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Sensor Cleaning Question???
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Jan 22, 2022 10:28:50   #
Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.
 
I am using these items for sensor cleaning. They work very well.

AAWipes Sensor Cleaning Swabs for Full Frame Sensor of DDR24 DSLR or SLR (20 Pack of 24mm Sensor Cleaning Swabs) Type 3 Sensor Swabs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082PSFW4K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_0EQ6XCZWMAT6AHCE0PYK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Photographic Solutions Eclipse... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OPB0AB4?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Giottos AA1900 Rocket Air Blaster... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00017LSPI?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

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Jan 22, 2022 10:32:35   #
burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC
 
Thomas902 wrote:
"...using the rocket blower on the sensor after each use..." excellent prophylactic! As well as using it on the lens' mount also. Not a fan of "wet" cleaning... I let Nikon services do this on the very rare occasion it becomes a serious issue.

btw, To check for sensor dust, turn off auto-focus, set your camera to Aperture Priority mode, then select a narrow aperture, such as f/16 or f/22. Using a telephoto lens or long end of a zoom set to the longest focal length, take a photo against a white wall at the minimum focusing distance from your subject. Manually dial the lens completely out of focus, and click off a frame. Inspect at 100% in Photoshop (or similar)... Those pesky dark spots are "sensor" dust... which can btw be virtually invisible when shooting wide open.

And are so easily removed in Post :)

When I was a kid my family doctor told me never put anything smaller than my elbow up against my eye :)
Great advice for camera sensors also...

If you shoot mirrorless? Oh well... so glad I'm using a good old mirror flapper... lol
That mirror does an epic job of covering my sensors...
Nikon even has added a "Dust Deflector Shield" in it's latest flagship the Z9.
So StarWars... "Deflector Shields Up Scotty!"
"...using the rocket blower on the sensor aft... (show quote)


Covering the sensor with a shutter does not prevent flying grease, metal, and foam bits from the mirror mechanism from landing on the sensor! I cleaned my Canon dSLRs — that never had the lens off EXCEPT for cleaning — three times more often than I clean my mirrorless with an exposed shutter.

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Jan 22, 2022 10:34:04   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
jdubu wrote:
I have a Delkin cleaning kit with lighted scope. Haven't used it in quite a long time since I send my camera bodies and lenses into CPS for maintenance on a rotational basis.


That Delkin lighted scope is a big help when cleaning a sensor. You can actually see the spots. You have to remember, though, that the spots at the top of the Delkin are actually at the bottom of the sensor.

I've used different cleaning kits, and never found much difference. I don't recall ever making a swipe across the sensor and getting it completely clean. I always have to make several passes.

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Jan 22, 2022 12:52:28   #
amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
 
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.

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Jan 22, 2022 13:15:03   #
boblaw Loc: Victoria BC
 
I use the Aurora Sensor Cleaning Kit. It has both wet (pre-moistened) and dry individually vacuum sealed swabs. Available from JCristina.com. Work well on my Nikon DSLR's.

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Jan 22, 2022 13:36:57   #
charles tabb Loc: Richmond VA.
 
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 use "SENSOR KLEAR LOUPE.
I haven't had any problems with their Kit they sell.

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Jan 22, 2022 13:41:25   #
sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri
 
https://www.amazon.com/Carson-Camera-Sensor-Magnifier-SM-44/dp/B0091SS310/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2TLSKR5PAVUGV&keywords=camera%2Bsensor%2Bmagnifier&qid=1642876597&sprefix=camera%2Bsensor%2Bmag%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-3&th=1

I use this "Camera Sensor Magnifier" which adjusts for APS-C and Full-Frame sensors. It has LED illumination and it fits firmly on the camera mount to inspect the sensor. It allows me to see all specs of dust as well as any streaks left from wet cleaning. I find it to be quite handy and I have also used it for other applications where I needed to have a magnified view where the area was dark.

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Jan 22, 2022 13:56:47   #
JohnBoy5562 Loc: Alabama
 
I just received the same product from Amazon today. It was on sell yesterday. Have you use it? And how well did it work for you?

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Jan 22, 2022 14:29:56   #
Mapmaker
 
Here’s a link to a video by Nigel Danson on sensor spot detection and cleaning. https://youtu.be/b-7ciRxh6s8

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Jan 22, 2022 14:52:00   #
Boone Loc: Groundhog Town USA
 
agillot wrote:
I have 3 nik cameras , cropped sensor .change lenses daily outdoor, always end up with dust spots in pictures . i have always fixed that by using a vacuum cleaner .get a cheap hose type , like a mini shopvac [ $ 25 ] , remove lens , set camera at 2 or 3 sec exposure , hold hose a inch or so from opening , actuate camera 2 or 3 time , and voila , dust gone , also do rear of lens .just too easy .And no , you wont suck pieces of the camera .takes a few minutes , cost nothing . Not for anal retentive people .Been doing it for years with zero issue .
I have 3 nik cameras , cropped sensor .change lens... (show quote)


I agree with the vacuum idea. After my OP, I went to the local hardware and got a 1/4" flexible hose that I made a small adapter for it. The adapter allowed my 1/4" hose to be attached to my Wadeo hand held vacuum. (Name of the hand held vacuum I got on Amazon) Now I can lock the mirror up on my D750 and expose the sensor. I then can use the 1/4" flexible to go inside the camera body (Without touching anything in the body) and suck up any existing particles. The idea is not exclusive to me, I'm sure, but "Sucking Dust Out" makes more sense to me then "Blowing Dust Around". I am sure that this seems crazy to some, but I have fear of cleaning my camera..."USING EXTREME CAUTION AT ALL TIMES"!

I also use a Carson lighted Loupe.

Just a thought I had after my OP! Glad someone else has already tried this!

Thanks,
Boone.

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Jan 22, 2022 19:30:19   #
PhotogHobbyist Loc: Bradford, PA
 
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 have APS-C sensor cameras and use a VSGO cleaning kit. They are available from Amazon, are reasonably priced and easy to use, plus are available for APSC and full frame sensors. I had two cameras that I carried with me when I visited the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, Devils Tower, Cray Horse Mountain and several other attractions back in 2019. Looking at the photos, I noticed numerous dust spots which I could remove with a spot removal tool in PSE, but that was tedious. I used the VSGO cleaner, got excellent results and have not needed to use it since, photos are still dust free. My only other advice, use a gentle touch to avoid damage to the sensor.

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Jan 22, 2022 20:38:05   #
ShelbyDave Loc: Lone Rock, WI
 
VisibleDust Arctic Butterfly 724S Super Brite Sensor Brush
I use this to clean. As the name suggests it is a brush that I use without cleaning solution. It has a very soft brush with a motor in the handle that spins the brush, creating a static charge. When the brush is used on the sensor the static charge helps to remove any dust. It works well enough that I have never needed a cleaning solution. But maybe I am just lucky. I have been using this exclusively for about 15 years. I see the new ones have an led light that mine doesn't have that I am guessing would help to see the dust.

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Jan 22, 2022 20:40:52   #
Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.
 
I have two sensor cleaning kits. One at home, and one that is always in my car. In that way I can clean my sensor while out shooting.

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Jan 23, 2022 10:43:01   #
frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.
 
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)


If it gets to the point of camera self cleaning or rocket blaster not getting it, I take mine to the local camera store. Cheap and quick.

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Jan 23, 2022 16:47:33   #
FreddB Loc: PA - Delaware County
 
jdubu wrote:
I have a Delkin cleaning kit with lighted scope. Haven't used it in quite a long time since I send my camera bodies and lenses into CPS for maintenance on a rotational basis.


What’s CPS?

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