Sensor Gel Stick
Apr 3, 2015 22:46:53 #
While reading link for Photography Life on a camera bag discussion today I noticed an add for a sensor gel stick and sticky paper. I would like to hear experience of fellow Hedgehoggers on this topic as I hate to take camera in for professional sensor cleaning at $40 a pop every time I get a few specks of dust on my Nikon D7000 sensor. I assume one uses the sticky paper with the sensor gel stick. Please let me know.
Apr 3, 2015 22:54:13 #
nervous2 wrote:
While reading link for Photography Life on a camera bag discussion today I noticed an add for a sensor gel stick and sticky paper. I would like to hear experience of fellow Hedgehoggers on this topic as I hate to take camera in for professional sensor cleaning at $40 a pop every time I get a few specks of dust on my Nikon D7000 sensor. I assume one uses the sticky paper with the sensor gel stick. Please let me know.
The PL website has instructions on how to use the gel stick. Basically you use the gel stick to remove dust from the sensor and the sticky paper to remove the dust particles from the gel stick. When the sticky paper is used up you throw it away. I use the gel stick and find it the easiest and most effective way to keep the sensor clean. I do not use a blower in my camera because, from my point of view, they just kick up the dust that your in-camera system shakes off the sensor. I use a "Visible Dust" brush first, then the gels stick. The "Visible Dust" brush uses static electricity to pull loose dust up off the sensor and the gel stick gets the rest of it. I haven't done a wet cleaning since I got the gel stick.
Apr 3, 2015 22:57:48 #
Hi Nervous2, I also use a gel stick and it is simple and very effective. I was like you in not wanting to take my camera in for something as simple as that. Give it a try and good luck
Apr 3, 2015 23:20:48 #
There are more providers than just the "Eyelead" brand and they all look the same and have similar packaging. The original is supposed to originate from Germany. Some of the knockoffs will transfer more sticky goop and trash TO your sensor than they will ever remove. Be sure to test the gel stick on something like a very clean mirrored glass before you touch it to your camera's sensor. If it transfers trash TO the clean mirror, I would not use it. I would also have a sensor loupe handy during the cleaning process.
Apr 4, 2015 08:08:35 #
nervous2 wrote:
While reading link for Photography Life on a camera bag discussion today I noticed an add for a sensor gel stick and sticky paper. I would like to hear experience of fellow Hedgehoggers on this topic as I hate to take camera in for professional sensor cleaning at $40 a pop every time I get a few specks of dust on my Nikon D7000 sensor. I assume one uses the sticky paper with the sensor gel stick. Please let me know.
I've never really had to resort to a gel stick. I use a regular sensor cleaning kit. I would only use a gel stick for things that a regular cleaning can't get off the sensor. That has never happened. Cleaning a sensor is pretty easy, and once you do it you'll never pay someone to do it again. I buy a cleaning ket for my lens size and use it for a few years before I have to buy another one.
Apr 4, 2015 09:41:22 #
I use the Eyelead gel stick occasionally will need to resort to wet cleaning easy to do but follow directions
Apr 4, 2015 11:36:49 #
I use gel sticks regularly and have no problems. Good advice given earlier about checking it out before using it on your sensor. I check it out on a filter. As has been mentioned some makes are better than others. Eyelead are probably the best though. Those that do transfer onto the sensor are usually ok after doing a couple of "practice cleans" on a filter or the like and transfering any residual to the paper. I also use a blower, and a butterfly brush prior to using the gel stick. Very rarely do I have to resort to wet cleaning.
Apr 4, 2015 12:27:31 #
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