Sensor Cleaning

[steveS4SSL]

Toby mentioned that Dave B had an issue with dust spots on his Canon sensor.

For info, I use sensor cleaning swabs and cleaning solution (http://www.warehouseexpress.com/index.c ... rownb.html)

A word of warning though - Kodak and Fuji approve of the process but Canon do NOT! So you do this at your own risk ... the mirror dropping on the swab would not be good! So, if you b**ger up your camera, don't come running to me!!!! That said, sensor actually has a filter across the sensor and it is this that gets dusty. Just be careful as, in theory at least, you could scratch this filter. Probably using a blower brush first and never use a swab more than once!

I've used this kit on my 10D and 20D and I'm happy with the process, it just takes some nerve!!!!

It is worth doing a Google search on cleaning sensors using swabs just to get an idea of the best techniques.

Note that different cameras require different kits as the swabs are made to fit across the sensor allowing cleaning in a single pass.

Hope this helps!


(PS, forgot to mention, never use compressed air such as the small cans you use to clean keyboards, etc (and definitely do not go to the petrol station and blow the dust out with an air line! )

[Kevin Farnell]

I use Sensor Swabs on my Nikon D100 and am very happy with the results.
It's best to use an external power supply and the camera's program for locking up the mirror. As I dont have a power supply (over £100!), I set the camera to 'BULB' and use a lockable cable release. Make sure that your battery is fully charged.
The sensor filter has about the same scrtch resistance as watch glass, so as long as you take care, you should have no problems.

Regards.

Kevin

[steveS4SSL]

Canon users have the advantage that there is a special "sensor clean" function that locks the mirror up until you turn off the camera .... and this feature will refuse to operate unless there is sufficient charge left in the batteries.

[blanston12]

Be very careful cleaning the sensor. I would recommend using only compressed air on the bulb or sensor cleaning setting. If the shutter closes when you have a swab cleaning it you could ruin it. If compressed air does not do the job send it in for service and a cleaning.

[TobyV]

I wouldnt recommend pointing a compressed air can into an SLR on the basis you do get liquid propellant coming out occasionally and that leaves marks on sensors, prisms etc

[TSR2]

Copressed air is DEFINATELY NOT to be used on SLR's. :tuttut:

If in doubt send it for a service. Typically about £30 - £40 for a Canon 300D or 10D