Sensor Cleaning with the Artic Butterfly

[futura]

Hi,

I've been using the sensor swaps / eclipse fluid for sorting out dust on my sensor for a while now and came across the Visible DustArctic Butterfly gadget. Has anyone had any experiences with the artic butterfly and is it worth the rather steep initial outlay.

Thanks

[DavidW]

I think the Visible Dust brushes are expensive for what they are. I have the CopperHill (http://www.copperhillimages.com/shopping/pgm-more_information.php?id=2) brush (as well as their SensorSwipe based wet cleaning kit), which I'm impressed with, and it's not that expensive.

The separate brushes are out of stock, so the link goes to the kit with the battery powered blower, which I think is a great piece of kit for the money. You use the blower to charge the brush - there's no risk of contamination in compressed gas products, and it's much more controllable and less tiring than using a rubber blower.


There's some mention of my experience with the CopperHill brush in my contributions from here (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1790246) onwards in another thread, though that focusses predominantly on wet swabbing.

The big question is why are you after a brush? If it's something to use away from home when wet swabbing is inconvenient or impossible (you can't fly with Eclipse), then that seems worthwhile. However, if you're happy with wet swabbing and are getting the results you want, then I wouldn't necessarily bother with a brush.



David

[ssim]

Seems a tad expensive for just another tool for sensor cleaning.

I buy the eclipse sensor swabs and eclipse fluid at my local camera store.

Given what I have invested in camera bodies I've always felt it appropriate to find a solution that works for me and stick with it. The ones that I use now works well for me and I don't see any reason to try something new.

[JBillings]

I'm using the Visible Dust products and they work. I've never had to use any fluids to clean my sensors and I usually get them 100% dust free the first go around. As easy as it is to clean the sensors I typically check them before each shoot.

Pricey, yes! But considering the price of the cameras.... I think they are worth it.

Just my $0.02 worth

[futura]

Just to clarify, I'm happy with the results I get from using Swabs / eclipse - its just just because the of the costs of the sensor cleaning sticks for my camera are quite pricey, I tend not to clean as frequently as I would like to. If the Arctic Butterfly is as good as the reviews make out, it would mean I can clean more frequently after every shoot.

btw - here are some links I've gathered regarding the product

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/accessories/arctic-butterfly-2.shtml

http://www.outbackphoto.com/workshop/phototechnique/essay08/essay.html

[DavidW]

It may be worth you considering the CopperHill swab technique (and possibly getting their brush as well). See the posts I linked in my last message for some rationalisations I made, and a comment on the cost.



David

[overlunge]

Hi futura, I have owned and used the Arctic Butterfly for nearly 3 weeks. I purchased them because I wanted to get rid of the dusts accumulated around the corners of the sensor that's impossible to do with a blower. I had good result with it, and it's simple to do.

[DavidEB]

I like the Arctic Butterfly. I have the first version and it works very well. I bought it for a 4-city 7-day trip by air. It's the only portable sensor cleaning method. Haven't taken out my copperhill stuff since then.

[futura]

It may be worth you considering the CopperHill swab technique (and possibly getting their brush as well). See the posts I linked in my last message for some rationalisations I made, and a comment on the cost.

David

Thanks for the links David, I've worked my way through most of the material on the site and it does look a polished product. In the end I succumbed to the arctic butterfly and its on order. Given the restrictions with things you can carry on planes, I think it will shouldn’t cause the airport staff too much concern.

Cheers to everyone else for their advice. I'll post some feedback on how I get on once it comes through the post.

[kerso]

Hi Futura, Tried to send a message but your inbox is full. Yes I have the 85mm 1.2 II at a good price. Please e-mail me. Regards Ian.

Thanks for the links David, I've worked my way through most of the material on the site and it does look a polished product. In the end I succumbed to the arctic butterfly and its on order. Given the restrictions with things you can carry on planes, I think it will shouldn’t cause the airport staff too much concern.

Cheers to everyone else for their advice. I'll post some feedback on how I get on once it comes through the post.