Cleaning the Sensor

[chaswp54]

I have read a good many articles on cleaning the sensor on digital SLR cameras. Though I've never actually had cause to clean mine yet (I shoot a cloudless sky with small aperture to check for spots on occasion). I know at some point I'm going to get dust on that sensor soooooo, has anyone had any experience with cleaning the sensor? I realize and know fully the mischief one can get into if this is done incorrectly.

[Newby]

Hey Chas,

I have had to clean my sensor and had to do a lot of homewrok before I did it. I just couldn't stand the idea of being without my camera for 4 weeks while it was sent back to Canon, to be cleaned. So I went surfing and this is what I found. (http://www.cleaningdigitalcameras.com/) That lead me to this site (http://www.micro-tools.com/Merchant2/psi.htm). I have used it once so far with great results. Make sure that you do the research to see which type of swab you need. Also, if you ever have to do this make sure that you're in a area with minimal air flow and don't expect that one swipe is going to do it. My sensor was pretyy dirty and it took three swabs to get it clean. But it worked great and I have no complaints. The downside to it is that you might get some dust on your mirror, so pay real close attention to your surroundings to minimize dust.

One more thing never EVER EVER Used PEC PADS to try and clean the sensor. Only use the swabs. The PEC PADS are great for lenses but not for sensors. Also, stay clear of those sticky ended wands that some people advertise. Those will leave a sticky deposit on the sensor and you'll be back to square one.

There are some other cleaners out on the market, but I have only used this one.

Hope this helps.

Newby

[chaswp54]

That's what I have on order now. My question is that it has those Pec Pads but yet you say don't use them? I thought that kit was specifically for the sensor.

[Newby]

OK the reason I mentioned not to use the PEC PADS on the sensor is becuase that is not what they where designed for. That's what the swabs are for. THe PEC Pads are strictly for use on lenses. I used them on mine and it's great.

The reason I put out that caustion is becuase I have seen in other forums around the net that people thought the PEC PAD was what they were to use on the sensor and they came away with a sensor that was damage. Mostly because of the pressure you need to apply to clean the sensor. The swasb are built on a wand that is flexible and semi-soft. With the PEC PADS you don't get that. A lot of people I saw were wrappin g the PAD around and eraser head and shoving down in the camera. With of course disaterous results.

So that's why I warned you about the pads. The work great with the methanol clean on lenses, I wouldn't recommend trying it out on anything else.

[chaswp54]

Man... I'm sure glad you mentioned that. I read and read loads of things and I "assumed" that if it came with the kit, it was o.k to use it.
I recall seeing mention of not using Pec Pads on the sensor, but again.... when I looked at the kit......
Right now my sensor is fine, but like I said... it's going to happen and I sure don't want to be without my camera for a bunch of weeks either.

[Newby]

No problem, I sat and read for a week reviews and opinions. I called about 10 different camera shops as well. I wasn't going to let anything damage my favorite toy. :)

[PDG]

I'm gonna use some Windex and my finger. Updates to follow! :D

[Dave]

Saliva is better. Then rub it around with a grimy finger :p

[Newby]

I heard that you could use hydrochloric acid, In small amounts :D

[Joezilla]

I found a baby's bottle brush works best. Fits nicely in the hole and they bend to get all areas.