Sensor cleaning

[dlscott56]

Ok, I've been reading through all the great information here about cleaning sensors. Before taking the plunge, I thought I'd check my sensor. It can't be that bad, right?

I read that you should take a picture of the sky at f22, aperture priority mode, manual focus on infinity. Then, in Photoshop do autolevels, and see the results. Is this correct? If so, here's my sensor :

http://4scotts.smugmug.com/photos/544946902_VbWFJ-M.jpg

Pretty bad eh? I've decided to use the Copper Hill method with one of their kits. Any thoughts on this?

[jan1prs]

I noticed on my 50d that I had multiple dust spots and sent it in for cleaning. Their was no charge and it saves the hassle of photoshop or messing up my sensor by doing it myself. Just cost $40 bucks to send it in. It was back in less than a week

[ziggy53]

Dave,

Do be aware that, depending on which sensor, you may need to be selective about the particular cleaner solution you use. Some sensors use an anti-static coating that "may" (or may not) be affected by some cleaning solutions.

More Copper Hill discussion here:

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=53266

[Richard]

Pretty bad eh? I've decided to use the Copper Hill method with one of their kits. Any thoughts on this?

I've seen a lot worse. Check out some of these (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=96700). Copper Hill works well for me. Just follow the instructions exactly.

[Pupator]

I've seen a lot worse. Check out some of these (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=96700). Copper Hill works well for me. Just follow the instructions exactly.

I like Copper Hill as well. And I think, to Ziggy's concern, that they do all that worrying for you. So long as you order the kit for your specific camera everything will be the right size and (non-damaging) chemical makeup.

[Scott_Quier]

Cooperhill - yes. But like has been said already, make sure you get the right fluid for your camera.

Kitchen faucet - not such a good idea :D
http://lovenlaughter.smugmug.com/photos/439901342_Djhmf-M.jpg

[dlscott56]

Cooperhill - yes. But like has been said already, make sure you get the right fluid for your camera.

Kitchen faucet - not such a good idea :D
http://lovenlaughter.smugmug.com/photos/439901342_Djhmf-M.jpg
:roflDarn, guess I'll cross that method off my list! It was my second choice.

[dlscott56]

Thanks everyone. I've ordered the Copperhill kit for my camera and read through their instructions. Should have it by the weekend. Wish me luck!

[MarkR]

Be aware, they will send you a rainbow colored slinky.

It is not integral to the Copper Hill method. I checked. :wink

[Tee Why]

Quick question. Are you seeing these in normal shots or only when you shoot the sky at f22 and do auto levels?

[Scott_Quier]

Before a landscape session, I test at f/22 as anything seen there will usually be seen at f/8 or f/16. I hate the spots.

Before a wedding, etc, I usually only test at f/11 or so as I've not yet shot at anything above that. I clean the sensor only If I see anything.

The take-away is that I test at the smallest aperture I am ever likely to use on the shoot in question and then only clean the sensor filters if the dust bunnies are visible. The reason for this is that, while small, there is a risk of damage each time I do a cleaning. So, reducing the number of times I clean, it seems to me, reduces the probability that I will damage something.

[dlscott56]

Quick question. Are you seeing these in normal shots or only when you shoot the sky at f22 and do auto levels?

The sky, f22 and autolevels. I did not test it any other aperture setting to see where it starts to show up.

[dlscott56]

Be aware, they will send you a rainbow colored slinky.

It is not integral to the Copper Hill method. I checked. :wink

Ahhhhhh ... no wonder I couldn't find it in the instructions! :scratch

[Art Scott]

I like Copper Hill as well. And I think, to Ziggy's concern, that they do all that worrying for you. So long as you order the kit for your specific camera everything will be the right size and (non-damaging) chemical makeup.

Mine has been a whole lot worse...and as Pupator said the folks at copper Hill do all the worrying for you.....just email them and tell them your camera and they will tell you what kit to buy......extremely simple and just follow their tute on cleaning and all is just as easy as 1---2----3.