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10/20/2010 06:45:44 AM · #1 |
| Hey guys and gals. My sensor is really dirty and I am REALLY scared to clean it. What do you suggest? I am kinda broke so paying a professional is not something I want to do. I have blown the crap out of it but I need to be able to get a GOOD clean because I am going to have a photoshoot pretty soon. Any suggestions? |
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10/20/2010 06:58:32 AM · #2 |
Marko, I have a kit that I purchased which has many, many cleanings in it...I paid the extra $$ for the little light thing (which is invaluable to me), you will have to "put out some $$" BUT since this has several cleanings (the kit had about 25 cleaning swabs) in it it should be a good investment...
I had priced having someone do it for me (about $50-60) each cleaning (and I've cleaned my sensor at least 3/4 times in the past year or so, thereby the kit has paid for itself (about $90ish). Be careful "blowing out your sensor" as that can cause extensive damage...from what I have been told...I have only used the vacuum thing that came with the kit to suction out debris that has gotten inside...
I have a Sensor Scope by Delkin Devices, it is amazing how much "crap" your sensor gets on it...I would also suggest really cleaning your lens', I need to take off all my filters and clean everything very well. |
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10/20/2010 08:21:35 AM · #3 |
LOL..
The sensor is covered by glass. I've taken apart a full DSLR, and one of the things I've learned through experimentation is that the glass plate in front of the sensor is one hard bastard.
Unless you've poured your camera full of sand, and are vigorously rubbing it into the glass, you shouldn't have a problem.
Indeed, the largest problems are these:
1. Loose fibers from the cleaning cloth can stick to the matte black crap in the sensor area, this can be a major PITA, so I suggest wrapping the cleaning pad with clear cellophane (scotch) tape, leaving only about 1/4 inch exposed at the tip.
2. Make sure your battery is charged, if it's not, then the shutter could slap shut on your tool, and that will be a guaranteed problem, resulting in the replacement of your shutter.
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Beyond this, it's pretty much a fool proof process, just go to Copperhill images and order the basic kit. You'll wonder why you ever worried.
Oh, and I clean a sensors really often, I clean each sensor about once a month.. |
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10/20/2010 08:27:34 AM · #4 |
Originally posted by coryboehne:
LOL..
The sensor is covered by glass. |
Wow, I didn't knew this ... and I was so delicate-stressful the last and first time I cleaned my sensor !
Thanks for the tip ;) |
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10/20/2010 08:27:49 AM · #5 |
I have seen people use q-tips as well.. That is cheap, is it a good option? Also Janine, I might get that one day but as of right now I just don't have the money for that. Maybe when I get a part time job or something.
Coryboehne, Thank you! This made me a little less scared. Should I take youtube vids as a reference as to what the proper way to clean it is? Or just go for it. I am just scared that something will go wrong and there goes my sensor. You know what I mean? |
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10/20/2010 11:33:15 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by mbrutus2009:
I have seen people use q-tips as well.. |
Q-Tips can leave almost as many loose fibers behind as what you're trying to remove....
Message edited by author 2010-10-20 15:33:29.
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10/20/2010 11:42:29 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by mbrutus2009:
....My sensor is really dirty and I am REALLY scared to clean it.... |
Main problem of digital shooting:( Although I'm very happy with the sensor cleaning feature of my current body. Using the Copperhill method for years now without any problems, but I have to admit: I was very scared in the beginning too. |
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10/20/2010 11:51:33 AM · #8 |
I use Copper Hill cleaning kit. Works like a charm. However, it looks like they raised their prices since I last restocked.
ETA: What Cory said.
Message edited by author 2010-10-20 15:54:23.
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10/20/2010 11:53:25 AM · #9 |
Originally posted by coryboehne:
...one hard bastard...
...slap shut on your tool... |
I'm so subliminally offended! |
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10/20/2010 12:06:34 PM · #10 |
btw. Just found an old posted image with a before and after situation.
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10/20/2010 12:39:17 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by Strikeslip:
Originally posted by coryboehne:
...one hard bastard...
...slap shut on your tool... |
I'm so subliminally offended! |
Subliminally aroused I would believe. But you, offended? Bah! I'll never buy that one. |
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10/20/2010 12:41:04 PM · #12 |
No point in posting the cleaned version, as it just looks like a bunch of noise (very clean noise)...
But here is  Schlake's 5D body that I'm borrowing before I cleaned it...
Through this endeavor, I learned that cleaning 1.6x sensors is much easier, the full-frame sensor is very tightly snuggled into a rather deep matte box in the body. Not fun, not fun at all..
Message edited by author 2010-10-20 16:43:09. |
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10/25/2010 03:10:51 PM · #13 |
| It is one of those things cloaked in mystery and surrounded by dire warnings that is basically very easy and simple to do yourself. I bought a kit on Ebay that had some sensor wipes - make sure you specify your sensor size, and a bottle of fluid. don't pay top dollar - it is just a plastic stick with a piece of material on and a bottle of what is probably alcohol solution. Do the manual sensor clean thing on your camera, wipe across the sensor according to the instructions and there you are you sensor is a thing of beauty. It reminds of a company in the UK (PC W***d) who will charge you £25 to put memory in your computer. That is open the box, plug it in the only slot it will fit in, shut the box - ker ching!!! next victim please. |
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10/25/2010 03:17:33 PM · #14 |
| The kit I got was by digipad £9.95 |
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10/25/2010 04:03:45 PM · #15 |
I'll also vouch for the Copperhill system! I used it all the time on my 40D and never had a problem.
Since I got the 50D with it's built in sensor cleaner I have not had to clean manually, but would not be afraid to using Copperhill |
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