Boone wrote:
I am not real happy with the cleaning kit I'm using. I am experienced in this area, but I would like to know what kit you use. The reason I ask is that I really feel that the swabs in this kit are somewhat "Stiff". It seems that I need to use to many to get a clean sensor.
Maybe it is the "Cleaning Fluid" that comes with the kit.
Since I am predominately a Portrait Photographer, I don't need to clean the sensor a lot, but thought I would ask what products you all may use! The attached photo is the kit I used today, it worked fine...but is there a better kit out there!!!
Thanks much to all who may know!
Thanks again,
Boone.
I am not real happy with the cleaning kit I'm usin... (
show quote)
I make my own swabs from Pec Pads. I just cut them to size, fold them over the cleaning wand and lightly tape them in place.
Actually, I've but together my own cleaning kit from various places:
Eclipse sensor cleaning fluid.
Wands (in APS-C and full frame sizes)
Pec Pads (in bulk, used w/wands for "wet cleaning")
Small Avery printer labels (used to tape Pec Pads to wand)
Soft brush (dry cleaning only when no oil is present)
Dust-Aid kit (single-use pads & tool, dry cleaning, adhesive speck removal)
Speck Grabber (precision adhesive speck removal, reusable)
Rocket blower.
Sensor Pen (for final "polish" after the rest of the cleaning)
Lighted loupe.
I also had a small vacuum, but it died. I might replace it sometime, but didn't need it often. I think that was one of those "keyboard vacuums".
I always clean the exterior of the camera before doing a sensor cleaning. Also the inside of rear lens caps and body caps. For that I use a larger brush and "terry cloth" style microfiber cloths (bought at the local auto parts store).
And I use a standard vacuum at times... To clean out my camera bags and backpacks. At distance from cameras while cleaning, to draw dust away from them (but never right next to cameras, because too strong vacuum can damage shutters, light seals, etc.)
The best source I know of for many sensor cleaning supplies is Micro-Tools.com. Though I buy stuff individually, I believe they sell cleaning kits both from their site and elsewhere (Amazon?).
They also host the page cleaningdigitialcameras.com which details the process well.