Not sure where to post this, so forgive me if it's in the wrong place. I am just learning that sensor cleaning is a regular part of taking clean photos. I didn't realize that this is a part of regular camera maintenance. My question is: What is the best, safest way of cleaning the sensor. I have read up on all the methods and I understand the risks and I have tried to be very careful. I have a D800 that developed a lot of dust that was pointed out to me here while posting a nighttime shoot recently. I just want to know how all of you more experienced photographers go about dealing with this issue...I appreciate any info you can relate.
DSLR Sensor Cleaning
- Thread starter zutty
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sonicbuffalo_RIP
Senior Member
Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
First thing I would suggest you do is set your camera to do a sensor cleaning when it's turned on/off. That's just a little preventative maintenance and I don't know how well it actually works, but it's there, so I use it.
For actual removal of crud and dust bunnies I use a sensor brush first and hope that does the trick.
If the sensor brush doesn't do the job then I'll use some Eclipse cleaning fluid on a swab and do a wet cleaning.
A lot of people swear by the Rocket Blower things, and I do have one, but it's never really done me much good.
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For actual removal of crud and dust bunnies I use a sensor brush first and hope that does the trick.
If the sensor brush doesn't do the job then I'll use some Eclipse cleaning fluid on a swab and do a wet cleaning.
A lot of people swear by the Rocket Blower things, and I do have one, but it's never really done me much good.
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sonicbuffalo_RIP
Senior Member
I agree with Fish's conclusions but I have had good results using the rocket blower first....got rid of my dust the first time.
Well, The issue of dirt on my D800 is moot because I am returning it for the new D810. But I am now going to check my D7100 because I did not realize just how important regular cleaning is. I guess I'll go with the blower method first and then if that doesn't work, the brush and lastly the wet method if all else fails. It seems that regular sensor cleaning is part of camera maintenance just as a tune up is for a car.
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I use a sensor brush too. Blower first, sensor brush, and if needed a wet cleaning. The sensor brushes are a little pricey, around $27. Its good for a quick cleaning away from home.
I 'roll my own' for wet cleaning. Homemade swab from a pec pad. DIY Projects - Cleaning Digital Cameras - D-SLR Sensor Cleaning.
Some may note that Pec Pads have a warning to not use on camera sensors. Pec Pads were pretty much what everyone used, then the same company came out with very expensive swabs for sensor cleaning and added the ominous warning to the Pec Pads. Being meticulous, but cheap, I am reluctant to use three $3 swabs if needed for a stubborn spot. However, Pec Pads are relatively inexpensive and I have no issues using as many as I need to get it perfect.
If you are shaky enough that you think you might bang into your raised mirror, then don't do it yourself. But otherwise, its not bad. There are sensor loupes you can buy for inspection. I don't have one. I have a lighted handheld magnifier that I don't care for. I end up using a small bright flashlight and I wear a pair of overpowered reading glasses.
I 'roll my own' for wet cleaning. Homemade swab from a pec pad. DIY Projects - Cleaning Digital Cameras - D-SLR Sensor Cleaning.
Some may note that Pec Pads have a warning to not use on camera sensors. Pec Pads were pretty much what everyone used, then the same company came out with very expensive swabs for sensor cleaning and added the ominous warning to the Pec Pads. Being meticulous, but cheap, I am reluctant to use three $3 swabs if needed for a stubborn spot. However, Pec Pads are relatively inexpensive and I have no issues using as many as I need to get it perfect.
If you are shaky enough that you think you might bang into your raised mirror, then don't do it yourself. But otherwise, its not bad. There are sensor loupes you can buy for inspection. I don't have one. I have a lighted handheld magnifier that I don't care for. I end up using a small bright flashlight and I wear a pair of overpowered reading glasses.
I'm sure that is effective as well as safe. Your brush is probably more soft than an 'official' sensor brush. It's not butterfly wings we are cleaning here.
Horoscope Fish
Senior Member
Almost forgot to plug my other favorite tool... The Carson Cleaning Loupe. Cheap but effective.
Drop everything and get yours today!!!
Or tomorrow... I mean, whatever; it can wait.
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Drop everything and get yours today!!!
Or tomorrow... I mean, whatever; it can wait.
...
Ruidoso Bill
Senior Member
Fish is correct about the sensor loupe, that's the first item to invest in. I use the blower and wet swabs. If the blower doesn't do it I swab. I check mine with a loupe before major shoots and make sure it is dust free.
sonicbuffalo_RIP
Senior Member
I bought the Delkin Sensor Loupe. I think it's the best sensor loupe out there and it's lit too!
Chris, I just ordered the Delkin kit including the loupe, and a good brush as well. It seems like a no-brainer to invest a few bucks to protect a large investment. Btw..is there a procedure/necessity for cleaning lenses as well?
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sonicbuffalo_RIP
Senior Member
I use the lens pen....a carbon based lens stick basically....easy to use...check out you tube!
Well, I checked my D7100 and sure enough there are plenty of specks when I shot the blue sky out of focus at f22 on my 85mm 1.8 lens. I tried the blower first, no improvement, then I tried the brush, and still some rather large specks left. Then I very carefully tried the compressed air, with no improvement. I don't have the wet kit I ordered yet, so I called B&H where I bought the camera from. They have been really terrific to me. They simply asked me if I wanted to return the camera body for a new one even though it was a bit past the expiration period. I was a little stunned but thought, what the heck..why not. Maybe it was more than dust, possibly a defect or oil..etc..Well..Now I have all these great lenses, and various equipment and ZERO camera bodies...As I have returned my D800 in exchange for the D810..Can you say cel phone camera??!!...Hahaha..I guess I am truly the consumer from hell.
Seriously....Is my dust/dirt issue at all abnormal, or is this a usual kind of thing?
Seriously....Is my dust/dirt issue at all abnormal, or is this a usual kind of thing?
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I think it's all very usual for DSLRs to eventually have some dust on the sensor. And it's not always just a touch of blower that will get rid of it.On the other hand, wet sensor cleaning is not rocket science and can be done by most human beings that have a bit of motor skills. I'v wet cleaned my 7000. 700 and 600 quite a few times and it doesn't scare me anymore. The first trials were a little more scary. If the camera would perform well otherwise, I would not return a camera for sensor dust unless it's an unreasonable amount and it shows below f-16.