time for a sensor clean..?

Yardbent

Yardbent

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John
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first time I've done a sky picture to see any dust bunnies on my D300
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800 -DSC_0873.JPG
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hmmmmm...:(
can anyone recommend a good DIY sensor cleaning kit/method

I canna get to Glasgow and dont fancy using a courier

thanks
 
Yardbent said:
thanks ---- but the negative comments dont inspire me.!
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There were some Chinese knock-offs that were bad, the genuine article is brilliant (unless like some you don't read the instructions and wipe it across the sensor!).
 
Hopefully I can help you Having done my D300 and D800 quite a few times

First of all sensor cleaning takes time and care and also a clean work area away from dust. DON'T USE COTTON BUDS

Cleaning gear
Some photographers recommend using a "Rocket Blower " but this can stir up more dust within the camera body. I prefer to use what is called an " AcrticButterfly" which is a very fine brush that has batteries to make it spin first to build up ati static before wiping across the sensor. There are also swabs and fluid one can use for really hard dust bunnies on the sensor. Another great tool is a loupe which rests where the lens goes so you can see the sensor better.


Looking at sensor thru Loupe


My stuff I use




How to

My first sugestion would be to try the cameras own sensor clean which can be found in the camera menu. Failing that you should make sure the camera battery is fully charged to lock up the mirror also in the menu.

Ok now we have the camera without the lens attached ,the mirror locked up and a clean work area.

If using the Rocket blower hold the camera face down and use Blower gently and not right inside camera.

Using the Artic butterfy brush let it spin for a few seconds then switch off and gently brush across sensor on way at a time and repeat until clean

If using swaps DON.T USE COTTON BUDS best using sensor cleaning fluid is to put a small drop on the work surface and dip into just enough to get fluid on the swab or you will flood it. Then wipe across the sensor one way only and then discard, do this with several swabs.

Main thing to remember allow plenty of time, don't try and rush it , and be very gentle as the sensor is costly to replace.
The above equipment is not that cheap, but weigh it up against time without camera while being cleaned and cost of several "professional" cleans and can be used with any DSLR I found the capital outlay was worth it


Google " visible dust products"
 
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I use a lenspen sensorklear and it works a treat for me - never been over keen on wet clean (prob as never done), but as the lenspen works for me all okay...
 
andyred said:
I use a lenspen sensorklear and it works a treat for me - never been over keen on wet clean (prob as never done), but as the lenspen works for me all okay...
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Andy I tried sensor pens and found the left a make but this was with a different make and you don't really know what pressure your putting on the sensor. Too much pressure and your sensor can get out of alignment
 
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Yardbent said:
thanks ---- but the negative comments dont inspire me.!
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I've been using an eyelead for a year or so now. Never had a problem.
Because it's not a wet clean I just give the sensor a little dab at the first signs of dust. That way I keep on top of it instead of trying to scrub a filthy sensor.
 
realspeed said:
Hopefully I can help you Having done my D300..................I prefer to use what is called an " AcrticButterfly" which...... build up ati static before wiping across the sensor.

There are also swabs and fluid one can use for really hard dust bunnies on the sensor.

My first sugestion would be to try the cameras own sensor clean

Google " visible dust products"
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OK thanks for the tips and explanation (y)... I'm edging towards a wet swab system

EDIT ...''...wipe across the sensor one way only and then discard, do this with several swabs....''
roughly how many do you use per operation..?
 
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sep9001 said:
John,

This is what I used on my D80...:.
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£20 for 1ml of fluid ..........jeez that's some cost / gallon....:)..

........thanks for the link............john
 
@GreenNinja67

what are you using

fluid at £14
swabs at £41 ,,,,,,,,,,,,surely not..?

john
 
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Yardbent said:
OK thanks for the tips and explanation (y)... I'm edging towards a wet swab system

EDIT ...''...wipe across the sensor one way only and then discard, do this with several swabs....''
roughly how many do you use per operation..?
Click to expand...

That is what is recommended.However I use the same swap several times. Looking at your picture my bet is you will need a wet clean. As I mentioned put a drop of fluid onto you work surface and dip the swap into it just so it absorbs a very small bit. Drencch the swab andyou will need days to remove the fluid off the sensor ;) Joking of course but do only use half a drop of fluid at a time and do seriously consider getting a "Loupe" it is invaluable
 
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realspeed said:
Looking at your picture my bet is you will need a wet clean........................and do seriously consider getting a "Loupe" it is invaluable
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the Butterfly and the loupe are expensive for my budget - I'll DIY and evaluate the results
dont mind doing a few spot healings in PS Elements

I'm going to try ...........
in camera sensor clean
rocket blower
wet swab with ....Visible Dust 1.6x Size Sensor Cleaning Kit (1ml Solution and 4 Green swabs) from CamarthenCameras

I just did a #1 pic as-is.....to start.....53 of the wee blighters ...........:(
 
realspeed said:
Andy I tried sensor pens and found the left a make but this was with a different make and you don't really know what pressure your putting on the sensor. Too much pressure and your sensor can get out of alignment
Click to expand...
Its very important with the lens pens not to wipe, rather dab as its designed to lift the dirt away, otherwise it can push the dirt into other concentrated areas.
 
Yardbent said:
the Butterfly and the loupe are expensive for my budget - I'll DIY and evaluate the results
dont mind doing a few spot healings in PS Elements

I'm going to try ...........
in camera sensor clean
rocket blower
wet swab with ....Visible Dust 1.6x Size Sensor Cleaning Kit (1ml Solution and 4 Green swabs) from CamarthenCameras

I just did a #1 pic as-is.....to start.....53 of the wee blighters ...........:(
Click to expand...
I'd try a wet clean as a last resort, especially as you've not done this before (it can create other issues if not done well!). I'd try a sensorclear lens pen first (dabbing, not wiping!).
 
odd jim said:
...... I'd try a sensorclear lens pen first (dabbing, not wiping!).
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thanks for the info

i just bought a Lenspen FilterKlear .. amazed at how good it works
put an oily thumbprint on a filter - completely removed in seconds - the pen does have finite life of 100 uses though
so will be used in cases where the microfibre cloth canna cope with smears

I've now ordered the SensorClear too - as well as a wet swab kit
i realize everyone has their fav method - i'll try 'em all....:)
 
ecoleman said:
I've been using an eyelead for a year or so now. Never had a problem.
Because it's not a wet clean I just give the sensor a little dab at the first signs of dust. That way I keep on top of it instead of trying to scrub a filthy sensor.
Click to expand...

This would be my method of choice, if I wasn't already kitted out with Arctic Butterfly and swabs etc.
 
I always use the rocket blower and we're swab method on my 1Dx.

Once you've done it a few times it gets easier.
 
hi bought loads of items most of them mentioned above but the one that really works for me is the artic butterfly and loupe awesome compared to blower sensor pen etc
 
We use a combo of things and get our stuff from a company based in Swindon I think called JUST. They are based in Swindon. I watched them cleaning at the Photo show and decided to have a go myself. Bit nerve wracking at first. Much cheaper than paying for it even though the stuff isn't cheap itself.
 
spudhead said:
hi bought loads of items most of them mentioned above but the one that really works for me is the artic butterfly and loupe awesome compared to blower sensor pen etc
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I've looked into the Artic Butterfly recently and it seems they've seriously cut down on their suppliers of late. Even Amazon don't sell the real thing new anymore?
 
Rocket blower followed by sensorklear pen, followed by rocket blower again to remove the dust the pen loosened and any bits left behind by the pen. Obviously when using the blower have the camera opening pointed towards the floor so any dust can fall out rather than settle back in the sensor.
 
Yardbent said:
first time I've done a sky picture to see any dust bunnies on my D300
.
View attachment 71152
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hmmmmm...:(
can anyone recommend a good DIY sensor cleaning kit/method

I canna get to Glasgow and dont fancy using a courier

thanks
Click to expand...

I'm selling a sensorklear loupe kit used for 5 minutes on 1 clean. Still pristine in box
 
thanks for all the advice everyone

before I order swabs and fluid ( many options depending on contaminents.?)...any idea what the RED arrow could be.? there's 2 of them amongst 50+ dust spots
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600 -01 - pixel.jpg
 
Jessops do sensor cleaning from £30 but I wouldn't trust my camera with them, Halfords and bike service reviews spring to mind.
 
Yardbent said:
thanks for all the advice everyone

before I order swabs and fluid ( many options depending on contaminents.?)...any idea what the RED arrow could be.? there's 2 of them amongst 50+ dust spots
.
View attachment 71313
Click to expand...

I'd say red arrow is either an oil spot or a cluster of hot pixels?
 
Yardbent said:
hoping it's oil............. :(
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If it's only visible stopped down it probably is only oil. I don't think it's a water mark as dried water would present itself as a light grey spot, whereas oil would stay 'fluid' and actually pass the light through in a semi concentrated manner, hense it being white rather than the black / grey you get with solid matter.
 
odd jim said:
I'd say red arrow is either an oil spot or a cluster of hot pixels?
Click to expand...

well with the mirror 'up' and using a LED torch, I can see with a magnifying glass that the 3 light grey spots appear to be very uniform and 'maybe' raised from the surface

I've now ordered all the DIY stuff...........watch this space..:rolleyes:
 
Having just seen the image with the arrows whatever method you chose that works should get a glowing review.

Last time I did one I used a wet swab and fluid.

Good luck, it's nerve wracking but worth doing yourself
 
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