Sensor cleaning

[fish]

I blew out the sensor on my 20D yesterday before going on a shoot and thought I had gotten out all the dust, but andy found a couple of specs on one of my images.

So the question is...if the dots show up in the upper left of an image, where on the sensor are those located? Intuitively, I would think the upper right of the sensor, while looking in the lens mount. But, are images upside down and/or reversed? Just want to know where to look for the offenders.

Confused in the valley,
fish

[patch29]

I blew out the sensor on my 20D yesterday before going on a shoot and thought I had gotten out all the dust, but andy found a couple of specs on one of my images.

So the question is...if the dots show up in the upper left of an image, where on the sensor are those located? Intuitively, I would think the upper right of the sensor, while looking in the lens mount. But, are images upside down and/or reversed? Just want to know where to look for the offenders.

Confused in the valley,
fish

If you could look through the back of the camera/sensor your image would be upside down and flipped horizontally. Imagine in photoshop the image is correct, though the back of the camera you would just do a 180 deg rotate.

I would think the dust in your case would be in the lower left of the sensor as you look into the front of the camera.

[wxwax]

FWIW, my experience is that using a blower just rearranges the dust. I've tried many times, including with the addition of a hand-held vacuum cleaner. I've since concluded that the sensor itself has to be wiped down. I've used the dry brush method once, and it seemed to work.

[Andy]

www.pbase.com/copperhill

oh and fish, i have the same trouble feeding letterhead or photo paper into a printer :scratch :lol3

[marlinspike]

Copperhill method is the best. Nuf said.
Richard

[dkapp]

Has anyone tried the sensor brush?

I've read good things so far.

Some reading Material
Luminous Landscape Review (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/visible-dust.shtml)
Product Homepage (http://visibledust.com/index.htm)
Rob Galbraith Review (http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/content_page.asp?cid=7-6460-7296).

The price has kept me away so far.

Dave

[fish]

oh geez...it may just be easier to keep cloning them out of sky shots. This is fugly.


http://coyfish.smugmug.com/photos/15332026-L.jpg


I guess that's just one of the perils of swapping lenses. :cry

[Andy]

oh geez...it may just be easier to keep cloning them out of sky shots. This is fugly.



I guess that's just one of the perils of swapping lenses. :cry

i agree with waxilodeon, the blower blows. get some eclipse, and a spatula and wipes from copperhill, and do it proper. usually one or two swipes is all it takes.

and no more fugly!

[ShebaJo]

i agree with waxilodeon, the blower blows. get some eclipse, and a spatula and wipes from copperhill, and do it proper. usually one or two swipes is all it takes.

and no more fugly!
:D another dumb question...is the sensor (22.5 x 15.0mm) on the 20D? I just went to the eclipse site...need to know which sensor size to order 14, 16 or 18mm
thanks

[fish]

i agree with waxilodeon, the blower blows. get some eclipse, and a spatula and wipes from copperhill, and do it proper. usually one or two swipes is all it takes.

and no more fugly!

I just turned the body upside down, gave it a big honkin' blowjob with the Giotto rocket, snapped a sky shot, and boom! All the spots are still there. :wxwax

Another solution is to not shoot sky at f29. :lol3

I read a bunch of reviews on the Sensor Brush...sounds like a miracle. But $90 USD for two paint brushes?!

[John Mueller]

Has anyone tried the sensor brush?

I've read good things so far.

Some reading Material
Luminous Landscape Review (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/visible-dust.shtml)
Product Homepage (http://visibledust.com/index.htm)
Rob Galbraith Review (http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/content_page.asp?cid=7-6460-7296).

The price has kept me away so far.

Dave The sensor brush is the only thing that touches my sensor.
Yeah its pricey,but it will last a long time.I been through swab method,bolwing etc.The brush WINS hands down.
If it gets junk on it that the brush wont pull off,then yeah a wet method.I clean it every 2 weeks or so and havent needed to do that.

[fish]

The sensor brush is the only thing that touches my sensor.
Yeah its pricey,but it will last a long time.I been through swab method,bolwing etc.The brush WINS hands down.
If it gets junk on it that the brush wont pull off,then yeah a wet method.I clean it every 2 weeks or so and havent needed to do that.
ordered. :uhoh

[digismile]

I like the copperhill method for two reasons:

1) It has done a perfect job so far for me on the sensor cleaning part.
2) You can use the same pads & fluid on your lenses. I have been way happier with the Pekpads & Eclipse for cleaning my glass. Not sure what's different about the Pads (or the Eclipse for that matter), but cleaning has been noticably better than the standard stuff sold in my local photo stores.

I hadn't even heard about the Sensor Brush until I saw a local news report! It turns out I work just a few blocks away from them. It is a little pricey, but when you consider how much a lot of us have invested in our gear, I don't think it's a lot to pay ...

That being said, I already have a method that is working just fine, so no need to change.

My 2 cents.

Brad

[Andy]

ordered. :uhoh

you spend money like a sailor just in port after six months at sea :lol3


... said the pot to the kettle ....

[gus]

What do you lot recon your shirt is for ?

[John Mueller]

What do you lot recon your shirt is for ?

:rofl:rofl:rofl

[wxwax]

Has anyone tried the sensor brush?

I've read good things so far.

Some reading Material
Luminous Landscape Review (http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/visible-dust.shtml)
Product Homepage (http://visibledust.com/index.htm)
Rob Galbraith Review (http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/content_page.asp?cid=7-6460-7296).

The price has kept me away so far.

Dave

Yup. Worked fine for me.

[fish]

... said the pot to the kettle ....
since you've been jomommatized, that would be "PKB".

[fish]

Yup. Worked fine for me.

you bought one? worked good, huh? there's just something that gives me shivers when i think about using liquid and swabs on a cmos sensor. of course, if it doesn't work, then I can blame you and the nikon deadbeat. :rofl

[fish]

What do you lot recon your shirt is for ?
keeping bbq sauce off my belly? :dunno

[wxwax]

you bought one? worked good, huh? there's just something that gives me shivers when i think about using liquid and swabs on a cmos sensor. of course, if it doesn't work, then I can blame you and the nikon deadbeat. :rofl
No, no, when I say dry brush, I actually mean dry brush. :evil

[Mitchell]

you bought one? worked good, huh? there's just something that gives me shivers when i think about using liquid and swabs on a cmos sensor. of course, if it doesn't work, then I can blame you and the nikon deadbeat. :rofl
It took a lot of nerve and a steady hand, but the Copperhill method worked for me. Blowers and brushes are probably not the way to go. Just get up your nerve and do it the right way.

mitch

[wxwax]

brushes are probably not the way to go.
Why? :ear

[ian408]

you bought one? worked good, huh? there's just something that gives me shivers when i think about using liquid and swabs on a cmos sensor. of course, if it doesn't work, then I can blame you and the nikon deadbeat. :rofl
You can mitigate the dust by turning the camera off before you swap
the lens. Something about ESD.

Ian

[wxwax]

You can mitigate the dust by turning the camera off before you swap
the lens. Something about ESD.

Ian
:nod I think it basically turns the sensor into a dust magnet.

[Andy]

It took a lot of nerve and a steady hand, but the Copperhill method worked for me. Blowers and brushes are probably not the way to go. Just get up your nerve and do it the right way.

mitch

is to use one of the methods. sensorbrush has a fine following... i've not tried it, only because i started with copperhill... i've heard good things about sensor brush though.

[lynnma]

is to use one of the methods. sensorbrush has a fine following... i've not tried it, only because i started with copperhill... i've heard good things about sensor brush though.Ever since I received my eclipse and enough swabs to last life time all my dust motts have dissapeared.. works great.. just leave it on the shelf and poof.. no more motts.. maybe it was the lenses.. which are now gone..:scratch

[DoctorIt]

:nod I think it basically turns the sensor into a dust magnet.indeed. and actually, in an ideal situation, you should give it a second to discharge after shutting it off. I know the Drebel actually shots off when you disconnect the lens, would imagine most dslr's do, but still, its a charged sensor, and those electrons do take a split second to all depart.

[marlinspike]

Something about the copperhill method. Be careful. I was a bit, er, heavy handed, and I managed to bend down the metal frame that's around the CMOS on my drebel on the left side. It didn't do anything to the pictures, but you know, still, it kinda sucks that it bent down.
Richard

[ian408]

Something else. While it's important to take great care when working
inside the camera you should also know that the CMOS sensor is not
totally unprotected it does have a thin glass layer over it. You do need
to be careful with the amount of fluid on the swab--don't get it all
over the inside of the camera--that will be bad.

When you're using the rocket to blow the dust out. Turn the camera
off. Raise the mirror (if needed) and face the camera down at >45
degree angle and blow--don't stick the tip of the rocket inside the
body.

So far, I haven't had to clean the sensor except using the rocket
blower.

Ian

[fish]

So far, I haven't had to clean the sensor except using the rocket
blower.

Ian

Same here, so far. Do me a favor, please? Go shoot the sky at your smallest aperture, process with autolevels and lets see the result. Don't blow off your sensor first. Just curious...

[gus]

So when i get a DSLR...

i will have to clean the thing inside...start using raw & look through the viewfinder instead of the LCD screen to shoot with :huh

This is getting deeper & deeper.

[wxwax]

So when i get a DSLR...

i will have to clean the thing inside...start using raw & look through the viewfinder instead of the LCD screen to shoot with :huh

This is getting deeper & deeper.
You may also have to use Photoshop or Elements or paintShopPro to get the best out of your shot.

Dunno what the 20D or D70 are like, but the 1D and mkII provide a rich basic material that still needs to be shaped into an excellent photo. Things like saturation, contrast, sharpening need to be done to make the shots sing.

[gus]

You may also have to use Photoshop or Elements or paintShopPro to get the best out of your shot.

Dunno what the 20D or D70 are like, but the 1D and mkII provide a rich basic material that still needs to be shaped into an excellent photo. Things like saturation, contrast, sharpening need to be done to make the shots sing.
OI....sid







over here mate....dont take anything i say too seriously

[wxwax]

OI....sid







over here mate....dont take anything i say too seriously
:rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl :rofl










Like that?:evil

[Mitchell]

Why? :ear
From what I have read, the CCD still has an electrostatic charge even with the camera off. Brushes and blowers alone will generally just push the dust around and not really remove them. The eclipse solution and the pads can decrease the charge by wetting action and help to dislodge/remove the dust.

mitch

[ian408]

Same here, so far. Do me a favor, please? Go shoot the sky at your smallest aperture, process with autolevels and lets see the result. Don't blow off your sensor first. Just curious...
http://ian408.smugmug.com/photos/15390777-M.jpg

They are there. No bout-a-doubt it.

Ian

[pathfinder]

From what I have read, the CCD still has an electrostatic charge even with the camera off. Brushes and blowers alone will generally just push the dust around and not really remove them. The eclipse solution and the pads can decrease the charge by wetting action and help to dislodge/remove the dust.

mitch


Michael Reichman has reviewed using Eclipse Methyl Alcohol solution and Sensor Swabs and has a good description of the technique on the Luminous Lancscape. He lso recently reviewed the Visible Dust removal Brushes from Canada. http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/visible-dust.shtml

I have cleaned my sensors with Eclispe and Sensor Swabs several times without incident, but from what I am reading on the web the brushes from visibledust.com are more effective and certainly seem safer than scrubbing your antialiasing filter with a firm pressure on a Sensor Swab.
Reichman is very emphatic that the VisibleDust brush is his preferred method at this time. There have been extensive discussions of sensor cleaning in the forums on his website, much of it led by Didger who put a big scratch on the sensor in his 1D with a sensor swab and Eclipse. He was not a happy camper. Go to visibledust.com I own three of their brushes.
One yuo use the Visibledust brush it will be very rare that you will need to use Eclipse and Sensor Swabs unless you sneeze into you DSLR while cleaning the sensor :D

[marlinspike]

BTW, I mentioned I bent down the sidewall around my sensor with a swab. Looks like when I had the AF calibrated canon fixed that (though I know that didnt cause the miscalibration since the af was off before that). Now the mirror mechanism is broke of course, but that's another matter alltogether.
Richard

[fish]

From what I have read, the CCD still has an electrostatic charge even with the camera off. Brushes and blowers alone will generally just push the dust around and not really remove them. The eclipse solution and the pads can decrease the charge by wetting action and help to dislodge/remove the dust.

mitch
Theoretically, the Sensor Brush also neutralizes the charge to remove the dust.

And FWIW, CCD = A charge-coupled device (CCD), is an integrated circuit containing an array of linked, or coupled, capacitors. Under the control of an external circuit, each capacitor can transfer its electric charge to one or other of its neighbours. CCDs are used in digital photography and astronomy (particularly in photometry, optical and UV spectroscopy and high speed techniques such as Lucky imaging).

[fish]

They are there. No bout-a-doubt it.

Ian
thx for taking the time. oh, and :bad

[fish]

BTW, I mentioned I bent down the sidewall around my sensor with a swab. Looks like when I had the AF calibrated canon fixed that (though I know that didnt cause the miscalibration since the af was off before that). Now the mirror mechanism is broke of course, but that's another matter alltogether.
Richard
What a drag, Richard. Now's a good time to upgrade to a 20D. :D

[wxwax]

From what I have read, the CCD still has an electrostatic charge even with the camera off. Brushes and blowers alone will generally just push the dust around and not really remove them. The eclipse solution and the pads can decrease the charge by wetting action and help to dislodge/remove the dust.

mitch
According to the dry brush kids, the canned air you blow on the brush deals with that. Lots and lots of canned air. Seemed to work for me.

I'd hesitate to recommend against a method without having tried it myself.

[marlinspike]

What a drag, Richard. Now's a good time to upgrade to a 20D. :D
If I do upgrade (I should say when, since it's just a matter of my gathering together the money), it will be to a 1D. In the mean time, some super nice FM'er has offered to lend me his spare 10D while my rebel's being fixed so I don't miss the games I was going to shoot :D:lust:thumb:bow:super:smile6:clap
Richard

[pierce]

And FWIW, CCD = A charge-coupled device (CCD), is an integrated circuit containing an array of linked, or coupled, capacitors.
FWIW, the Canon DSLR's mostly use CMOS rather than CCD sensors. Now, CMOS sensors got a bad reputation because the worst of the cheapest tv cameras and webcams use CMOS sensors that aren't as good as CCD, however the high end sensors in the Canon 10D, 300D, and 20D are, as everyone should know by now, awesome.

[fish]

FWIW, the Canon DSLR's mostly use CMOS rather than CCD sensors.
I never said they did.

Nonetheless, they both gather and accumulate charges, therefore they are both susceptible to ESD and have similar dust attracting properties.

In a CCD device, the charge is actually transported across the chip and read at one corner of the array. An analog-to-digital converter turns each pixel's value into a digital value. In most CMOS devices, there are several transistors at each pixel that amplify and move the charge using more traditional wires. The CMOS approach is more flexible because each pixel can be read individually. (from how stuff works)



Hey pierce :wave

[Aaron Wilson]

How offten should the lense be cleaned? How does dust get inside? Does dust get in during lense changes or will dust get in even if you dont change a lense?

[Andy]

How offten should the lense be cleaned? How does dust get inside? Does dust get in during lense changes or will dust get in even if you dont change a lense?

after a day outside, changing lenses, i shoot the sky at f/22 before the light's gone. then i check in photoshop, do autolevels on that shot, you'll see if you need to do a cleaning :D keep in mind, that *alot* of stuff you'll see in that f/22 sky pic with autolevels will not show up in most pics.

the other indicator is if you see lots of spots in the skies of your landscape pics.

[wxwax]

How offten should the lense be cleaned? How does dust get inside? Does dust get in during lense changes or will dust get in even if you dont change a lense?
As Andy said, changing lenses. The site owner, Baldy, once wrote that when he got his D60 and 70-200 f2.8 IS, he was never going to take the lens of the camera, so as to keep the dust motes away. :lol3

[marlinspike]

Often, dust is on the sensor when you buy the camera too. I have dust on my sensor right now, but I don't care since I don't shoot f/22...heck, I don't shoot f/16. I'll clean it when it gets covered in dust (yes, this happens for me, I change lenses a lot).
Richard

[luckyrwe]

Remember to clean the inside of the rear lens cap, dusts gets there too, then goes from there to the lens and from the lens to the sensor. Sheesh, sounds like sensorily transmitted disease! :uhoh

[Aaron Wilson]

when are they going to invent a self cleaning camera? They do that with ovens but not at first!! lol

[marlinspike]

when are they going to invent a self cleaning camera? They do that with ovens but not at first!! lol
Already exist. Olympus E-1.
Richard

[wmsnyder]

[QUOTE=fish]I just turned the body upside down, gave it a big honkin' blowjob with the Giotto rocket, snapped a sky shot, and boom! All the spots are still there. :wxwax

Another suggestion that I have used successfully is a foot pump like you use to inflate a raft or air mattress.

[ian408]

FWIW, my experience is that using a blower just rearranges the dust. I've tried many times, including with the addition of a hand-held vacuum cleaner. I've since concluded that the sensor itself has to be wiped down. I've used the dry brush method once, and it seemed to work.
Not if you go to the gas station :D

Only kidding. But based on fishy's feed bag, I went ahead and ordered
one of the visible dust thingies. More when it arrives.

Ian

[wxwax]

[QUOTE=fish]I just turned the body upside down, gave it a big honkin' blowjob with the Giotto rocket, snapped a sky shot, and boom! All the spots are still there. :wxwax

Another suggestion that I have used successfully is a foot pump like you use to inflate a raft or air mattress.
Have you done a test shot afterwards? If you think about it, you're pumping in air that also has dust motes, and moving things around in there. But you're not actually removing anything. At least, that was my frustrating experience. That's why I bought the Sensor Brush stuff, which worked well.

[ian408]

Have you done a test shot afterwards? If you think about it, you're pumping in air that also has dust motes, and moving things around in there. But you're not actually removing anything. At least, that was my frustrating experience. That's why I bought the Sensor Brush stuff, which worked well.
There's a definte art to blowing dust off the sensor. Doesn't always work but I think done properly, it definetly gets rid of most of the visible mots.

Ian

[wmsnyder]

There's a definte art to blowing dust off the sensor. Doesn't always work but I think done properly, it definetly gets rid of most of the visible mots.

IanCheck out the following web site for info on cleaning your sensor.
http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/

[wxwax]

Check out the following web site for info on cleaning your sensor.
http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/
Yup, that's the 'wet' method. I'm happy with the dry, so far anyway.

[fish]

Yup, that's the 'wet' method. I'm happy with the dry, so far anyway.

Glad to hear that, since I've got a $90 brush on its way to me :wxwax


Waxy, can you show us yer dust? Obviously it's dark outside, but you should be able to get the same effect by shooting something of consistent light color, like a wall at f22, then autolevels, and let's see it (just out of curiosity, of course...and no cheating with the clone brush :lynn)

[wxwax]

Glad to hear that, since I've got a $90 brush on its way to me :wxwax


Waxy, can you show us yer dust? Obviously it's dark outside, but you should be able to get the same effect by shooting something of consistent light color, like a wall at f22, then autolevels, and let's see it (just out of curiosity, of course...and no cheating with the clone brush :lynn)

2 things. One, I'm at work and will be for another two hours. Long day. 2/ It's been over a month since I cleaned the sensor, so whatever shot I made wouldn't be a fair representation of the cleaning. I'd have to clean it first, then show you.

[wxwax]

I got the standard brush kit. I think I'll buy the larger brush. It's closer to the size of my sensor, and will make cleaning a snap - fewer swipes.

[ian408]

Glad to hear that, since I've got a $90 brush on its way to me :wxwax


Waxy, can you show us yer dust? Obviously it's dark outside, but you should be able to get the same effect by shooting something of consistent light color, like a wall at f22, then autolevels, and let's see it (just out of curiosity, of course...and no cheating with the clone brush :lynn)
Waxy, make him show his first :D

ian

[fish]

2 things. One, I'm at work and will be for another two hours. Long day. 2/ It's been over a month since I cleaned the sensor, so whatever shot I made wouldn't be a fair representation of the cleaning. I'd have to clean it first, then show you.
And obviously working hard too! :lol3 I know, a sherpa's work is never done.

How about shooting a before and after? That should really show how effective the sensor brush is, right? :ear

[fish]

Waxy, make him show his first :D

ian

I already showed mine earlier in the thread, you troublemaker. :lynn

[wxwax]

And obviously working hard too! :lol3 I know, a sherpa's work is never done.

How about shooting a before and after? That should really show how effective the sensor brush is, right? :ear
We'll see.

I'm wasting time waiting for my talent to get done with his show, so we can finish recording a track for a doc. A complete waste of two hours when I could be at home doing the same thing. :lol3 Bummer is, I oughter be in bed by 11pm for tomorrow morning's workout. Be lucky to be home by midnight.

[ian408]

I already showed mine earlier in the thread, you troublemaker. :lynn
That was so two days ago...:rofl

[luckyrwe]

That was so two days ago...:rofl
Yea, technology changes!!!

[fish]

So my cute, but expensive, Sensor Brushes showed up yesterday. There are two brushes...a thick "sensor brush" and a thin "SBF fan brush." The website does not seem to indicate which brush should be used for what. The qtime movies show both brushes being used on sensors.

I just sent off a WTF email to visibledust. Those of you well-versed in SensorBrush technology care to give this n00b a clue?

tia

[fish]

So my cute, but expensive, Sensor Brushes showed up yesterday. There are two brushes...a thick "sensor brush" and a thin "SBF fan brush." The website does not seem to indicate which brush should be used for what. The qtime movies show both brushes being used on sensors.

I just sent off a WTF email to visibledust. Those of you well-versed in SensorBrush technology care to give this n00b a clue?

tia
Just got the following info from visibledust.com:

The fan shape is used where
A) there is only one or two spots on the sensor, kind of touch up brush
B) when you are out of canned air or can not take canned air, so you recharge it with bulb blower
C) to clean the mirror and focusing optics in order for the sensor to stay clean longer due to less filaments and thinner handle fan shape sensor brush is ideal.
If you have anymore questions please let me know.
Thanks
Lisa


I've got to run off to a meeting, but I'll try it this afternoon and post the results.

[ian408]

Just got the following info from visibledust.com:
The fan shape is used where
A) there is only one or two spots on the sensor, kind of touch up brush
B) when you are out of canned air or can not take canned air, so you recharge it with bulb blower
C) to clean the mirror and focusing optics in order for the sensor to stay clean longer due to less filaments and thinner handle fan shape sensor brush is ideal.
If you have anymore questions please let me know.
Thanks
Lisa


I've got to run off to a meeting, but I'll try it this afternoon and post the results.
On your way home, don't forget the canned air.

Mine came yesterday as well. You'd think they'd enclose some directions
with the brush set. But you need to visit the site and grab the pdf file.

What's not so obvious is that you need to have canned air and you use it
for each swath of the sensor: 1) Spray the brush. Step 2) brush the sensor.
Step 3) repeat as required to clean the sensor.

I need to go to Fry's for something else so I guess I'll get the canned air
at the same time.

Ian

[fish]

On your way home, don't forget the canned air.

Mine came yesterday as well. You'd think they'd enclose some directions
with the brush set. But you need to visit the site and grab the pdf file.

What's not so obvious is that you need to have canned air and you use it
for each swath of the sensor: 1) Spray the brush. Step 2) brush the sensor.
Step 3) repeat as required to clean the sensor.

I need to go to Fry's for something else so I guess I'll get the canned air
at the same time.

Ian

I've got several cans. Want one? :)

I haven't had a chance to work on it yet...I'll try tonight if the kids stop bugging me about making them some shells and cheese. :rolleyes

[ian408]

I've got several cans. Want one? :)

I haven't had a chance to work on it yet...I'll try tonight if the kids stop bugging me about making them some shells and cheese. :rolleyes
I'm good. Got a couple at Fry's :huh

Ian

[wxwax]

On your way home, don't forget the canned air.

Mine came yesterday as well. You'd think they'd enclose some directions
with the brush set. But you need to visit the site and grab the pdf file.

What's not so obvious is that you need to have canned air and you use it
for each swath of the sensor: 1) Spray the brush. Step 2) brush the sensor.
Step 3) repeat as required to clean the sensor.

I need to go to Fry's for something else so I guess I'll get the canned air
at the same time.

Ian
The first and only time I did it, I used an entire can of air! I ordered too-small brushes, had to make many swipes. And I was paranoid, so I blasted the heck out of the brush with the canned air. I ordered a larger brush lat week, should be able to clean the sensor in one or two passes. That would be dandy and quick.

[fish]

Here's the before shot:

http://coyfish.smugmug.com/photos/15332026-L.jpg


after:

http://coyfish.smugmug.com/photos/15994546-L.jpg


:bash

I just tried it again with similar results. Did I just flush $90? :bluduh

[philspace]

Thank ewe. I'm now much more comfortable with my decision to go the other way. My kit from Copper Hill showed up last week.

[John Mueller]

Fish,how many passes did you do? If this is the 1st time you have cleaned the sensor,it may take several tries.Also if its not doing the job,you may have to do the wet method.Then use the brush on a regular schedule.
I had a set of brushes before I got my new cam and used them 2 weeks after use.
I have 3 specks that they wont pick up and do not see them until I use auto level @ f22
I dont use auto levels on my images @ f22 so I live with the 3 spots.
BTW,I do see improvement on the images.

[wxwax]

Fish,how many passes did you do? If this is the 1st time you have cleaned the sensor,it may take several tries.Also if its not doing the job,you may have to do the wet method.Then use the brush on a regular schedule.
I had a set of brushes before I got my new cam and used them 2 weeks after use.
I have 3 specks that they wont pick up and do not see them until I use auto level @ f22
I dont use auto levels on my images @ f22 so I live with the 3 spots.
BTW,I do see improvement on the images.

That sounds reasonable. The first cleaning could be the most challenging, if there are imbedded motes. Once past that problem, regular cleaning with a brush might be the simplest solution. I didn't save my last before/after images. I will this time. Should be interesting.

[fish]

Fish,how many passes did you do?
Lots.

If this is the 1st time you have cleaned the sensor,it may take several tries.Also if its not doing the job,you may have to do the wet method.Then use the brush on a regular schedule.
That's what I was thinking...dang, I shouldn't have sneezed into the camera. :thwak

I sent an email off to Lisa, the friendly tech support person at visibledust.com and here's her response:

HI David

The images look like you have liquid spots on your sensor that the brushes canot remove by themselves. You will need to do a wet cleaning so I would recommend that you order the Sensor Clean and Chamber Clean. Here are the links for you to take a look at as to what they can do.
http://www.visibledust.com/sensorclean.htm
http://www.visibledust.com/chamberclean.htm

If you have any more questions please let me know.

Thanks
Lisa


Well, I don't have the patience to wait another week for their wet stuff to show up, so I bought a box of Sensor Swabs and Eclipse fluid at K&S (along with a Domke bag...geez...I just can't stop!). Here's the sensor after going through three swabs. Pretty damn good at this point, and I think I'll just live with this. I'll use the brush regularly (boy, it sure works great on the mirror), and do the wet thing once in awhile. I'm satisfied at this point.

http://coyfish.smugmug.com/photos/16008522-L.jpg

[fish]

Just to prevent the n00bies from getting their knickers in a twist over this, here's the after shot prior to autolevels (remember...this is at f22):

http://coyfish.smugmug.com/photos/16009191-L.jpg

[John Mueller]

Great.:thumb I have their swabs and sensor clean also and I wouldnt recommend that.Swab with eclipse is the best.

[fish]

Great.:thumb I have their swabs and sensor clean also and I wouldnt recommend that.Swab with eclipse is the best.
Thanks MHJS. I guess it's just an unavoidable consequence of swapping lenses, and I didn't buy a dSLR to just leave one lens on it.

[philspace]

Home with a bum tendon so I figured I would take the time to clean the 20D up a little. This is what it looked like after I tried just blowing it off with a rocket bulb.

http://philspace.smugmug.com/photos/16045721-L.jpg

Did realize how funky it was. It took a while to get used to the sensorswipe, but it worked out OK - still getting used to the swipe and the white knuckled experience of messing around with the sensor, but after the first try, not bad.

http://philspace.smugmug.com/photos/16045718-L.jpg

There is only one little spot that I can still detect, but for now, this is as good as it gets - heck, I've been shooting with it dirty all along and didn't even realize it until I stopped it down and took a test shot.

[wxwax]

Phil, sorry to see you damaged your sensor on the first cleaning.

http://philspace.smugmug.com/photos/16045718-S.jpg





























:bad

[philspace]

Phil, sorry to see you damaged your sensor on the first cleaning.




:bad Cute, my heart started beating hard when I got the email notification..... I would have expected that from the finned one, but not you - good one :thumb

[fish]

Cute, my heart started beating hard when I got the email notification..... I would have expected that from the finned one, but not you - good one :thumb
Don't get too happy, phil. Open your original sky shot (assuming you shot it at minimum aperture) in photoshop and do an autolevels adjustment on it. I think you'll find dark spots all over it. Go check and post the results. :):

[wxwax]

Cute, my heart started beating hard when I got the email notification..... I would have expected that from the finned one, but not you - good one :thumb
:rofl :rofl :rofl

[John Mueller]

Good one Sid :rofl:rofl

I stay away from the blower! In the past, it has put dust on the view screen and that is not so easy to remove.

[philspace]

Good one Sid :rofl:rofl

I stay away from the blower! In the past, it has put dust on the view screen and that is not so easy to remove.
I also found that out the hard way - last time I ever listen to anyone at Penn Camera :bluduh

And yes, ain't that Sid is an evil bastige :smooch

[fish]

And yes, ain't that Sid is an evil bastige :smooch

Yes, he is. So ya got that auto-level shot ready to post yet? :ear

[ChrisJ]

I found this thread very enlightening. It was a complication with my new dSLR that I did not expect. Film constantly cycles, the sensor obviously does not!

I purchased the Visibledust Econo Kit and some canned air and followed the easy instructions from the web site. I checked every 2 swipes and there was definite improvement each time. It took about 6 swipes total for me to be satisfied. But the gunk that was on the camera from picture #1 (and all the rest) is now gone! :clap

Chris

[Andy]

petteri sulonen's site (http://194.100.88.243/petteri/pont/How_to/a_Brush_Your_Sensor/a_Brush_Your_Sensor.html)

[wxwax]

petteri sulonen's site (http://194.100.88.243/petteri/pont/How_to/a_Brush_Your_Sensor/a_Brush_Your_Sensor.html)
Terriific link. What does he mean about a store "sizing" an artist's brush? :scratch

[philspace]

petteri sulonen's site (http://194.100.88.243/petteri/pont/How_to/a_Brush_Your_Sensor/a_Brush_Your_Sensor.html)
That was cool, great web site. After doing the Copper Hill thing, I really think a brush will get most of the standard stuff. I balked at paying $100 for a set of brushes, but the Cotman 777 I can get locally for $11 and for the extra money saved I am more than happy to wash the brush a couple times to get the coating off :thumb

I was out in sub zero weather shooting landscapes and I noticed a spot that wouldn't budge, probably from condensation. The wet method was still the only way it would go away.

[clicket]

Has anyone tried the sensor brush?

I've read good things so far.

...
The price has kept me away so far.

Dave
I have, and found it most effective. Expensive ? Utterly, but I now offer my friends to clean their sensors. Friendship has no price... :wink

[risource]

Afraid I had spots on my shots, I did what you said. I went immediately outside, set f/22 in aperture preferred mode, raised the camera to my eye and looked straight up and took a few shots of the sky.

I didn't need to go to photoshop to see them. There were spots all over the image. In fact, there were spots even on the lens, the camera, and my glasses.

I guess I have to wait until it is not raining and go do it again.

[davev]

In all of the directions to clean the sensor, the first step is to "lock up the mirror"

Well, I have an unhacked 300D that doesn't have mirror lock up.
What do I do?

dave.

[John Mueller]

In all of the directions to clean the sensor, the first step is to "lock up the mirror"

Well, I have an unhacked 300D that doesn't have mirror lock up.
What do I do?

dave. Dave maybe Im missing something here.
You should have a setting for sensor clean on your cam.That will lock the mirror up and open the shutter.

[wxwax]

In all of the directions to clean the sensor, the first step is to "lock up the mirror"

Well, I have an unhacked 300D that doesn't have mirror lock up.
What do I do?

dave.
Read your manual. AS MHJS says, there's a menu setting.

[davev]

Read your manual. AS MHJS says, there's a menu setting.
Yep, press menu button, go 3 to the right, and there it is.

thanks.

dave.

[ginger_55]

OK, my sensor needs cleaning. The manual says to use nothing but a bulb, no brush, blowing the air in. No canned air. This is the popular Canon 20D. It says not to put ANYTHING past the place where the lens goes, just to blow the air in from the bulb.

I read about half the pages here, and it doesn't sound like the method in my manual is going to do anything except make a bunch of techs laugh.

I owned the Rebel a year and didn't have the trouble with dust that I am having now after 2 months.

Scared to clean it and scared not to, too broke to have it done or to buy expensive "brushes" that I am not supposed to use anyway. I would just clone over the dust, but it doesn't seem to show up until I post the shots, then it shows up big time, everyone notices it, even I can see it before it is through.

ginger

[John Mueller]

Ginger,go ahead and try a blower.It may help.Face the cam down and blow up into it.It could dislodge the bigger stuff.
I was scared to death the first time I tried the other methods posted here.In fact I still get nervous which ever way I do it.
I found that the easiest way for me was the brush method.
New cameras have fleck, its tiny flakes of the new parts wearing in.Blowing may get rid of it.
Another thing I found out is changing lenses.I will not do this outside and I do it as quick as possible with the lens off,holding the cam downward.
Also check your back lens element.I been using a blower on those as well.I have seen some big stuff come off.

[Andy]

i've been using a blower first, then the copperhill method (www.pbase.com/copperhill).

here's a little animation that shows the results

http://williams.smugmug.com/photos/21055981-L.gif

as you can see, the blower takes care of most of the dust. one quick pass with the sensorswipe, and i was done. note that i don't get crazy, you can see that there's still some tiny bits of dust on the lower right corner - you'll never, ever see this on screen or in print - remember, when you test shoot, you're shooting at f/22 against a sky so you can see what's there! in real life, at a resonable aperture, those last little mots will never be seen so i don't worry 'bout 'em :D

[JamesJWeg]

When do you decide that it is cleaning time? I started to notice some spots when shooting product over a white background, I tried the blower bulb route and amazingly the big ones went away. Now I am wondering if I should still clean copperhill route? Should I clean this?

Sky, F22 auto leveled in Nikon Editor
http://pics.jamesjweg.com/photos/21339820-M.jpg

Same shot not auto leveled for those like me who didn't understand at first why
http://pics.jamesjweg.com/photos/21339817-M.jpg

James.

[John Mueller]

The way I look at it is if I dont see it on the images I shoot ,no need to clean it.
Why take risks?
I dont use auto levels on my images at f22 or any for that matter.
That is just a guage to see how dirty it is.
If I see them at f8 I clean:D

[dragon300zx]

Well I went to the store tonight and bout a sensor cleaning kit. :uhoh all it did was rearange it and the sensor swabs that are listed on the website are all sold out. I have the eclipse now I just have to find a good sensor swab cause the ones in the kit sucked. Oh well I tried, I didn't break it, and I can clean it when I can get some good swabs.

If you try this make sure you have good swabs. I blew it out first with some air and that didn't do too much.

[JamesJWeg]

WARNING!!!!

If you get the copperhill kit, or the SensorSwip by it's self, do NOT carry it in carry-on when you fly. Security in Manila was not amused last week, it seems that the SensorSwip looks like a knife in X-Ray, they tried to tear it apart to be sure there was not a blade hidden in it. Put it in your check-in.

James.

[wxwax]

WARNING!!!!

If you get the copperhill kit, or the SensorSwip by it's self, do NOT carry it in carry-on when you fly. Security in Manila was not amused last week, it seems that the SensorSwip looks like a knife in X-Ray, they tried to tear it apart to be sure there was not a blade hidden in it. Put it in your check-in.

James.
Thanks for the tip, very interesting.

[dpfranz]

i agree with waxilodeon, the blower blows. get some eclipse, and a spatula and wipes from copperhill, and do it proper. usually one or two swipes is all it takes.

and no more fugly!
I have used a baby snot sucker (little bulb blower) ever since my first DSLR, and have never had any problems. I have never had to touch a sensor, and the occasional dust bunny comes right off with the bulb blower, which I bought at the drug store for about $5. I do occasionally combine it with my vacuum cleaner hose from an inch or two away, just to help get rid of the dust, rather than leave it in the camera.

[David_S85]

I have used a baby snot sucker (little bulb blower) ever since my first DSLR, and have never had any problems. I have never had to touch a sensor, and the occasional dust bunny comes right off with the bulb blower, which I bought at the drug store for about $5.
Drug store, eh? Good tip #1

I do occasionally combine it with my vacuum cleaner hose from an inch or two away, just to help get rid of the dust, rather than leave it in the camera.
Vaccuum assist. Good tip #2

:thumb

[ziggy53]

Drug store bulb blower:

If you use any blower, clean it first with dishwashing detergent and several rinses to get any release powder out of it. (Dry it thoroughly before using it, of course.) When blower bulbs are formed in the factory, they use a mold to form the shape of the bulb. The mold is coated with either a silicone release compound or a dry release powder. That powder can be a pain if blown unintentionally into a camera.

One fellow on the DPReview forums had terrible problems with the powder evidently contaminating the sensor.

ziggy53

[wxwax]

Drug store, eh? Good tip #1


Vaccuum assist. Good tip #2

:thumb
All I can say is that I tried that with a vengeance, and it didn't work. Both the blowing and the sucking.

For me, they both sucked.

[gus]

Drug store bulb blower:

If you use any blower, clean it first with dishwashing detergent and several rinses to get any release powder out of it. (Dry it thoroughly before using it, of course.) When blower bulbs are formed in the factory, they use a mold to form the shape of the bulb. The mold is coated with either a silicone release compound or a dry release powder. That powder can be a pain if blown unintentionally into a camera.

One fellow on the DPReview forums had terrible problems with the powder evidently contaminating the sensor.

ziggy53
Thanks ziggy...i got my giotto rocket blower in the mail last night & was about an hour from doing the job. I will recon & re-deploy.:thumb :thumb :thumb

[Andy]

so, dslr owners, have *you* cleaned your sensor lately? :deal

[Andy]

I have used a baby snot sucker (little bulb blower) ever since my first DSLR, and have never had any problems. I have never had to touch a sensor, and the occasional dust bunny comes right off with the bulb blower, which I bought at the drug store for about $5. I do occasionally combine it with my vacuum cleaner hose from an inch or two away, just to help get rid of the dust, rather than leave it in the camera.

sorry but i must disagree with you, dpfranz. folks have reported horror stories about this. and it makes sense. do not use a vacuum of any kind, big, small, whatever, on your sensor. to much chance for user-error here :deal

btw, a baby snot blower? :nono why spend about $1000 on a camera body and then scrimp a few bucks on a blower? get the real thing... a giottos rocket blower for a few seconds (cost, about {url=http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=772203&search=giottos+rocket+blower]$12 usd[/url] to get any big bunnies out... then swabs. i use the copperhill method (www.pbase.com/copperhill).

[Andy]

The way I look at it is if I dont see it on the images I shoot ,no need to clean it.
Why take risks?
I dont use auto levels on my images at f22 or any for that matter.
That is just a guage to see how dirty it is.
If I see them at f8 I clean:D


:agree!

[jogle]

WARNING!!!!

If you get the copperhill kit, or the SensorSwip by it's self, do NOT carry it in carry-on when you fly. Security in Manila was not amused last week, it seems that the SensorSwip looks like a knife in X-Ray, they tried to tear it apart to be sure there was not a blade hidden in it. Put it in your check-in.

James.
And the eclipse fluid is pure methanol, you aren't ment to take that on the plane either, it turns you into a radical nut job or something.

[lynnma]

so, dslr owners, have *you* cleaned your sensor lately? :dealI must soon but I'm skeered :huh and I have the liquid and the proper $50 worth of swaby things to last a lifetime....

[JamesJWeg]

And the eclipse fluid is pure methanol, you aren't ment to take that on the plane either, it turns you into a radical nut job or something.
:uhoh They didn't notice that one and I didn't think of it.

James.

[Anson]

'lock up and clean up', that is!

[lynnma]

so, dslr owners, have *you* cleaned your sensor lately? :dealSo.. I was feeling brave and I cleaned my sensor... all excited looked through my lens and the motts are all still there :dunno so.. I cleaned it AGAIN! and they are still there... :uhoh sloshed some on the lens and stuff but where are these little crittors...:huh

[JamesJWeg]

So.. I was feeling brave and I cleaned my sensor... all excited looked through my lens and the motts are all still there :dunno so.. I cleaned it AGAIN! and they are still there... :uhoh sloshed some on the lens and stuff but where are these little crittors...:huh
What method did you use to clean the sensor? Could we see a frame?

James.

[lynnma]

What method did you use to clean the sensor? Could we see a frame?

James.I used my $50 sealed perfect Sensor Swabs, not touching ANYTHING after removing from plastic. Used Eclipse .. did everything right...TWICE.. look through camera, motts still there.. MANY motts... take picture of sky...NO MOTTS!! whats going on:uhoh :scratch are motts on eyeballs??? no.. surely not...http://lynn.smugmug.com/photos/33347002-L.jpg


here's another one.. can you see motts??? damed if I can...:uhoh

http://Lynn.smugmug.com/photos/33347502-L.jpg

[Andy]

I used my $50 sealed perfect Sensor Swabs, not touching ANYTHING after removing from plastic. Used Eclipse .. did everything right...TWICE.. look through camera, motts still there.. MANY motts... take picture of sky...NO MOTTS!! whats going on:uhoh :scratch are motts on eyeballs??? no.. surely not...

darling, dear, lynnie:

when you are looking thru the viewfinder, you are bouncing off the mirror - so anything you *see* thru the viewfinder, is on the mirror, not the sensor. your sensor is fine - good job cleaning! next time you clean, blow with the giottos rocket blower *before* you clean the sensor, you'll get the crud off that mirror. then clean the sensor.

good onya lynnie!

[lynnma]

darling, dear, lynnie:

when you are looking thru the viewfinder, you are bouncing off the mirror - so anything you *see* thru the viewfinder, is on the mirror, not the sensor. your sensor is fine - good job cleaning! next time you clean, blow with the giottos rocket blower *before* you clean the sensor, you'll get the crud off that mirror. then clean the sensor.

good onya lynnie!well ..:huh in desperation I did slosh some on the mirror as well.. just to be sure.. an I don't have a blowy thingy.. is it ok to clean mirrors? or should I get a blowy thingy..can you use any blowy thing?:uhoh Andy?

[Andy]

well ..:huh in desperation I did slosh some on the mirror as well.. just to be sure.. an I don't have a blowy thingy.. is it ok to clean mirrors? or should I get a blowy thingy..can you use any blowy thing?:uhoh Andy?


buy a giottos rocket blower (http://www.onecall.com/ProductDisplay.mpt?ProductID=18265&FEID=130&PMNID=1121)

yeah, it's ok to swab the mirror, but i don't do it, the blower (first) then swabbing the sensor's been all i've ever needed.

[lynnma]

buy a giottos rocket blower (http://www.onecall.com/ProductDisplay.mpt?ProductID=18265&FEID=130&PMNID=1121)

yeah, it's ok to swab the mirror, but i don't do it, the blower (first) then swabbing the sensor's been all i've ever needed.Thanks dearie.. I ordered one.. Can't wait to get rid of those motts.. they drive me crazy...:1drink

[JamesJWeg]

They may be on the focus screen instead of the mirror, get the blower and blow that off too. It is not really recomended, but I just use an old style lens brush to brush off the mirror and focus screen. FYI, most focus screens are easily removable, :wink very easily, as in take a close look before you brush around in there so you know how to put it back in. I was cleaning a friends 1DMKI for him and the screen fell out in my hand, took me a min of :scratch to figure out which way it was suppossed to be in there.

James.

[Seymore]

So.. I was feeling brave and I cleaned my sensor... all excited looked through my lens and the motts are all still there :dunno so.. I cleaned it AGAIN! and they are still there... :uhoh sloshed some on the lens and stuff but where are these little crittors...:huh
I suspect your 300D has bunnies in the viewfinders prism. I'll let Canon users address this one though...

[kdog]

Hey ya'll,

I haven't been around these parts in a while, and just discovered this thread. I recently got a 20D and a modest quiver of lenses, and some free dust bunnies evidently thrown in at no extra charge. And thus I've been experimenting with the different cleaning methods described here with reasonable success after a few rough starts, as seems to be the rule.

My biggest frustration was doing all this blind. You try a cleaning method, reinstall the lens, take a picture and look at it on the computer, only to discover that you need to start over. Frustrating as hell. Well friends, those days are now gone, thanks to this little device.

http://www.griotsgarage.com/images/products/lg/11841_LG.jpg (http://www.griotsgarage.com/images/products/lg/11841_LG.jpg)

This is a lighted 6x magnifier from Griots garage. I'd originally purchased it mainly for digging splinters out of my fingers (my other hobby is woodworking.) It turns out that it's absolutely wonderful for inspecting the camera sensor! The focal distance just makes it; you have to hold the lens right in front of the lens opening. But then the sensor snaps into view. The built in light illuminates the sensor and the dust particles really jump out at you. You can see *everything* -- specs, smudges, you name it. You get instant feedback which allows you to play around with different brushing and swabbing techniques until you get it right. You can blow, brush or swab, and know instantly how you are progressing. For me this was a huge breakthrough. I don't think I'll ever clean my sensor again without using it.

Here's a link to the item on Griots Garage's website.

Lighted Magnifier (http://www.griotsgarage.com/search.jsp?searchtext=magnifier&search.x=0&search.y=0)

I paid $29 for it a few months ago, but it looks like it's gone up to $39 now, which seems WAY too much for what it is. It's made by Eschenbach, a very good German brand. You can find other distributors who sell it as well as numerous other models. Any good lighted mirror will do as long as the focus distance is long enough so that it focuses on the sensor from outside the camera. The lighting is really the crucial part because it illuminates the dust particles like you won't believe. Besides, what's another $40 when you just spent $80 for a couple of little paint brushes. :giggle (BTW, the Sensor Brush from Copperhill is less than $20 and works great.)

[Mike Lane]

Wow! Pretty rad, thanks for the tip!!!

[kdog]

Wow! Pretty rad, thanks for the tip!!! Thanks, any time. :thumb
Let us know how you make out!

[Mike Lane]

PHEW!!!

That copperhill method stresses me out! I followed all the instructions on the site and with the included package. I went from dust all over, to dust on the bottom and right side of the image (not sure where that correlates to on the CCD :scratch ), to a nasty freaking spot on the bottom left, to a nasty freaking spot on the bottom left...ARGH!!!

Then I decided to really get in there and look at it and swab it until I didn't see anything suspicious. I didn't pay attention to the back and forth recommendation, just swabbed wherever.

Finally, a result I can live with. Not 100% dust free, but certainly not anywhere close to what it was.

Anyhow, I need to go unwind!

[rutt]

Man, with all the stress this causes and how hard it is to get right, you'd think someone would offer a service: FEDEX the camera to them, get back in 2-3 days clean. What would you pay?

[Angelo]

Man, with all the stress this causes and how hard it is to get right, you'd think someone would offer a service: FEDEX the camera to them, get back in 2-3 days clean. What would you pay?
I smell a cottage industry starting up Rutt! :D
I know I would gladly pay someone to clean my sensor for me. I've read this thread several times; I've read everything at the Copperhill site as well and I still haven't ordered my kit nor have I ever cleaned my sensor for fear of ruining it.

Even my trusted camera store refuses to "wet" clean, they only offer to ship to Nikon (or Canon).

I've hoped that an experienced "cleaner" from dGrin might offer workshops.

[lynnma]

It's not hard.. ha ha.. once you've done it.. Gotta get the right swabs of course and eclipse but what can happen?? NO DON'T GO THERE..

I bet you'd take more care cleaning your sensor than some 12 year old in a camera place would..AND remember in that Movie with Anthony Hopkins called The Edge (http://www.foxmovies.com/theedge/hopkins.html)? he said when trying to trap maniacle Kodiak Bear who was tracking them.. "what one man can do... another man can do"... yep, use that all the time.. good policy that is.
Clean your own sensors.. be a man... step up to the plate..:thumb :clap

[Mike Lane]

Hmmm, what would I pay? Well my local store charges $50 so I would say that it would have to cost less than that for the total job including shipping. I'm really out of the running since I've got a copperhill package anyhow (although I'm less than impressed with it to be honest).

[rutt]

It's not like I haven't done this. Copperhill, sensor brush, the whole 9 yards. I just hate it and it always takes longer and gets worse results than I want. And while they were at it they could clean the mirror and viewfinder and inside. I'd pay for that once in a while.

Mike, if my local camera store would do it for $50, I'd be there.

[gtc]

a link
http://cleaningdigitalcameras.com/


It's not like I haven't done this. Copperhill, sensor brush, the whole 9 yards. I just hate it and it always takes longer and gets worse results than I want. And while they were at it they could clean the mirror and viewfinder and inside. I'd pay for that once in a while.

Mike, if my local camera store would do it for $50, I'd be there.

[David_S85]

a link
http://cleaningdigitalcameras.com/


Just read most of the way through that. Great resource. It still doesn't quell my fears of giving the old silicon chippy a good rub & scrub. So far i've only blasted it with my large size Giottos Rocket Air bulb thingy.

Oh, and just a little fact from recent experience here with the Rocket Air... pet cats do not like their face being blasted clean with air. Not even if it made me laugh when I did it the one time. Cats just don't understand my sense of humor. :wxwax Just though I'd warn people. And yes, I feel horrible about the incident. I will never do it again.

[gus]

Cats just don't understand my sense of humor. :wxwax Just though I'd warn people. And yes, I feel horrible about the incident. I will never do it again.
They have NO sense of humor mate. I got all the remotes on the coffee table (6 of them) enlisted the help of a small child whom giggled a lot & aimed all 6 at , what we considered to be the centre of a sleeping cats brain...it woke momentarily ..& simply yawned as if to prove me a fool !

Had it been a bit smarter it could have easily been in on the joke...crossed its eyes & rolled on its back or just wriggled..but no...it wanted to be in control.

[gtc]

just picked up my canon 20d from its first clean and I have been told that some dust has found its way under the low pass filter covering the sensor,and that it will be a major job to remove it.

this sounds like a warranty claim.has anyone else had this problem?

[gus]

just picked up my canon 20d from its first clean and I have been told that some dust has found its way under the low pass filter covering the sensor,and that it will be a major job to remove it.

this sounds like a warranty claim.has anyone else had this problem?
keep us posted with an outcome mate...inside my camera looks like the Simpson !

[Angelo]

a link
http://cleaningdigitalcameras.com/
FANTASTIC resource!!! thank you for sharing that.

[SnapHappy]

Well I just wish someone had warned me about dust and sensors and camera internals, as a first time owner of a camera with interchangeable lenses I left the camera with the cover off sat on the table when I first got it.
As soon as I came across the subject I checked my sensor which wasn't too bad but the mirror was infected and so too the screen thing above the mirror. I tried with 2 brushes that i bought from an art shop which worked well on the mirror but I can't get the other part clean.
Jessops inform me there is a place in the city that does the whole job for £25 while you wait. So I would rather take it there than fuss over buying more expensive extra's. :D

[gus]

Im with you Snap...i will pay someone to do it for me shortly.

I open mine anywhere anytime to get a lens on (except when there is water in the air such as waterfalls/rain etc). I have 2 or 3 spots that can only be seen at F/double figs that i rarely use. I dont think its something that should be 'overdone'. We are talking about a VERY delicate device here.

[kdog]

So, I was blowing my sensor yesterday (perhaps a poor choice of words) in preparation to brush my sensor and/or swab it, and had a bit of an epiphany. Normally, what I do is stick the nozzle of the blower into the lens mount opening -- but not too far -- and pump away for a minute while aiming the nozzle at different areas. Suddenly it occured to me that there's a better way. You should squeeze the bulb, pull the nozzle well out of the camera, and then release. Reinsert, squeeze, and pull out and release again. The idea is that if you release the bulb pressure with the nozzle still in the camera, you stand a good chance of sucking dust into the bulb only to be deposited back onto the sensor when you blow it out again. Further more, air is actually being sucked from the room into the camera body when you release the bulb pressure! So really, there's a good chance you're just recycling the dust when you use a bulb in the camera, or maybe even making matters worse.

So I tried just inserting, blowing, pulling out and releasing, and repeated that process a dozen times or more. I inspected the lens with my lighted magnifier (everybody's got theirs, right?), and all the big specs were gone. Yeah, there were still several little specs, but I know from experience they're hardly visible. I put the lens back on, took a couple of f22 blue-sky test shots, and things looked good. Sure, If I do an autolevels, I can see the small specs. But without autolevels it's spotless, which I feel is good enough. No brushing or swabbing this time.

Now perhaps it's just coincidence, but that's the first time I've gotten acceptable results with just a bulb blower. Ya'll might want to give that a try some time. There might just be something to it, and it's a heck of a lot less stressful than brushing or swabbing.

[David_S85]

What kind of air blower are you using?

My Rocket Air blower's check valve is at the very bottom of the rocket (where the engine nozzle would be if it was a real rocket).

There's little to no chance that any particle could be sucked into the nose cone that is aimed into the mirror chamber and re-deposited onto the sensor since the check valve, if operating properly, shouldn't allow anything into the nose cone part at all.

[kdog]

There's little to no chance that any particle could be sucked into the nose cone that is aimed into the mirror chamber and re-deposited onto the sensor since the check valve, if operating properly, shouldn't allow anything into the nose cone part at all.
Ho ho, guess again David. Compress your Rocket Blower and put your finger over the check-valve inlet and release. Air will get sucked very nicely into the bulb. Now put your finger over the nozzle and try the same experiment. The bulb actually fills more slowly. I claim you get as much if not more return air back into the bulb via the nozzle than you do the inlet. Now if they'd put a check valve in the nozzle, then they'd really have something there.

[gus]

You should squeeze the bulb, pull the nozzle well out of the camera, and then release. Reinsert, squeeze, and pull out and release again. .Thats how i always do it. Best way imho

[David_S85]

I just tried placing my finger over the red tip. Air sucks in the same speed either way. Nothing is getting sucked in through the top as far as I can tell.

I have the largest of the three sizes of the Giottos rocket.

[kdog]

I just tried placing my finger over the red tip. Air sucks in the same speed either way. Nothing is getting sucked in through the top as far as I can tell.

I have the largest of the three sizes of the Giottos rocket. David, please do this simple test. Squeeze and release the bulb. Hear that whistle when you release it? Now squeeze the bulb, and place your finger over the red tip. Release the bulb. Note that there's no whistle. That whistling noise is air rushing into the red tip when you release. Unless I miss my guess, you will also notice the bulb filling significantly more slowly with the red tip nozzle covered.

And how could it not be so? On one hand you have the inlet with a check valve. On the other hand, you have an open nozzle with no valve. Why on earth wouldn't air get sucked into the nozzle? It doesn't even have the restriction of the check valve on the inlet? And yes, I have the large Giottos Rocket as well.

Any other Rocket Blower owners want to try this?

[David_S85]

Well, what can I say different? Mine doesn't whistle. Mine has no air rushing into the tip. Mine doesn't fill at any different speeds, regardless. My copy works great.

[kdog]

Well, what can I say different? Mine doesn't whistle. Mine has no air rushing into the tip. Mine doesn't fill at any different speeds, regardless. My copy works great.
If the blower does indeed fill at the same speed regardless of which orfice is covered, then 50% of the return air comes in through the nozzle. It's irrefutable physics.

[ginger_55]

My Canon 20D, under warranty, has a few issues, so I need to send it back to Canon for "repairs". :cry Two weeks or so w/o a camera, but the birders say to do it now while the birds are out in the fields, so I will have the camera here when the eagles come back hungry.

That is the bad news. The good news is:

CANON WILL CLEAN MY SENSOR FOR FREE WHILE IT IS THERE.:clap

ginger

[kdog]

That is the bad news. The good news is:
CANON WILL CLEAN MY SENSOR FOR FREE WHILE IT IS THERE.:clap

ginger
Good luck with that. I just got mine back from service and the sensor was dirtier than when it went in. On the other hand, they fixed my camera and that was all that mattered.

[ginger_55]

Good luck with that. I just got mine back from service and the sensor was dirtier than when it went in. On the other hand, they fixed my camera and that was all that mattered.
I even added a note saying that the man had promised the service. Mine is super dirty.

Yes, if I could just get my camera back. And in good shape! Actually they weren't problems I couldn't live with, but any worse, or a decision to sell the camera, and I would wish I had had it fixed. So I bit the bullet!

ginger

[spider-t]

Have you seen this site?

http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/

It has really thorough reviews of products and instructions on cleaning your sensors.

cheers,
Trish

[rutt]

You can get this done professionally while you wait at FotoCare in NYC for $50. Given my frustrations with it in the past, that might be a good deal if you happen to be in the neighborhood.

[asd]

Wow, this thread has saved the rest of my hair. I just got my first ever dSLR a month ago and had no idea dust would be a problem. So I was all sad when I saw motes in my blue sky vacation photos and, seeing some dust inside the lens that couldn't be blown off, assumed that was the problem. I glanced at the sensor but didn't see anything, so I was pretty sure it was the lens dust.

:doh Don't tell that the dust was actually on the sensor. I just got the RMA replacement lens today and..the spots are still in my photos. So I took a closer look at the sensor and saw something.

And then couldn't get it off.
And then started thinking I'd have to send it to Canon to be fixed/cleaned.
And then thought to search dgrin.
And then saw this thread and realized it was dust, not a defect...

This forum has fast become my first stop any time I have a photo question. :clap THANKS!!

[Andy]

And then thought to search dgrin.
And then saw this thread and realized it was dust, not a defect...

This forum has fast become my first stop any time I have a photo question. :clap THANKS!!


:thumb :thumb

[Scott_Quier]

EDIT: OOOPS - forgot to mention that YMMV - but It worked for me.

After reading all the posts in this thread, I figured I would take a look at the condition of my sensor. I thought it would be pretty good.

So, I mounted my 28-75 onto the camera, stopped it all the way down, zoomed all the way out, and pointed it at the white screen.

Got, as expected, a very nice gray image. But, wait! What are those few little dark spots. Just a couple. Thought I was doing good.

Loaded it into PS, apply AutoLevels. OH MY GOD! :uhoh:cry This is what I found....

http://scottquier.smugmug.com/gallery/1195142/1/55904946/Largehttp://scottquier.smugmug.com/photos/55904946-L.jpg


Time to try to clean this little beast. Took out my trusty little brush, charged it. Did the "almost touch the sensor" thing and .....

NO CHANGE

Time to call in the big guns. I looked around found the Canandian company and the PRICES!! :rolleyes:scratch

Then, I went to Cooper Hill. Reading the information on the site, it became clear to me that this guy is not out to make a killing - just a buck or two. Fair enough - that's what business is all about.

So, I place the order with Cooper Hill on Sunday (5 Feb 2006), asking for the cheapest shipping they offered - figured I would see the package show up in a week.

I was delivered TODAY (7 Feb 2006). OK, UPS did their thing, but Cooper Hill REALLY did their thing in getting the package out the door:clap:thumb:clap:thumb

I re-read all the instructions - don't want to totally screw up the sensor (or even screw it up just a little bit). The sensor swipe came already wrapped with a PEC Pad - I guess just to show the less mentally well-endowed individuals (like me) how it's supposed to be done. Took this little joy and PRACTICED on a CD jewel case. GOOD ADVISE :thumb It showed me where I was doing a less than wonderful job with the swipe.

OK, I've practiced. But, nothing gets done until the rubber meets the road. Time to give it a try. Sweat rolling down my face, dripping off my chin, and the rest of me looking like I'm working out in some place like the Amazon (I HATE the heat!)....
I load up the swipe with another, clean PEC pad (that wasn't so hard)
Mount the camera on a tripod, pointing up at approx 45 degrees - three hands are nice!
Pop the lens off the camera
Crank my head around to see the controls/LCD so I can put the camera in "sensor cleaning" mode (remember the angle of the camera?)
Wet the swipe with the MetOH
Move it across, down, and back
Turn off the camera (on the 20d this closes the shutter, pops the mirror back down...)
Re-mount the lens on the camera
Take the picture of the white screenThis is the result of the first attempt at the "wet" solution:

http://scottquier.smugmug.com/photos/55904944-L.jpg

OK, we're going in the right direction:clap

But, I'm not satisfied. I do this routine a total of 10 times before I get the following (it's not perfect, but it sure is better then what I started with).:

http://scottquier.smugmug.com/photos/55904945-L.jpg

So, what's the take-away?
Cooper Hill is a stand-up out-fit. No playing around. You order something and, based on my experience, you get it!!
I'm a little long-winded
The brush thingy may work for some, but it didn't work for me
The wet solution did work
There is some stress with doing the wet thing, especially the first time. But - after the 5th or 6th time, it gets to be old-hat!
If I can do this well, most others will be able to do so much better
Be sure to stop-down the lens all the way. For a drill, I did it wide-open once. Couldn't see any dust bunnies!If you have any doubts - do it - it's not bad at all!

[wxwax]

Excellent post, Scott. :nod

[Justiceiro]

I have horrible dust visible at f18 and above. But I am far to wussed out to try and clean it myself. Can I send this to Canon and pay for a cleaning? How would one do this?

[gefillmore]

Scott-

thanks for the post-

just ordered from copperhill-

george

[gus]

I have horrible dust visible at f18 and above. But I am far to wussed out to try and clean it myself. Can I send this to Canon and pay for a cleaning? How would one do this?
Just take to a reputable camera shop...they do it here for about $30 USD equiv & its a brillient job. I go to onehere that sevices the local medias cameras & pick it up 3 hours later.

Remember i said reputable....i have never seen so many dodgy camera shops in my life as when i was in the US.

[Scott_Quier]

Scott-

thanks for the post-

just ordered from copperhill-

george
Please understand, I have no business connection to Cooper Hill (aside from the one order mentioned).

In addition, YMMV but I hope it doesn't.

[gefillmore]

didn't really consider it but thanks for mentioning it--

just impressed with your post enough to go for it myself--

[wxwax]

I have horrible dust visible at f18 and above. But I am far to wussed out to try and clean it myself. Can I send this to Canon and pay for a cleaning? How would one do this?
It's a pity you don't know someone who cleans their own. Once you see it done, you'll realize it's no big deal. 5 minutes and you're done.

[Justiceiro]

It's a pity you don't know someone who cleans their own. Once you see it done, you'll realize it's no big deal. 5 minutes and you're done.

I am sure you are right, but I don't actually know anyone with a DSLR other than me, so unless someone can demonstrate, I am very uneasy about doing anythign that would void my warrenty.

Do you know if B&H does this kind of service? Any NYC "Reputable" camera shops?

Thanks.

[Forehead]

First of all, which lens makes have the most durable coatings?

If there is this cardinal rule "never touch the lens", but you have to get rid of the dust, etc., and air jets won't do a good job, what next?

And finally, how much "touch" can the best (and on down to the worst) lens coatings take before you've adversely affected the properties those lenses were designed to deliver in the first place?

[gus]

First of all, which lens makes have the most durable coatings?

If there is this cardinal rule "never touch the lens", but you have to get rid of the dust, etc., and air jets won't do a good job, what next?

And finally, how much "touch" can the best (and on down to the worst) lens coatings take before you've adversely affected the properties those lenses were designed to deliver in the first place?

Dont read too much into it. Use a small hand held dust blower 1st...then a soft brush...then lens cleaner on paper lens cloth. Thats it...over & out for me.

[BBones]

I have a 1D Mark 2 and a 20D and have never cleaned them (though I know they are mostly clean). What is the recommended package for a first time copperhill buyer?

[wxwax]

I am sure you are right, but I don't actually know anyone with a DSLR other than me, so unless someone can demonstrate, I am very uneasy about doing anythign that would void my warrenty.

Do you know if B&H does this kind of service? Any NYC "Reputable" camera shops?

Thanks.
Sorry, Justiciero, I lost track of this thread.

The answer is yes, some Canon dealers that do repairs will clean your sensor for a fee. Be sure to test the results: point your lens at a bright, even surface, set it at f22 and take a shot. Do a before and after, so you can see how good a job they did.

[wxwax]

First of all, which lens makes have the most durable coatings?

If there is this cardinal rule "never touch the lens", but you have to get rid of the dust, etc., and air jets won't do a good job, what next?

And finally, how much "touch" can the best (and on down to the worst) lens coatings take before you've adversely affected the properties those lenses were designed to deliver in the first place?

Just use a good quality lens cloth. Google and you'll find a bunch, microfiber is popular these days.

Don't cram down really hard on the lens and you'll be fine.

[Art Scott]

I have a 1D Mark 2 and a 20D and have never cleaned them (though I know they are mostly clean). What is the recommended package for a first time copperhill buyer?

Just a bump...as I too have the same question but different cameras.

[Mike Lane]

Just a bump...as I too have the same question but different cameras.

FWIW I've used the copperhill method and I must say that I'm not that impressed with it. When I get the chance I think I'll be trying the brush method next.

[Art Scott]

FWIW I've used the copperhill method and I must say that I'm not that impressed with it. When I get the chance I think I'll be trying the brush method next.

Explain yourslef please, so we may understand what is left to be desired by this method of cleaning. :scratch

[Mike Lane]

Explain yourslef please, so we may understand what is left to be desired by this method of cleaning. :scratch

I just didn't like it. I followed the directions exactly but the only thing that happened is that I just moved the dust around on the sensor. I had to repeat the process like 5 times to get a reasonably clean sensor.

[Art Scott]

I just didn't like it. I followed the directions exactly but the only thing that happened is that I just moved the dust around on the sensor. I had to repeat the process like 5 times to get a reasonably clean sensor.

AAAAAAAh...I see it is not as easy as Andy and others have led us to believe.....hmmmmm
Thanks gives me at least something to ponder prior to purchasing a cleaning kit.

So has any one used any of the Visable Dust porducts??

Linky : http://www.visibledust.com/

looks a tad pricey, but then again this is to clean a pricey tool isn't it. :D

I guess I am just like almost everyone else..looking for the safest, best, easiest and of course LEST EXPENSIVE way to clean my tools.

[Mike Lane]

That's the brush method I was talking about. I like this page http://www.visibledust.com/long_term_sensor_cleaning_test.html

[kdog]

If you're going to go the brush route, I would suggest buying the Sensor Sweep brush from Copperhill for $12, rather than the one from Visible Dust for $107.

Although, be aware that the brush probably requires just as much, if not more technique than swabbing. The brush has to be scrupulously clean, and electrostatically charged. Then you get to make exactly one pass, clean and charge it again before making another pass. If you make two swipes with one clean/charge, you're guaranteed to redeposit the dust that you removed on the first pass right back onto the sensor (DAMHIK).

Your arsenal of sensor cleaning supplies should include a blower, brush and wet cleaning kit (e.g., Copperhill), and you should try them in that order. The idea being that blowing is least intrusive and least effective, while swabbing is the most intrusive and most effective.

[Sizemore]

What do you use? Has anyone here used this product?

CLICKY (http://www.visibledust.com/index.html)

[John Mueller]

What do you use? Has anyone here used this product?

CLICKY (http://www.visibledust.com/index.html)

:nod
It works well.
Sometimes a wet method will be needed.
Read all the directions.

[Sizemore]

Sorry I didn’t mean to put this in the wrong section or start a new thread on the same topic. I never looked in here and saw this thread. Even an old blind hog like me can be led to find an acorn.
After being led here and taking the time to read this thread I believe I’m going to give the Visible Dust method a try. It’s a bit expensive but O well..! I’ll drop back in here and let y’all know how the slaughter of those irritating dust bunnies goes. Thanks!

[tsk1979]

I just turned the body upside down, gave it a big honkin' blowjob with the Giotto rocket, snapped a sky shot, and boom! All the spots are still there. :wxwax

Another solution is to not shoot sky at f29. :lol3

I read a bunch of reviews on the Sensor Brush...sounds like a miracle. But $90 USD for two paint brushes?!
Buy a makup brush(Nylon), preferably non glued(glued ones take more work).
Wash with detergent. Leave to dry. Test on a filter, should leave no smugdes. there you are, done!

[dasfasd]

sorry

[Anson]

I see that Eclipse methanol has been recommended for sensor cleaning with the swab method....

Ques:

Is it safe to use any (over the counter/ camera store) form of methanol for sensor cleaning purposes..

thanks

[mushy]

I see that Eclipse methanol has been recommended for sensor cleaning with the swab method....

Ques:

Is it safe to use any (over the counter/ camera store) form of methanol for sensor cleaning purposes..

thanks

This link made alot of sense to me and seemed to cover all bases and points of view very well

http://www.prime-junta.net/pont/How_to/a_Brush_Your_Sensor/a_Brush_Your_Sensor.html (http://www.prime-junta.net/pont/How_to/a_Brush_Your_Sensor/a_Brush_Your_Sensor.html)

[Sizemore]

I received the visibledust kit the other day. I tried to remove the dust bunnies first with just the brush method without any luck. I used the swabs and sensor clean liquid and WOW that did it…..here’s a before and after.
Large pix NOT dial up friendly.




Before1
(http://panda270.com/temp/spots1.jpg)
Before2
(http://panda270.com/temp/spots2.jpg)



After1
(http://panda270.com/temp/spotsgone1.jpg)
After2
(http://panda270.com/temp/spotsgone2.jpg)


It’s a bit expensive but you get what you pay for and it did a fine job of safely removing those nasty dust bunnies. Product shipping was fast and packaging was very professionally done. Mission accomplished….dust bunnies killed! :clap

[Bakat]

I got my first SLR in Febuary and have taken over 5000 pics in the last 3 months. I suspect that I am overdue for a cleaning.

I'm a big fan of owners manuals and my owners manual says all kinds of stuff about what NOT to do to clean out my camera with scary words about destroying my camera by sticking things on the sensor.

I know that somewhere on the web is a page with detailed instructions about cleaning the sensor on my camera by someone who KNOWS what they are talking about and possibly 10 more by "some guy" who was told by his cousin Jeb that this is the way it's done, even though Jeb has never owned a camera.

I would appreciate to added knowlege.
Thanks!
Kat

[wxwax]

I don't have a Nikon, so I don't know your menus ettings. Also, you don't say if you want to do the wet or dry cleaning.

I'll describe what I do to the Canons.

I set the camera on the tripod, facing as directly down as I can get it, and as high as I can get it. Facing down, so no dust drops in, and high so that I can easily reach up and under.

I remove the lens or body cap. I go into the camera's menu and set the camera to its sensor cleaning setting: this keeps the shutter open and the mirror up, exposing the sensor. It will stay this way until the battery dies or I turn it off. Good idea to have a battery with lots of life in it. You don't want things snapping shut in the middle of cleaning.

I use the Sensor Brush. I blow the brush thoroughly for 10 seconds with compressed air. I make one swipe across the sensor. I clean the brush for another 10 seconds with compressed air. I make another swipe across the sensor, trying to hit areas I missed the first time. I may repeat this routine 4-5 times, just to be safe. When I'm done, I immediately put a cap on the open body, and turn the camera off.

Ready for action.

That detailed enough, Kat?

[Bakat]

That detailed enough, Kat?

Yep, I suppose it is... Pray for me... If I kill this camera, it'll break my heart!

I just ripped apart my dishwasher and successfully fixed it. Quite fearlessly, I might add. But the idea of doing any possible harm to my dear camera instills a fear into my heart.

Thanks!
Kat

[wxwax]

Yep, I suppose it is... Pray for me... If I kill this camera, it'll break my heart!

I just ripped apart my dishwasher and successfully fixed it. Quite fearlessly, I might add. But the idea of doing any possible harm to my dear camera instills a fear into my heart.

Thanks!
Kat
If you don't use the chisel or the screwdriver, you'll be fine. Or the hammer. :evil

[claudermilk]

LOL. Yeah, as long as you're patient & careful you'll be fine. I use the well-known "copperhill" kit & am happy with the results. He has extensive instructions here: http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning

For Nikons, AFAIK they want the AC adapter in order to lock the shutter open, unlike Canon. This is why I haven't cleaned my sister's D100--holding it open on bulb is just too risky & she doesn't have the AC adapter.

[gus]

Had my sensor cleaned by a shop once in 14 months. I open that body in absolute filthy enviroments almost weekly & it rarely ever gets a major spot...if it does i puff it with a rocket blower.

[wxwax]

i puff it with a rocket blower.
:huh

[gus]

:huh
You own a DSLR & not a rocket blower (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/259157.jpg) ???? :uhoh Shirley we misunderstand each other.

[wxwax]

You own a DSLR & not a rocket blower (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/largeimages/259157.jpg) ???? :uhoh Shirley we misunderstand each other.
:lol3 I have one. I just never imagined you were a puffer.

[gus]

:lol3 I have one. I just never imagined you were a puffer.
Im still waiting on a lung transplant after choofing away on some stogies in the car with steve & andy this time last year for 3 days.....man those 2 are a bad influence on a clean living young lad.

[Anson]

...completed 1st step of sensor cleaning...:drums

I took the before picture at F22 ...

Good lordy.... ridiculously filthy!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v135/AnsonM/IMG_3849sensorbefore.jpg


"If you could look through the back of the camera/sensor your image would be upside down and flipped horizontally. Imagine in photoshop the image is correct, though the back of the camera you would just do a 180 deg rotate.

I would think the dust in your case would be in the lower left of the sensor as you look into the front of the camera." Patch29...


question .... So, looking at this photo, the top half of the photo is obviously the worst by a country mile, when I am about to use the eclipse with swab method, should I press a tiny bit more on the section of sensor/protector that is the dirtiest (when about to clean the sensor/protector- will it be the top or bottom half, which is the dirtiest as I look through the front of the camera?

I remember reading a few posts on practing swipes before actually cleaning the sensor and the specific pressure to use....can't seem to find that post/s, if anyone could direct me to that explanation, it would be most appreciated as well.

Thanks

[wxwax]

Bottom half.

[Anson]

Sid,

I just found the -how to link- on my latest pass through this thread ..I am set to go!

http://www.dgrin.com/showpost.php?p=79272&postcount=4

[Anson]

Sid, I just clicked on your Foghorn link....to funny!

I watched every Bugs Bunny and Gang cartoon ever made, probably 20-40 times!

Perhaps this is at least one reason why I could not figure out where the dirt is found on the sensor....tooo much time in front of the boob tube as a kid!

[TylerW]

So I recently picked up a pack of 'sensor swabs' - $50 seems like an awful lot for a little plastic spatula wrapped in a small piece of pec pad. Has anyone had success in keeping these plastic spatulas and making their own out of a 100 pack of pec pads?

[wxwax]

Sid, I just clicked on your Foghorn link....to funny!

I watched every Bugs Bunny and Gang cartoon ever made, probably 20-40 times!

Perhaps this is at least one reason why I could not figure out where the dirt is found on the sensor....tooo much time in front of the boob tube as a kid!
:lol3

Enjoy your sensor cleaning!

[wxwax]

So I recently picked up a pack of 'sensor swabs' - $50 seems like an awful lot for a little plastic spatula wrapped in a small piece of pec pad. Has anyone had success in keeping these plastic spatulas and making their own out of a 100 pack of pec pads?
If you Google around you'll find folks have made their own sticks.

[Anson]

sp (purchased)

at kitchenware shop -of course!

hopefully my measurement was correct -(Rebel)- before cutting the proper width for the spatula...
just yesterday, recieved the eclipse and pec pads ....intend to clean the camera later today...

I'll post my after shot after I give the camera a couple/three swipes?!!:scratch

[ssdsarah]

I just ordered a kit for this... I have to admit that I am a little scared to do it but I am so irritated about the freakin' piece (probably pieces but it is the one big one that is bothering me...) of dust right smack in the middle of my shots that I am willing to do it.

I actually can't wait for the stuff to get here. I can't believe how many pictures I took in Alaska that I am going to have to take the dang dust spot off of. I am usually a person who avoids messing with the pictures after the fact. I am quite perterbed about how much extra time this is gonna cost me...

Cheers all!
~Sarah~

[Andy]

Tried and true, still using it. Works great.


http://www.smugmug.com/photos/97904024-M.jpg

not quite there,
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/97903452-M.jpg

ahhh 2nd time works great :D
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/97903461-M.jpg

[tsk1979]

Question for you guys.
Can I subsitute Ethanol/methanol with Acetone? Or will it dissolve the sensor coating?

Tried and true, still using it. Works great.


http://www.smugmug.com/photos/97904024-Th.jpg

not quite there,
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/97903452-Th.jpg

ahhh 2nd time works great :D
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/97903461-Th.jpg

[Art Scott]

Question for you guys.
Can I subsitute Ethanol/methanol with Acetone? Or will it dissolve the sensor coating?

Why take the chance??????? :dunno

[mr peas]

Alright I want to buy a sensor cleaning kit soon, but I dont want to buy it in pieces, do you guys know of a place that sells them in a kit?

Also, i want to clean out the glass on top of the mirror, you know where the focus points in the viewfinder resides? Theres pieces of lint stuck on it and its annoying me! Do you think a simple blower can get them out? Is the Rocket Blower really that much better than the smaller generic blowers stores sell? Which size Rocket Blower should I get (I have an XT)? Theres like three sizes plus one rotating head model!

Sorry for all the questions hah, but I know you guys know about this stuff better than me.

[claudermilk]

Alright I want to buy a sensor cleaning kit soon, but I dont want to buy it in pieces, do you guys know of a place that sells them in a kit?

Also, i want to clean out the glass on top of the mirror, you know where the focus points in the viewfinder resides? Theres pieces of lint stuck on it and its annoying me! Do you think a simple blower can get them out? Is the Rocket Blower really that much better than the smaller generic blowers stores sell? Which size Rocket Blower should I get (I have an XT)? Theres like three sizes plus one rotating head model!

Sorry for all the questions hah, but I know you guys know about this stuff better than me.

http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning

[TomaS]

Am I the first person to clean the hell out of the shutter curtain and wonder why the dust bunnies were not going away? :scratch:rofl:scratch

Finally realized what I was doing, and one pass with the CopperHill method got every one of the nasties. :ivar

Here (http://copperhillimages.com/index.php?pr=tutorials) is another link that I found a bit more readable.

[Tpsfoto]

I was at the PMA show in March & met with the developers of Dust-Aid....what a wonderful product....easy to use ....relatively cheap & got my sensor cleaned...that week I shot Nascar at Las Vegas Motor Speedway & I have a dusty 1D....they cleaned it in 3 minutes! I bought a couple of sample kits & used it on my other 5 DSLR bodies & I used only one pad & then threw it out. 12 pads , instructions, cleaning wand is all you need for a long time. Remember you are only cleaning the glass in front of the sensor...not the actual sensor


Larry
tpsfoto@aol.com

[Robert]

If you Google around you'll find folks have made their own sticks.

I came across a post that suggested using your card for your cleaning kit. So I used my credit card to order a packet of Pec-Pad and a bottle of Eclipse and cut up my debit card to make my own swab. Saved me a lot of money (I haven’t been able to use my debit card since).

http://www.iolfree.ie/~robert./dgrin/DSC00224so.jpg
mobile phone image

I read the Copperhill website at least 5 times before I dared touch my sensor for the first time. After a few times you realise that it’s nowhere near as hard to do as the manufacturer would like you to believe.
As soon as I have one speck appear on my picks I’m out there cleaning. I would get a fit if my sensor looked like any of the images shown on this thread.
In the 2 years that I have my D70 I didn’t have to clean the sensor more than 10 times max and I constantly change lenses.

Main points are:
Switch off camera before changing lenses.
Switch lenses quickly.
Keep the back cap on your lens at all times that you don’t use it.

[Phyxius]

I did a little test today...

I set my monitor to a pale blue and then set the aperature on my camera to 22. Auto levels in PS reveals a couple dust bunnies

http://phyxius.smugmug.com/photos/144104065-L.jpg

But, for a camera that 13 months old and used 99% of the time outside at dusty horse shows I can't complain too much. :wink I'm very careful about facing the camera down and is turned off during lens changes and I make sure that the lenses' rear caps are always on.

I did order the wet kit from Copper Hill, hopefully they'll get rid of the rest of my bunnies. I leave for Vegas on Wednesday at 4am so I'm sure it won't get here before then, but I'll post my result when I get the kit.

[ian408]

Little bump for the winter cleaning :D

[vdotmatrix]

*&^&*%&^$&^$^%#$&^%^*(&(*& DUST Bunnies!

I have a 20D. I have dust or pollen on the %&^$%^#$ sensor.

I bought a GIOTTO ROCKET AIR hand blower thingy and visibledust swabs (visibledust.com) for actually dinking around with the sensor.

I have had the swabs for 2 weeks and look at the everyday; I am trying to build up the courage to use it and touch my sensor...i am going to do it today. It's gotta be done. Al Queda be damned!:clap :barb

SO, Dust on my sensor...devil in my car..letcha know what happens.

-v

I blew out the sensor on my 20D yesterday before going on a shoot and thought I had gotten out all the dust, but andy found a couple of specs on one of my images.

So the question is...if the dots show up in the upper left of an image, where on the sensor are those located? Intuitively, I would think the upper right of the sensor, while looking in the lens mount. But, are images upside down and/or reversed? Just want to know where to look for the offenders.

Confused in the valley,
fish

[Icebear]

It's about time you cleaned-up that pig sty.

[Tpsfoto]

I first use the Rocket blower & turn the camera so the mirror faces the floor......blow upward....
Then use Dust Aid Sensor Cleaning kit.....I saw it on Ebay for $35.00 plus $5.00 ship.....

Works great.

[vdotmatrix]

It's about time you cleaned-up that pig sty.

Hi JOhn.
I am about to clean my sensor...still haven't done it yet...scared..

[firedancing4life]

Got the copperhill basic kit....

Seems to have worked! I was a bit hesitant at first...

They also gave me a random rainbow slinky....not sure why...but I thought it was hilarious! :rofl

-Kevin

[SloYerRoll]

Hi JOhn.
I am about to clean my sensor...still haven't done it yet...scared..It's realy scary going in there. But I promise after you do it once or twice. It will be like riding a bike.

If you want your "wand" to be a little more flexible, just pop it in the microwave for 8-10 seconds. It will soften the plastic a bit so you can have a more gentle touch and still get the same results.

Cheers,

[ivar]

I cleaned my camera for the first time the other day. Never done it before, followed the instructions, seemed to have worked fine. I'll never be "comfortable" doing this but I don't see how it could go wrong really, as long as you follow the instructions.

[moose135]

It's realy scary going in there. But I promise after you do it once or twice. It will be like riding a bike.

Just a lot harder to put baseball cards in the spokes...:rofl

I may just have to break down and try it myself. The rocket blower works well, but since I do a lot of aviation shoots, those dust spots can really show up against a clear sky. I guess I should give it a good cleaning before air show season.

[firedancing4life]

Would that rocket blower be a good way to get some dust out of my um....prism.? I realize I might be cleaning the sensor again after spreading the dust around.....

[SloYerRoll]

Would that rocket blower be a good way to get some dust out of my um....prism.? I realize I might be cleaning the sensor again after spreading the dust around.....If your going to do both. I'd use the blower then do the sensor cleaning. That's what I do and I have no problems. I also use canned air, but not the way ppl think to use it. I hold the can completely vertical then bend the straw so it's pointed straight up. I then burst the air away from the camera to make sure no liquid comes out of the can then move the camera over it. I also keep the nozzle about 6" away from the body so it's just acting like a constant rocket blower vs. a high pressure stream.

I don't recommend this method. But I've refined the process and feel 100% comfortable w/ it.

[Dee]

I cleaned my camera for the first time the other day. Never done it before, followed the instructions, seemed to have worked fine. I'll never be "comfortable" doing this but I don't see how it could go wrong really, as long as you follow the instructions.

I cleaned mine too -- finally. Still nervous about it. I had to clean it 3 times, and only left one big spot on the side -- it's easy enough to crop out or clone out, so I won't worry about it until the next time I have to clean it.

I read one site where the CCD vibrating cleaning doesn't work on my cam, and that blowing helped but cleaning it worked the best. I tried the CCD vibration cleaning, and blowing (probably the wrong type of blower) and it did not get any dust off that I could see. I paid a local shop to clean the CCD and that worked like a charm. But with changing the lens often, I got more dust. So ordered my kit. Took me almost a month to work up the courage, but once I got it clean I was happy.

[Vycor]

Okay ive tried a lot.

1) I bout the dry brush from copper hill... when i use this, it seems i end up leaving MORE dust on my sensor then before

2) THe eclipse method... well this sorta works, i mean i had a pretty clean sensor then cleaned it with this and my sensor was even dirtier. I can't seem to get it really clean with this. i dunno maybe i just don't have a knack for swipping back and forth

3) rocket blower is what i should just stick with, it works and if i do it regularly i keep the dust off


Sooo should i try quetips? (cuetips?) with the eclipse and then blow off the excess strands???

I seem to make a mess with dust when i use the eclipse method by swabbing

[ian408]

Ixnay on the QueTips. That will leave more debris than you can imagine :)

[claudermilk]

No Q-tips! They aren't meant for this use. Keep trying with the Eclipse/PecPad method. At first it does seem to be making a bigger mess, but that's just because you're slowly breaking up sticky goobers & smearing them. After a while it will start to get better. Patience & persistence. :D

[kdog]

Have you Q-tip naysayers actually tried them? I've heard they work very well.

[Art Scott]

Have you Q-tip naysayers actually tried them? I've heard they work very well.

I did.....both generic and "Q"-tip brand......both to same end result (tons of white hairy sh** all over my sensor cover).....ordering a kit from COPPERHILL and doing it correctly....it took me 4 toatl cleanings with copper hill to get everything off the sensor.....now I do it every month or so whether it needs it or not.....at least it keeps me in practice.

[kdog]

I did.....both generic and "Q"-tip brand......both to same end result (tons of white hairy sh** all over my sensor cover).....ordering a kit from COPPERHILL and doing it correctly....it took me 4 toatl cleanings with copper hill to get everything off the sensor.....now I do it every month or so whether it needs it or not.....at least it keeps me in practice.

Interesting. I guess I got some bad data. Thanks for the input, Art.

-joel

[gus]

I did.....both generic and "Q"-tip brand......both to same end result (tons of white hairy sh** all over my sensor cover).....ordering a kit from COPPERHILL and doing it correctly....it took me 4 toatl cleanings with copper hill to get everything off the sensor.....now I do it every month or so whether it needs it or not.....at least it keeps me in practice.
Im in the same boat Art...just got my copperhill set a few days ago & am going to clean it today. Man are my cameras filthy inside :huh

Ive only had both of my bodies sensors cleaned just once & these days they want frommm $60 (brush clean) to $110 (wet clean) so the copper hill for $80 delivered is the only sensible way to go.

Maybe we should start a 'show your worst sensor dust' thread.

[Skippy]

Im in the same boat Art...just got my copperhill set a few days ago & am going to clean it today. Man are my cameras filthy inside :huh

Ive only had both of my bodies sensors cleaned just once & these days they want frommm $60 (brush clean) to $110 (wet clean) so the copper hill for $80 delivered is the only sensible way to go.

Maybe we should start a 'show your worst sensor dust' thread.


Thanks Gus, I ordered the kit today from the same place you did :D http://www.qualitycamera.com.au/index.php?cPath=33
Very nice man ... I had to ring him to change my order.
It's been dispatched now, and I should have it on Monday.... Skippy :thumb
.

[GP Images]

another :thumb for Copper Hill. Great guy and the kit comes with very good directions. Cleaned both my D70 and D200 in less than 15 minutes.

[Rene`]

another :thumb for Copper Hill. Great guy and the kit comes with very good directions. Cleaned both my D70 and D200 in less than 15 minutes.

I never knew -- until I started seeing stuff and started researching that we needed to be cleaning the sensors regularly. I ordered the Copper hill stuff and man did it take a while. It took several times before I was satisfied....

I think that it would be cool to start a " show me your dirty sensor thread." Might make some of us feel better.

Be patient and keep cleaning.

[Skippy]

Thanks Gus, I ordered the kit today from the same place you did :D http://www.qualitycamera.com.au/index.php?cPath=33
Very nice man ... I had to ring him to change my order.
It's been dispatched now, and I should have it on Monday.... Skippy :thumb
.

Wow talk about fast delivery !!!
I ordered my kit from QualityCamera and got it before the 24hrs was up :huh

Thank you Stu for fixing my order that I stuffed up too ... opps :rolleyes
I was not expecting the delivery to be so fast :clap ... Skippy :D
.

[Skippy]

Just a follow up ........ Oh My God I Did It :clap :ivar :clap
All by myself I tell you I am shocked at how easy it is to clean the sensor.

Ohhhhh boy why is the fear factor so strong when it comes to the inside of the camera??

I was terrified to attempt to do it in case I really stuffed up,
but if you follow the directions, and study the pictures all should be fine.

Took me six goes to get the grease off the sensor,
but I'm so relieved to know I can do it myself from now on.

Happy as a pig in mud I am, I am :thumb ... Skippy :D
.

[Scott_Quier]

Just a follow up ........ Oh My God I Did It :clap :ivar :clap
All by myself I tell you I am shocked at how easy it is to clean the sensor.

Ohhhhh boy why is the fear factor so strong when it comes to the inside of the camera??

I was terrified to attempt to do it in case I really stuffed up,
but if you follow the directions, and study the pictures all should be fine.

Took me six goes to get the grease off the sensor,
but I'm so relieved to know I can do it myself from now on.

Happy as a pig in mud I am, I am :thumb ... Skippy :D
.
I've read here (DGrin) and other places that the prevailing opinion is that the need to clean the sensor generally decreases over time. The thought being that a lot of the dirt/grease/grim that is being cleaned off the sensor filter early on is stuff that is "left over" from the camera manufacturing process.

I don't know if this is actually true, but my experience has tended to bear this out. I used to have to clean the sensor filter about once a month. Now it's the required frequency has dropped to about once every 2 months (depending on where I've been shooting and how often I've swapped lenses).

As for the suggestion that a "Dirtiest Sensor" thread be started - well, here it is! (http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=96700) - so, like I say there, "I showed you mine, now show me yours!:wink"

[KED]

Just a follow up ........ Oh My God I Did It :clap :ivar :clap
All by myself I tell you I am shocked at how easy it is to clean the sensor.

Ohhhhh boy why is the fear factor so strong when it comes to the inside of the camera??

I was terrified to attempt to do it in case I really stuffed up,
but if you follow the directions, and study the pictures all should be fine.

Took me six goes to get the grease off the sensor,
but I'm so relieved to know I can do it myself from now on.

Happy as a pig in mud I am, I am :thumb ... Skippy :D
.I followed ArtScott's recommendation and went with the Copperhill method. The proprietor is fabulous and the hand-holding can't be beat;. nevertheless, i related to your post because, quite literally, when I actually did it for the first time my hands were shaking! Haven't had occasion to try it again b/c the sensor looks good.