Sensor cleaning woes: So, I decide that I need to clean my sensor (D800) because I have spots on my images at 100%. So I'm looking for a kit that has the brushes, a loupe and cleaning...

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

So, I decide that I need to clean my sensor (D800) because I have spots on my images at 100%. So I'm looking for a kit that has the brushes, a loupe and cleaning solution. I have heard that you don't want to use the liquid unless you really have to. The big NYC stores have a couple from Delkin and Visible Dust and they are rather expensive, which is OK as long as I'm getting quality but, the reviews are terrible. I have gotten a price of $60.00 to have it "professionally" cleaned but, it would be nice to do it myself as 3 to 4 pro cleanings would pay for the higher end kits.
Does anyone that cleans there own sensor have any suggestions for a good quality kit or what are your methods and recommendations?

Musket Loc: ArtBallin'

I drop mine off at the shop because I am lazy and have better things to spend my time on. What is your time worth? Im also very lucky to have a pro shop that charges $25 per sensor and they do an awesome job. Generally drop off the camera in question along with film, come back in an hour to pick up my negs and my cleaned camera.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Musket wrote:

I drop mine off at the shop because I am lazy and have better things to spend my time on. What is your time worth? Im also very lucky to have a pro shop that charges $25 per sensor and they do an awesome job. Generally drop off the camera in question along with film, come back in an hour to pick up my negs and my cleaned camera.

I start with a Rocket Blower, if that does not do it, I go to the Visible Dust brush (Arctic Butterfly, I believe), and finally to the Liquid and swabs - also from Visible Dust.

NOt cheap, but high quality stuff and even though I use my gear al lot (several shoots a week in the summer), I probably do not have to clean more then twice a year. Of course I seldom shoot with an aperture smaller than f8, so the spots really do not show up much.

The Visible Dust stuff is good.
http://www.visibledust.com

Musket Loc: ArtBallin'

I clean up to the point I need to swab a sensor. I visit my camera shop on average 2 times a week min. It helps its only a few blocks from my home.

Always droppin off c41. I could do it myself and have, i just chose not to at this point since I make frequent trips to the shop. It also is nice having great rapport with those who work there.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

CaptainC wrote:

I start with a Rocket Blower, if that does not do ... (show quote)

I also use visible dust - especially like their loop and Artic Butterfly

Psergel Loc: New Mexico

I recently purchased and used the Copperhill sensor cleaning kit.
The tutorial on their web site is worth looking at.
http://www.copperhillimages.com/?pr=tutorials

I used their liquid and wipes and......I'd swear my images look significantly better (in terms of IQ) than before.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

tradio wrote:

So, I decide that I need to clean my sensor (D800)... (show quote)

This is what I use - DX and FX sizes. Of course the Giottos Rocket is the first tool to use.

http://www.amazon.com/Digital-Survival-KIT-Sensor-Eclipse/dp/B000PNGM18/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1382703846&sr=8-2&keywords=sensor+cleaning+kit

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

Psergel wrote:

I recently purchased and used the Copperhill sensor cleaning kit.
The tutorial on their web site is worth looking at.
http://www.copperhillimages.com/?pr=tutorials

I used their liquid and wipes and......I'd swear my images look significantly better (in terms of IQ) than before.

:thumbup:

cthahn

tradio wrote:

So, I decide that I need to clean my sensor (D800)... (show quote)

If you want to own and maintain a D800, $3000 plus, and be cheap about leaning it, which you know nothing about, then do it. If you can not get it clean, do not come back here and ask what went wrong.

PhotoGenesis131 Loc: Michigan

I wet cleaned my D600. It was no big deal. If you are a bull in a china shop, maybe pay to have it done. Otherwise, I don't get all the sensor cleaning scare tactics. Watch a couple of YouTube videos and go easy.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

PhotoGenesis131 wrote:

I wet cleaned my D600. It was no big deal. If you are a bull in a china shop, maybe pay to have it done. Otherwise, I don't get all the sensor cleaning scare tactics. Watch a couple of YouTube videos and go easy.

At the NY photoshow, there is a table where some guys will clean your camera and lens while you watch - and that includes the sensor. There is no charge for this. Admission to the show is also free, so if you live nearby, it might be worth the trip. It took me six hours of travel time and about $46 round trip.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

cthahn wrote:

If you want to own and maintain a D800, $3000 plus, and be cheap about leaning it, which you know nothing about, then do it. If you can not get it clean, do not come back here and ask what went wrong.

I'm not being cheap about cleaning it. Whats wrong with doing it myself. Do you take your car to the dealer to get the oil changed?

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

cthahn wrote:

If you want to own and maintain a D800, $3000 plus, and be cheap about leaning it, which you know nothing about, then do it. If you can not get it clean, do not come back here and ask what went wrong.

I'm not being cheap about cleaning it. Whats wrong with doing it myself. Do you take your car to the dealer to get the oil changed?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

tradio wrote:

Do you take your car to the dealer to get the oil changed?

Doesn't everyone? Oil changed, windows cleaned, ashtray emptied, carpet vacuumed, air pressure checked. Like cleaning a sensor, you need special equipment and years of training to do those jobs. Don't you? :D

BillHill Loc: Saint Augustine, Fl

Wait til the shop drains the xmission to change the fluid and you find out the next day, a few hundred miles from home, that they forgot to replace the fluid.

jerryc41 wrote:

Doesn't everyone? Oil changed, windows cleaned, ashtray emptied, carpet vacuumed, air pressure checked. Like cleaning a sensor, you need special equipment and years of training to do those jobs. Don't you? :D