Air compressors OK for DSLR sensor cleaning?

[baboymo]

I'm not talking about a can of compressed air used for dusting computer equiptment but real compressed air from a compressor tank. Will it be ok for sensor cleaning/dusting or is the air pressure too great for the sensor to take?

[Belmondo]

I wouldn't do it for a number of reasons:
Compressed air tends to form condensation as it expands, and that could cause moisture to be blown into your camera

Dirt or other contaminants can be blown into the camera at very high velocity.

The typical air pressure from a compressor is excessive and could damage delicate parts like the shutter mechanism.

Compressors don't usually fit well in camera bags, and the extension cord required might be miles long. :lol:

Seriously, don't do it.

Even if you use air filters, airline dryers, and every other reasonable precaution you might mention, the potential for damage and/or contamination is too great.

Use a Giottos Rocket Blower instead.

[Persian-Rice]

It is okay, but there is a fair amount of risk involved.
To be safe, just get a bulb lower, Giotto's being the most famous. It is also cheap and will last forever.

[Tom W]

Air compressor air is NOT a good idea for a number of reasons:
- internal tank rust
- moisture tends to condense in the tank and may emit droplets of dirty, rusty water.
- very high pressure can damage things

In short, everything that Belmondo said above.

[CyberDyneSystems]

NO,...

In addition to all of what is said above,. compressors rely on lubrication in the compressor pistons,. lubrication that can and will turn aerosol in your compressed air :(

[defordphoto]

And, most air compressors expel a certain amount of oil through their systems. It's not a bad idea. It's a HORRIBLE idea!! You could permanently damage your camera!

You can buy clean, compressed air without the accelerants in it. That would definitely be the safest. That or a bulb-blower.

[baboymo]

Thanks guys..that's what I thought also about the dangers of air compressor air. I'll make sure I include the Rocket Blower the next time B&H rapes my credit card :lol:.

[Ballen Photo]

And, most air compressors expel a certain amount of oil through their systems. It's not a bad idea. It's a HORRIBLE idea!! You could permanently damage your camera!


DITTO! NEVER use an air compressor to clean a camera. Too many contaminants expelled with the air. :shock:
-Bruce

[DSMITH131]

would you use a rocket blower to inflate a tire or operate a impact wrench

[Mills]

No.

[DeeplyDigital]

NO way, absolutely not

I had my new 20D cleaned like that a few months back by my local Canon distributor and afterwards asked Canon about it - I was strongly advised against it. The text of their reply is somewhere on this forum.
20D survived though.

J.

[tim]

Read this

http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning

[Jay J]

Oh please dear God tell me your kidding.

NEVER clean your digital camera sensor with an industrial air compressor.

1) The psi of the air entering the camera will most likely not be that recommended by Canon.

2) Almost all air compressor lines emit moisture. Sometimes it's not easily visible to the eyes other times it's quite aparent.

Thank you and good luck.

Jay J

[defordphoto]

Okay. This horse is dead. ;)