Clean your sensor.......

[coffee]

For those that worry about your camera sensor getting dirty, or is already dirty, and cringe when considering spending $70.00 or so to have it cleaned. Do yourself a favor and clean it yourself.

My 40d sensor was starting to spot up my images, and the last time I had it cleaned cost me $75.00. I wasn't about to spend that again for one sensor cleaning. I order an Ultimate cleaning kit from the following company for around the same price one cleaning cost.

http://www.copperhillimages.com/

I couldn't believe how easy it was. I also cleaned my XT and there isn't a spot on either sensor.

Save money, clean your camera's sensor yourself.

[ladyups]

I have this cleaning kit too, Joseph, but haven't attempted a cleaning yet. I can get my cleaned for $40. but have to take it to the city to get it done. So far, I've had the a100 done once and then I've been diligent at blowing it out with the blower pretty frequently. It has helped keep the dust at bay on it. I've noticed a couple spots on the a700 but still haven't done any cleaning, just blowing for now. I'll probably cleaned it myself this time.

[sgraudin]

Hi Coffee,

Thanks for the info. Although I have not really seen any visible indications of dust on the sensor, I recently spent a lot of time in dusty conditions in Australia. Althogh I took extra precautions to minimize my camera's exposure to the bull dust, I'm sure that some found it's way in.

Cheers

[coffee]

You can do a test shot to see if there are spots on your sensor. Take a shot of the sky with aperature of f16 or f22, then look at it at 100%.

[w8jy]

This seems to be the scariest thing that most new DSLR owners encounter. Everyone worries about damaging their sensor.

The toughest part of sensor cleaning is getting up enough nerve to do it!

I use Eclipse (or Eclipse2) fluid with flat applicators sized for the sensor. If you follow the instructions, you won't hurt your sensor a bit, and you will save a lot of time in Photoshop cloning out those spots.

Usually, a Rocket Blower will suffice to keep your sensor clear of dust - just be sure not to touch it to the sensor.

[jerryph]

In general I don't mind doing it myself either, but always research before doing this. For example, Nikon's D300, D300s, D700, D3 and D3x have a special coating on the sensor cover that could be damaged by "standard" sensor cleaning fluids. You need a very specific kind of cleaner from Eclipse.

http://www.earthboundlight.com/phototips/indium-tin-oxide-sensor-cleaning.html

[coffee]

In general I don't mind doing it myself either, but always research before doing this. For example, Nikon's D300, D300s, D700, D3 and D3x have a special coating on the sensor cover that could be damaged by "standard" sensor cleaning fluids. You need a very specific kind of cleaner from Eclipse.

http://www.earthboundlight.com/phototips/indium-tin-oxide-sensor-cleaning.html

This is very true Jerry. I have a Canon 40d and XT, and the both use different cleaning solutions. Most places you buy sensor cleaning kits will have listings for the fluid needed for your particular camera.

[blackdog71]

I've just ordered a lenspen it doesn't use a fluid it uses a special carbon tip I've researched a few cleaning kits this seems to have had a lot of positive reports about it apparently a lot of camera workshops use this method....over here in the uk anyway, its not been delivered yet but will send a report when I've used it

http://www.lenspen.com/

[jerryph]

A lens pen is NOT the best tool for cleaning a sensor... it is a great tool for brushing away dust form the lens surface or eye piece or the side of the lens cap that faces on to your lens.

I'd not suggest someone use that brutal device on a sensor. :)

[blackdog71]

A lens pen is NOT the best tool for cleaning a sensor... it is a great tool for brushing away dust form the lens surface or eye piece or the side of the lens cap that faces on to your lens.

I'd not suggest someone use that brutal device on a sensor. :)

I don't know if we are talking about a different lenspen I have just recieved mine there is a brush on one end but this is not for the sensor clean there is a carbon soft pad on the other end which is used lightly on the sensor.
The marks on my sensor could not be blown off they looked like oil smears I have just very very carefully used the lenspen and it has done a fantastic job of getting rid of 95% of the smears I can live with the other marks.

[ddvitale]

Question: I have a D300 and there's a setting to clean the image sensor (either manually or on start-up or shut-down). I used to have dust issues with my old D70S but not since I've owned the D300. Does this sensor clean setting really do the trick - is it effective?

[coffee]

The manual setting to to lock the mirror up so you can get in there with a sensor cleaning took and manually, or swipe clean the sensor. The start-up/shut-down setting vibrates the low pass filter which helps knock of loose dust before it can stick to your sensor. I have mine set to do just that in a way to help keep it clean. All reports say that it does help, but it will never be able to keep it completely clean, and there will come a time when manually cleaning, whether it be you or the shop is necessary. I guess there are some that will never have to clean it because it doesn't matter to them, don't use it much, or they never shoot in a dirty environment. Manual cleaning isn't really necessary until you notice faint dark spots on your images. Hope this helps.

[ddvitale]

Thanks - it does help.

Does it also make sense to use something like "dust-off" compressed air from time to time - or does that just blow the dust around in circles?

[coffee]

Thanks - it does help.

Does it also make sense to use something like "dust-off" compressed air from time to time - or does that just blow the dust around in circles?

It doesn't makes sense to use that no. The sensor is very sensitive to damage, as well as other other internal part. You never really want to use anything that isn't intended to be use excepted proper tools and equipment. You just don't want to take that chance.

With that said, you shouldn't be afraid to buy the right tools and liquid for the job, and do it yourself. It isn't as scary as some thing. And at $70.00 a pop, much cheaper than having the shop do it.

Do a search on cleaning your sensor and you will find your way to places that sell the right equipment. A kit might cost you all of $40.00 or so, and you get enough stuff to possibly last a lifetime.

Do it yourself, but do it right.