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05/04/2011 09:55:23 PM · #1 |
I've owned my 20D for like 6 years and still haven't cleaned the sensor once. I figured I'd just clone out as necessary, but it's become a bit excessive. Anyway, back when I first got my dSLR the only way to clean it was really sensor swab with eclipse. Is this still the preferred method of cleaning?
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05/04/2011 09:57:54 PM · #2 |
I'm going through more pictures, and really, its disgusting.
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05/04/2011 10:01:03 PM · #3 |
Not saying this isn't a worthy subject...but here are some early discussions to review..
Sensor Cleaning Thread
Another oneYet Another one
that should give you some reading material...
mind you I'm not saying this isn't a good subject...just pointing you in the right direction...per say
Message edited by author 2011-05-04 22:18:24. |
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05/04/2011 10:16:18 PM · #4 |
I have a pen thing that I use on my binoculars, but I wouldn't touch my camera sensor with such a thing. Scratch and smear potential very high.
Use the Copperhill method and accept no substitutes in products and appropriate tools.
There are additional benefits to cleaning your sensor over the obvious dust bunny removal. My images are ALWAYS sharper and more clear after a sensor cleaning. The removal of haze/ozone (or whatever it is) should not be underestimated. I clean my sensor no less than once a month. During the dry season, I'll clean my sensor once a week. Not bragging. It's just part of capturing good images. |
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05/04/2011 11:32:47 PM · #5 |
Looks like Copperhill it is...
I have both a 5D and 20D. Is it possible to buy the smaller size SensorSwipe and just use that on my 5D as well?
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05/04/2011 11:40:50 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by hsteg:
Looks like Copperhill it is...
I have both a 5D and 20D. Is it possible to buy the smaller size SensorSwipe and just use that on my 5D as well? |
Yes. We have 5D and 7D, use same swab for both.
R. |
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05/10/2011 07:18:58 PM · #7 |
Hahn and/or Bear, I just got the Copperhill kit (thanks for the recommendation). How long did it take you to get your first sensor nice and clean? I just used three strips and got most of the most notable junk removed, but I still see a number of smaller specs. I did read that I should just shoot for a few days and then re-clean and maybe I will get the rest, but I wanted to know if this was common for you guys the first time you tried to clean.
P.S. Thanks alot for introducing me to the world of sensor dust. I didn't really know that world existed before, and now I'm sure to be obsessed :-p |
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05/10/2011 07:32:09 PM · #8 |
| Watch to see if the spots are actually moving. Sometimes you introduce new spots while cleaning the old spots. |
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05/10/2011 07:34:57 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by giantmike:
Hahn and/or Bear, I just got the Copperhill kit (thanks for the recommendation). How long did it take you to get your first sensor nice and clean? I just used three strips and got most of the most notable junk removed, but I still see a number of smaller specs. I did read that I should just shoot for a few days and then re-clean and maybe I will get the rest, but I wanted to know if this was common for you guys the first time you tried to clean.
P.S. Thanks alot for introducing me to the world of sensor dust. I didn't really know that world existed before, and now I'm sure to be obsessed :-p |
It's certainly common to have some more firmly attached particles. They normally do come off after a few cleanings. It's also very rare to not find *any* particles after a cleaning. I personally only re-clean if there's a big bugger that got missed or re-deposited. When my sensor is quite dirty, it might take me two passes to get it to where I'm satisfied, almost never more than that. I use a home-made tool that I wrap with a pec pad.
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05/10/2011 07:38:23 PM · #10 |
| Thanks guys. Some spots are indeed moving or becoming slightly less visible. But I did manage to get most of the big ones. Glad to hear that it sounds like I'm doing fine. |
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05/10/2011 09:53:17 PM · #11 |
I've gotta say, (because I NEVER miss a sensor cleaning thread.. apparently anyway) I've reduced my need for wet cleaning quite a bit, and while I still do use the Copperhill method, I've found that for everyday quick touch ups there is a much better way....
Canned air. Now, this needs to be caveat-ed to death...
-Some of this stuff has oil in it - smell the air- does it have a smell? If so, it's not ok.
-The straw is needed, but they blow out too easy, a dab of hot glue can stop this. (you DON'T want that smacking your sensor @ 200mph)
-This probably can damage your camera, somehow, someway, I'm sure it's possible.... (100's of times later, it has yet to damage one of mine)
-This is not a replacement for wet cleaning, some of that crap just won't come off any other way.
-This works FAR better with a new can than an old one, make sure it has plenty of pressure, or not much is going to happen.
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Now, here's the how--
1. Hold the tip of the straw about 1/4" away (or less if you're comfortable with that) from your sensor
2. Fully depress the lever
3. Move across entire sensor 2-3 times, not too fast, not too slow...
4. Release lever
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That's it... It's saved me tons of time so far, in fact, I'd say that at $20 per hour, I've already saved myself about $1000 worth of time. With that being said, I probably clean my sensor about 10x as often as I would otherwise - it's just so easy there's no reason not to... I even keep a can in the car and use it to clean the thing on the go- certainly not a possibility with Eclipse and Pec pads.... :)
DISCLAIMER: I'm not responsible if you screw up your camera while doing this, this is not meant to instruct you in what you should do, rather it is only intended as a narrative of what I do. Cheers. :) |
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