Cleaning the sensor

[lynnma]

I'm about to clean the sensor on my DRebel for the first time. I have so much junk on the shots, mots, fluff goodness know how. Is there anything I should know before I attempt?? I'tll be a first for me and I'm "skeered".

Lynn:huh

[DavidTO]

I'm about to clean the sensor on my DRebel for the first time. I have so much junk on the shots, mots, fluff goodness know how. Is there anything I should know before I attempt?? I'tll be a first for me and I'm "skeered".

Lynn:huh

I've never done it, but I found this. (http://bobatkins.photo.net/photography/tutorials/sensorclean.html)

And this. (http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning)

[ginger_55]

I'm about to clean the sensor on my DRebel for the first time. I have so much junk on the shots, mots, fluff goodness know how. Is there anything I should know before I attempt?? I'tll be a first for me and I'm "skeered".

Lynn:huh
I would have it done, locally if possible. I read something scary. So even if the booklet does give instructions, I would be too scared.

And you all know how up on it I am lately. If I could SNAFU it, I would.

Ask Andy, Sid, the old timers............ or particularly people who are old timers, but who have owned a Rebel. Or go to dpreview, register and ask them, or use their archives. Invaluable stuff!

Just my take. I have times, too, when I think my sensor needs cleaning, am letting it go so far.

In addition to my exposure SNAFU at the beach, I changed lenses, thought the camera bag was safe for a minute, accidentally left the top open. Just in the right direction for the hole digging dogs to throw all of their sand in.

I am batting 100 here. I will agree with you, though, on my saved shots..........better than if they were straight. However there were a lot of complete losses. I would not clean a sensor right now if you paid me.:rofl

Thanks for commenting on my thread, even if that is your role here. I was afraid it was going to be buried and no one would see it. Yesterday was a full and fun day. I am catholic, you know, up and down......... I could feel the effects of yesterday in my muscles, today. To sit on rock with a fierce tide coming in, the wind roaring, etc. It was beyond anything I thought was still in my life.

ginger

[Andy]

and, something that every dslr owner should be able to do for themselves...

my method is the "copperhill" method, described right here (http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning)

you need "eclipse" cleaning solution and either you make your own swipes as described in the copperhill pages or you buy "sensor swabs"

the first time may feel a bit daunting but after that, it's a cinch, takes about five minutes or less.

[lynnma]

and, something that every dslr owner should be able to do for themselves...

my method is the "copperhill" method, described right here (http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning)

you need "eclipse" cleaning solution and either you make your own swipes as described in the copperhill pages or you buy "sensor swabs"

the first time may feel a bit daunting but after that, it's a cinch, takes about five minutes or less.Thanks Andy.. I knew there must be more to this than just blowing into the lens..:rofl
Lynn

[Andy]

Thanks Andy.. I knew there must be more to this than just blowing into the lens..:rofl
Lynn

some folks like the gitzo rocket blower, i find that makes things worse. i don't blow inside the camera, i only use my blower on the lens, front and rear, before i do my lens cleaning (blow, mink brush, then cloth)

:D

[wxwax]

some folks like the gitzo rocket blower, i find that makes things worse.
:D
:nod :nod

[dkapp]

some folks like the gitzo rocket blower, i find that makes things worse.
:D

I found out the hard way. When it came time to clean the sensor for the first time, I was willing to try anything before touching the sensor. I had about 12-15 specks before I used the blower. When I was finished, I had 100+. It was a mess. I was forced to use the copperhill method & it went fine.

Dave

[lynnma]

I found out the hard way. When it came time to clean the sensor for the first time, I was willing to try anything before touching the sensor. I had about 12-15 specks before I used the blower. When I was finished, I had 100+. It was a mess. I was forced to use the copperhill method & it went fine.

DaveMe thinks maybe I should stay with the motts for a week or two...:huh

[pathfinder]

Me thinks maybe I should stay with the motts for a week or two...:huh

No blower! - Eclipse fluid and sensor swabs are the ticket. The swabs are expensive, but a lot cheaper than a new sensor. Kind of like all new initiations - the first time is the most exciting, after that it becomes routine:rofl :D

[lynnma]

No blower! - Eclipse fluid and sensor swabs are the ticket. The swabs are expensive, but a lot cheaper than a new sensor. Kind of like all new initiations - the first time is the most exciting, after that it becomes routine:rofl :Dshall I just order the stuff online? or shall I go shopping to a camera store.. it's about $38 online.. seems like a lot to get rid of motts.. hmmm, really buggin me tho. I have to go over everthing with a fine tooth comb... just in case Pathfinder sees the shot.. he's got an eye for motts.:rofl

[Andy]

shall I just order the stuff online? or shall I go shopping to a camera store.. it's about $38 online.. seems like a lot to get rid of motts.. hmmm, really buggin me tho. I have to go over everthing with a fine tooth comb... just in case Pathfinder sees the shot.. he's got an eye for motts.:rofl

here's a good deal on eclipse fluid (http://www.photosol.com/eclipseproduct.htm)

sensor swabs are $48 per box, haven't found a better price anywhere, :scratch

[lynnma]

here's a good deal on eclipse fluid (http://www.photosol.com/eclipseproduct.htm)

sensor swabs are $48 per box, haven't found a better price anywhere, :scratchthanks andy.:D

[DavidTO]

here's a good deal on eclipse fluid (http://www.photosol.com/eclipseproduct.htm)

sensor swabs are $48 per box, haven't found a better price anywhere, :scratch

$42.95 at B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=B8BcZojnWK!537386814?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=sensor+swabs&image.x=7&image.y=7)

Edit: But they won't ship the Eclipse solution. Adorama (http://www.adorama.com/CPECS.html) will, and they have the sensor swabs for the same price.

[lynnma]

$42.95 at B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home;jsessionid=B8BcZojnWK!537386814?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=SearchBar&A=search&Q=*&shs=sensor+swabs&image.x=7&image.y=7)

Edit: But they won't ship the Eclipse solution. Adorama (http://www.adorama.com/CPECS.html) will, and they have the sensor swabs for the same price.Thanks.. I ordered some.. phew.. expensive arn't they.. now I have to get solution.. they won't deliver through the mail..:D

[lynnma]

Now I decided I need to put some of my favorite pics in a portfolio instead of having them strewn about all over the place.. what and where do you suggest the best for the best price...

Lynn

[lynnma]

My sensor swabs arrived...now I have to go buy the fluid, they don't ship it in the mail.. I've printed out just about every tutorial there is on "cleaning the sensor" and I have a bottle of Tanquary and a lime ready for after (the tutorial says to do that. I'll pick a day when I'm feeling very brave and competent.. (not today) and I'll post the results. It's gonna be ok right??:huh

[DoctorIt]

My sensor swabs arrived...now I have to go buy the fluid, they don't ship it in the mail.. I've printed out just about every tutorial there is on "cleaning the sensor" and I have a bottle of Tanquary and a lime ready for after (the tutorial says to do that. I'll pick a day when I'm feeling very brave and competent.. (not today) and I'll post the results. It's gonna be ok right??:huhI'm headed down to Hunt's today... want me to see if they have some?

[DavidTO]

My sensor swabs arrived...now I have to go buy the fluid, they don't ship it in the mail.. I've printed out just about every tutorial there is on "cleaning the sensor" and I have a bottle of Tanquary and a lime ready for after (the tutorial says to do that. I'll pick a day when I'm feeling very brave and competent.. (not today) and I'll post the results. It's gonna be ok right??:huh

Check my post above. After linking to B&H, I found Adorama will shipt the fluid. The link's in the post.

[lynnma]

I'm headed down to Hunt's today... want me to see if they have some?Yes please.. I may go over later as well... maybe they could put some by...:D

[lynnma]

Check my post above. After linking to B&H, I found Adorama will shipt the fluid. The link's in the post. Yes thanks David... I think I'll pick some up (gives me more time to get brave) and not pay the shipping.. thanks for the swab tip tho.. they came..

[dugmar]

Per Andy's advice I just got the Copperhill kit. Piece of cake. Here are the results of my first swipe:

Before:
http://dugmar.smugmug.com/photos/9018512-L.jpg

After:
http://dugmar.smugmug.com/photos/9018513-L.jpg

As you can see, there are a few bunnies still there, but it is a HUGE improvement. Plus I bumped contrast +50 to accentuate the spots. I am going to do another swipe now that I am comfortable knowing this is no big deal at all.

Doug

[lynnma]

Per Andy's advice I just got the Copperhill kit. Piece of cake. Here are the results of my first swipe:

Before:


After:


As you can see, there are a few bunnies still there, but it is a HUGE improvement. Plus I bumped contrast +50 to accentuate the spots. I am going to do another swipe now that I am comfortable knowing this is no big deal at all.

DougGreat!!! I'm feeling better about doing it every minute!!:D Thanks for showing me... it's definitely worth it..

[Andy]

Great!!! I'm feeling better about doing it every minute!!:D Thanks for showing me... it's definitely worth it..

don't do it "every minute" :lol3

[lynnma]

don't do it "every minute" :lol3Every minute.. ha ha ha every minute.. must be the dental drugs Andy :roll

p.s. your bunnies are much worse than mine.. except.. I think I have grass in mine too... (from shooting the Calendar Girls in the rain on the grass)..

On the local common... (yes they were dressed)...recognize anyone???????:rofl

http://Lynn.smugmug.com/photos/6357442-L.jpg

[tmlphoto]

I just cleaned the sensor on my 10D using the "CopperHill" method. Everything seems to have gone well. No explosion or nothin' :huh . Thanks for the link Andy.