sensor cleaning mishaps

[Nathaniel]

I have always been very nervous about cleaning my own sensors- when the time comes- and I would like to know whether any member has had any disasterous experiences. So far as I have camera bodies which has automatic sensor cleaning, I have not had the need to clean my own sensors. I also,as best as possible,change my lenses very seldom i.e by looking ahead as to what I would require for my photos and attach the suitable lens to the bodies- usually one body with a 17-50mm and the other body with either the 24mm-105mm F4L or 55mm- 250mm IS. It can of course be a nifty fifty on one body.

I know that experienced members do not have any problem with cleaning their own sensors but I am sure there are some members who have messed things up. If so, what happened and how did you overcome your problem?

[Mark]

Re: sensor cleaning mishaps

Nathaniel, I have cleaned the sensor on my 30D many times without mishap, I used the little pads and fluid system to do and being careful found it easy but still worrying the first few times.
I have a friend that used one of the spinning brush thingys and he says it a real doodle and VERY effective.

I do know of one person on another forum who scratched her sensor and had to have an expensive repair.

Now I upgraded to a 1D4 which like your camera has self cleaning, and have decided that when it comes to the time that it really needs a clean I'm going to splash out the £30 for canon to do it for me.

[colin C]

Re: sensor cleaning mishaps

Nathaniel

Although it is called a sensor clean, you are not actually cleaning the sensor. What you are cleaning is the glass anti-alias filter that sits on top of the sensor. Once that was explained to me many years ago, I thought no more about cleaning a sensor than I did about cleaning a UV filter.

Use Arctic Butterfly (twirly brush) in the first instant and if that doesn't get rid of all the muck, use Eclipse E2 fluid and Pec Pads. The Pads are available for all sensor sizes, so make sure you buy the right ones.

Colin

[mniwh]

Re: sensor cleaning mishaps

Hi, I know I am a little late on this matter. I have only just joined. Lens pen CCD cleaner is top notch.
But before using that use a compressed air can to blow any debris out, use mirror lock up, some dslr`s may not have this, but don`t worry you can still use the air.
Make sure you have the can totally upright as not to let fluid blow from the can.(practice a couple of blasts first)

Then if your not satisfied after using air then use the pen, follow the instructions on the package.

Its mint! Only needed it once it, it removed fine thread that was stuck to the face layer.
So There you go, Air first then the pen.

Cheers Warren.

[colin C]

Re: sensor cleaning mishaps

Ooooh Warren, I wouldn't use compressed air. Even upright you can still get some propellant on the sensor (anti alias filter), plus it's just too powerful to be used in the sensor box area.

Colin

[MX5]

Re: sensor cleaning mishaps

Remember that CPS members get one sensor clean per camera free. If there's an event on and CPS are there (or at the local Pro Shop because Noink are the accredited 'on site' camera manufacturer) ... use the opportunity. Got my 40D done this way.

[djguk47]

Re: sensor cleaning mishaps

Arctic Butterfly does the job for me.
Managed a couple of dust spots while in Cornwall during August 2009. Followed the Canon manual for sensor clean actions and followed Arctic Butterfly instructions and all dust bunnies gone never to be seen again.... follow the instructions...simples

David

[mniwh]

Re: sensor cleaning mishaps

Hi,

RE Compressed air. Hi Colin, Yes I was just as alarmed as you are now, when I took my camera for its first service 3 years ago. I mentioned the sensor, and the specialist(Charles eagles & sons of Sunderland,England) used compressed air to first try and clear the thread, I was assured this was common practice in the camera repair trade.
Of course don`t shove the nozzle in as far as possible use a little common sense, If there is discharge then let it evaporate or dry,then re apply.

I have had sand and salt from sea spray in my camera, and, Many times I get condensation through shooting in the winter months, electronic sensors can take more than given credit for.
Use the right gear and your sensor will be clear.

Use compressed Air from a can. Don`t stick the nozzle in as far as you can shove.
blow off the can away from the camera then apply the air to the sensor housing. If there is discharge from the can, Just let it evaporate(dry if you will) and then re-apply.

I use full 90psi on the outside body of my cameras and lenses, of course not on the sensor housing.

You know when your sensor needs a brush down you can tell on your images. So if your sensor needs a brush down then I recommend all I have said by experience.
Also the Lens pen is effective and cheap its the dogs b****x. I looked up the Arctic butterfly,that also looks mint!,its a lot more substantial than the lens pen but how often do you think you will use it, Never if possible.

Positive is good. Happy new year members,Warren

[EOS_Jim]

Re: sensor cleaning mishaps

I've heard a few disaster stories with compressed air! I believe the pro's use a special type of cannister to clean sensors - not your normal office type one.


As in your other thread I use the Eclipse Fluid and PecPads. Very easy and quick and no worry.

[Oggie]

Re: sensor cleaning mishaps

I agree with Colin - the Butterfly has served me well. I don't like the idea of blowers/compressed air as they simply launch the dust somewhere else.