dp/B00K8MTPEW/ref=sr_1_3?crid=17C7T7L5C793Z&keywords=camera+sensor+cleaning+kit&qid=1579587395&s=electronics&sprefix=camera+sensor+%2Celectronics%2C158&sr=1-3

Note the kits come in FF or APS-C sizes. Get the correct size for your sensor. Get a lighted magnifying lope as well. Be careful not to touch the black gooey edge around the sensor.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

If I can avoid cleaning the sensor, I do. If there are many spots or large spots, I clean the sensor. Otherwise, I leave it alone. It's been my experience that swiping the want across the sensor will remove some spots but deposit others, and it takes several attempts to get it clean. I've found a sensor loupe to be a big help because I don't have to put the lens back on a take a shot to see if the sensor is clean.

This is the one I use, but you have lots of choices.

https://smile.amazon.com/Carson-Camera-Sensor-Magnifier-SM-44/dp/B0091SS310/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=sensor+loupe&qid=1579609583&sr=8-3

Some info -
VGSO kit -
https://digital-photography-school.com/vsgo-camera-sensor-cleaning-kit-review/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhBR0FNeg6c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcPAW-Y-ndw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9BGJsHfNb0
https://www.adorama.com/alc/0013666/article/The-Secret-of-Effectively-and-Safely-Cleaning-Your-Digital-Camera-Sensor-Yourself
https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-clean-your-camera-sensor-in-3-easy-steps/
https://www.digitaltrends.com/photography/how-to-clean-your-camera-sensor/
https://luminous-landscape.com/sensor-cleaning/
http://www.howtogeek.com/162413/how-to-cheaply-and-safely-clean-your-cameras-dslr-sensor/
http://content.photojojo.com/tutorials/digital-slr-sensor-cleaning/

MichaelH Loc: NorCal via Lansing, MI

Here is a how to web site:
http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/

And this is the product website:
https://www.thedustpatrol.com/pages/learn-from-a-pro

I visited his storefront in Dixon, CA and he cleaned the sensor on my Panasonic GX85 while I watched as a learning experience. Then I bought one of his kits.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

With a smear, wet cleaning will probably be needed, but likely not like this:

coolhanduke Loc: Redondo Beach, CA

Check out Delkin devices. They have sensor cleaning kit.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I bought a wet sensor cleaner kit with swabs, I haven't opened it yet. Because, I haven't needed it yet. I use a rocket blower occasionally, and that keeps my sensor clean of dust. Sooner or later, I'll need my wet sensor cleaner kit.

rcarol

If you look carefully at the information provided for the loupe, it states that it is not compatible with mirrorless cameras. This is because there is not enough adjustment built into the loupe to compensate for the short flange of a mirrorless camera. The solution is to purchase a very inexpensive adaptor that will increase the flange distance. This can be any full-frame lens adapter such as a Canon EF to Sony E mount or Nikon FX to MFT. You get the idea.

berchman Loc: South Central PA

A great resource. Thanks for the link.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Sensor cleaning is a process requiring several steps to be done correctly. Best source of info, a site written and maintained by actual professional camera technicians:

http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/

In particular, take note of the "flow chart" at the above site, showing the steps involved in sensor cleaning:

http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/cleaning-flow-chart/

They also sell "kits" with the necessary tools and supplies via their own website (one of the primary suppliers to the camera repair industry):

https://www.micro-tools.com/collections/camera-sensor-cleaning?view=list

Read the procedures and info about different tools and supplies at the above site very carefully and thoroughly. And beware of cheap knock-off items you might find elsewhere.

Sensor cleaning needs to be done carefully. It's not difficult to clean a sensor, but it's also easy to mess up and do damage to a camera when not done correctly. If at all in doubt of your own ability to do the task... or if you don't want to spend the $100 to $150 to get quality tools and supplies needed to do the job (multiple times).... I'd recommend having it done professionally. There are local shops most places that provide the cleaning service, so it may not be necessary to send your camera anywhere. (Might void a warranty, though, if you're camera is still under one.)

It will probably cost $25 to $50 to have a sensor cleaning done (varies a lot from place to place). Learning to do it yourself and then investing in good, well regarded tools and supplies to do it will likely cost 3X to 6X that much, but will be sufficient for numerous cleanings in the future, costing a lot less on a per cleaning basis, allowing you to do cleanings immediately when needed, and will cost much less in the future when you only have to replace the consumable items (fluid, optical swabs, etc.).

My own cleaning kit consists of:

- Bulb blower
- Anti-static brush
- Eclipse cleaning fluid
- Cleaning wands (two sizes: full frame and APS-C)
- Pec Pads (I make my own swabs)
- Vacuum
- Speck Grabber
- Dust Aid Platinum kit
- Sensor Pen
- Lighted magnifying loupe

gottlipe

Thank you for your response.
I greatly appreciate you and all other folks who have taken the time to answer. I'll reach each one carefully.
Best,
Paul

barryg

Check out the "Angry Photographer's" You Tube demo on sensor cleaning. It's not that difficult and you are never really touching the sensor as there is a cover glass over it. The real danger is in damaging the shutter, so pay attention to the prescribed technique.

gottlipe

Thanks much.