 BetterPhoto Member |
Cleaning a Sensor What the best way to clean a digital camera's sensor?
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Andrew Laverghetta |
I'm not sure about this, but I think you need to buy a special kind of kit to do it. If you can, go to a photo shop. When you get there, ask them for a digital sensor cleaning kit, and then ask if there is somebody there who can demonstrate after you buy the kit? Hope this helps you out a little.
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Andrew Laverghetta |
I'm not sure about this, but I think you need to or at least should buy a special kind of kit to do it. If you can get to a photo shop. When you get there, ask them for a digital sensor cleaning kit and then ask if there is somebody there who can demonstrate after you buy the kit? Hope this helps you out a little. We'll see if somebody else who knows more about this responds...
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Andrew Laverghetta |
(sorry about the double response)
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Willie |
Steve, Anything other than a small puff of air should not be attempted. Purchase an air bulb. It's a small plastic needle type tube with a large balloon or bulb at the end. Hold the camera down to direct any dirt out. Squeeze the bulb and it puffs gentle air into the sensor. That is if you have access to the sensor. With a DSLR camera, you should have access. Do not use canned air or any type of high pressure air. If this does not remove whatever is stuck on the sensor, then I suggest shipping it to a professional repair facility. Sensors are pretty delicate and should be handled by a professional facility. Even the guys at the photo shop will tell you how to do it, but they won't attempt it. Good Luck
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BetterPhoto Member |
Steve, I use the Eclipse sensor cleaning solution and swabs after every two full days of shooting and have had zero problems. I then shoot a white card test and download that test to the computer where I inspect the image at 300 percent to make sure there are no specs. I find that dust gets on the sensor very easily when you are in the field and on location, and change lenses regularly. I have had too many occurances of dust specs show up on images I shot on assignment and spend hours retouching hundreds of images from these jobs. The Eclipse kit works very well, and 10 minutes of cleaning can save hours of retouching.
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
Some people have recommended cutting down a small plastic spatula and wrapping those pec pads around it as your swab. That was still a little too big because of the handle, and the small size of the camera opening. So I found it was easier to use the plastic tube that comes with a can of air and wrap the pec pads around that. Made it easier to get the corners.
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Marilou Olejniczak |
Hi Steve, here is a link that can help you. The camera stores don't carry the Sensor cleaning kits, and unless the manufacturer of your camera urges you to do the cleaning your self it could nullify your warranty so be sure to check before you start. Hope this helps! http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/cleaningmode.html
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Gregg |
Spots on the sensor are caused by static electricty. The changing of lenses causes quite a bit of this. Avoid lens changes. A do it yourself approach requires a kit and two people. Once the speed is set to bulb or long exposure, one must hold down the shuuter release while the secong person is swabbing with the kit. Going to a pro repair is the best option.
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Marilou Olejniczak |
Gregg, your right about the changing of the lenses, the less you change lenses the better. But I clean my camera's sensor "by my self" and it's not hard to do at all, not a two person job. I was intimidated at first, but it's easy.
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frank |
I use a product called ECLIPSE made by Photographic soluctions 1 508 759-2322 or use a search engine to find a distributor, it contains methanol and evaporate's very fast. Its made for cleaning camera sensor's Also I use the PEC pads with a artest spatula, its about 3/4 of a inch wide. I clean mine about once a week, you may have to clean it a few times, until you get familar with cleaning the sensor.
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Laura Berman |
for everything you've ever wanted to know about cleaning sensors (including how to order the products Charlie and Frank mention) go to The most complete instructions on this topic anywhere.
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Kay Beausoleil |
Um, Laura?? Might you have made the same mistake as me when I posted a URL between < >s? After three tries, I realised that the > turns off everything from the < on. And yes, I'd appreciate the info!
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John D. Nixon |
Cleaning Be carful here's a link for ya http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning
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Kix Pix |
Yes, I agree with the link posted above. Use the products and the method found on that link! I clean my sensor after/ before any major shoot I go on. I have had no problems when cleaning it, however have had some from NOT cleaning it! You'll be surprised at how much better your shots look. Your exposure and everything is better when the dust is free and clear. My method is use the eclipse method 1-4 times/ month, depending on the shoots and the brush method in between those times. It works well.
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