Cleaning sensors easily

Splog

Splog

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Steve
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Hi all

This is a reply I recently posted in another thread but thought I'd give it a thread of it's own

OK, I seriously think this sensor cleaning thing is overhyped :thinking: anyway here's my suggestion, not my idea but it is tried and tested on some seriously expensive gear and it really does work for stubborn contamination:

First try a blower! if that doesn't do the trick?

Use Scotch 3M Magic tape and gently touch the contaminated area

It really does work and doesn't leave any residue whatsoever and remember it's not actually a sensor it's a glass filter that's got the dust bunnies.

Try it on a lens first if you don't have faith, but it does the job perfectly and costs next to nothing

Trust me :)
 
OMG you can NOT be serious? :lol: Is this a joke?
 
Ive got to agree, im not sure if tape would be my first choice to clean a sensor with!
 
Jo said:
OMG you can NOT be serious? :lol: Is this a joke?
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Absolutely not, it works I understand that it seems too simple, but you have to use the exact tape I stated and it works 100%

I Ordered a Canon 100-400L lens of Ian (Kerso) yesterday and if I have time I will use that lens as a test on the glass and post the results. The beauty of this is 1: it's cheap, 2: It's easy and most important of all You use your finger against the sensor much better than sharp / hard objects. :)

No joke, have faith

Jimmy will read you solution later, but looks good

Steve
 
Splog said:
I'll PM my address if you like £40 for 5 mins seems about right to me :D
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Actually, this could be quite a serious money maker, don't know why I didn't think of it before starting this thread :D

Steve
 
CT said:
LOL. Where have I heard that before! :lol:

Daftest idea in yonks. Don't do it people! ;)
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I'm not asking people to do anything, have you actually looked into it :thinking: What do you think is so difficult about cleaning a piece of glass i.e. an IR filter? that collects dust? Seriously though, the so called experts use something? for cleaning but what? If anyone would like to send me their camera for the sensor cleaning I guarantee 100% satisfaction :)

I am only suggesting a simple idea that works and if people aren't comfortable with the idea then that's up to them :)

Steve
 
Splog said:
I'm not asking people to do anything, have you actually looked into it :thinking: What do you think is so difficult about cleaning a piece of glass i.e. an IR filter? that collects dust? Seriously though, the so called experts use something? for cleaning but what? If anyone would like to send me their camera for the sensor cleaning I guarantee 100% satisfaction :)

I am only suggesting a simple idea that works and if people aren't comfortable with the idea then that's up to them :)

Steve
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i would be careful with claims like that, replacing a virtually new 1ds can get a bit expensive.

i havent had to clean the sensor yet, or really looked into it, but i dont think i would be happy using some sellotape with the glue involved etc... it probably works fine as you say, but i would rather get the proper stuff or send it away.

a lens on the other hand perhaps worth a try
 
Steve mate - we have a link somewhere for all the recognized sensor cleaning methods written by a pro camera technician, and I don't recall this method being mentioned anywhere. This is by a pro advocating DIY, so there's no empire building involved and if this was a credible method I'm sure it would have been mentioned.

You say it isn't your idea, so lets have some ideas on the origins and any links applicable, and the idea might have more credibility. Some pics of your procedure might help people make up their minds.

How many fingers are you inserting into that mirror box to do this? There are minute quantities of graphite grease at key points and it's all too easy to pick those up and smear them on the sensor, even using the brush or swab method - your fingers are far wider than those tools. In spite of what you say about less pressure being put on the sensor, I can only see pressing on tape with your fingers putting more pressure on the sensor than any recognized swab or brush method, and surely there's an outward force being applied to that filter over the sensor when you remove the tape?

As for applying tape to the delicate multi coatings on a modern lens - why take that sort of risk, any damage to the coatings is irreversible.

No, I haven't looked into it, because I've never heard of it until this post, but as you're advocating it, I really think it's up to you to give the method any credibility it might possess. 'Trust me' doesn't really hack it. ;)
 
fletch5 said:
i would be careful with claims like that, replacing a virtually new 1ds can get a bit expensive.

i havent had to clean the sensor yet, or really looked into it, but i dont think i would be happy using some sellotape with the glue involved etc... it probably works fine as you say, but i would rather get the proper stuff or send it away.

a lens on the other hand perhaps worth a try
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Hi Fletch5

I'm not touting for work or even want anyone to send me their camera for cleaning (however for £40 I'm happy), I am simply trying to point out that sensor cleaning is actually quite easy if you think about it and the tape I quote is not sellotape it is a tape that works for what I have suggested, all I am saying is that people who spend £50 or so for a sensor clean are wasting a lot of money :cuckoo:

Steve
 
i appreciate that, just pointing out, you quote 100% satisfaction guaranteed, not having a dig or meaning this in a bad way, im guessing someone could hold you to that and after getting it wrong/messing up there camera, sue you for the costs!!:thumbs:
 
CT said:
I found a link to that article I mentioned earlier where the Scotch Tape method is actually mentioned - method 16.

Advice "Not only no - but heck no!"

http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/methods.html
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Okay, but I've done it numerous times and it never has even hinted at leaving any residue behind, if anyone is uncomfortable doing this then I strongly recommend alternative means :) also take a look at 14 on the link, my guess is this is the same type of adhesive! as used on the Scotch Magic tape and as said previously this is not plain old sellotape.

Steve
 
What's all this 'cleaning sensors' thing then... ;);) I don't understand... :)
 
theMusicMan said:
What's all this 'cleaning sensors' thing then... ;);) I don't understand... :)
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:shrug: Can't help you there matey but i've read about it on various forums.

I've heard that some Canon cameras get a bit OCD about dust and kindly collect it for the owners and save it for them on the sensors Isn't that sweet of the camera to do that ;)

Chris
 
my 400d has never needed a sensor clean, the sensor cleaner does a v good job
 
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