Steven W. Lepak |
Canon 20D Sensor Cleaning My Canon 20D is about 1.5 yrs old and is in need of a cleaning. It is a bit curious to me that the camera can pick up significant dust when I have never had my sole lens (the "kit lens") off the body since the day it came. I would prefer to learn how to get this done myself. I have checked out the various postings and associated links at this forum and on the web and I must say that my head is spinning. While there is a lot of great information out there, I have not come across any concise information on recommended materials and methods that I can place my confidence in. I find it a bit troubling that the Canon people say not to touch the sensor with anything, yet there are all of these commercial swabs and brushes out there for the purpose. HELP. I would appreciate some no-nonsense guidance. Thanks and Best Regards,
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Irene Troy |
Hi Steven – there are many people on this forum who know a great deal more about this issue; however, since no one has answered yet, I’ll share what works for me. I own a Canon 5D, but, I cannot see that make of camera would matter much. My favorite tool for cleaning my sensor is the Artic Butterfly brush manufactured by Visible Dust. http://www.visibledust.com/products.php I find it very easy to use and often all that I need to do in order to clean my sensor. I do switch lenses frequently and also work in some pretty nasty (to the sensor) conditions so I end up cleaning my sensor frequently. When I need something more, I like the Eclipse fluid which is made by Photographic Solutions. I also love their Pec Pads for cleaning lenses using the same fluid. You can buy both at a good camera shop – unfortunately, you cannot (at least to the best of my knowledge) buy the fluid through the Internet/Mail because of shipping regulations (it’s a hazardous material). Photographic Solutions also make sensor wipes that can be used to clean your sensor. I used them for a long time, but now prefer the Butterfly. http://www.photosol.com/ BTW: NEVER EVER use canned air on your sensor! Also, do not be intimidated by this process. I have been cleaning my sensors all along and have yet to have an problem. I do, sometimes, have the sensor cleaned at my favorite camera shop when it gets really nasty. I hope that this helps. Irene
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Irene Troy |
Steven – somewhere in the middle of what I was doing, I realized that my answer is really confusing and that I left out some important info, So, here is both a clarification and some steps for cleaning your sensor: 1. Have everything laid out in front of you BEFORE you open the sensor I hope this makes it a little clearer. Irene
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Sharon Day |
The only thing I would add to what Irene has mentioned is the Copper Hill Images kits. A much less expensive alternative to Sensor Dust. The site gives you detailed instructions on how to use as well.
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Steven W. Lepak |
Thanks so much Irene & Sharon. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to guide me along. You have boosted my comfort level with this task a great deal. Best Regards, Steve
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
You can't view the sensor through the view finder.
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Sharon Day |
Gregory is right. I didn't read it all carefully enough to notice that and I might not have noticed it even if I had taken the time to read carefully LOL. Take a shot of a white sheet of paper or blue sky afterwards at f/22 and if there's dust you'll see it.
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Irene Troy |
Oops...didn't catch that! Gregory and Sharon are of-course, correct. I am not sure what I originally meant; however, the technique of taking a shot of white paper after cleaning the sensor is very helpful and one that I have done. Sorry about the bad info before - I think my brain is a little fried these days -lol
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
That's okay, just playin' wit ya.
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