1D and cleaning?

[ethan1219]

im sure that this subject has been covered every way in the past but im in need of a good, safe way to clean my sensor on the 1D...
i was wondering what everyone is doing out there in regaurds to this...
b&h was completely useless in helping me...they pointed me toward some swabs that were for fuji and said that was all they have...

help
please
thanks

JWC

www.pbase.com/josephwcarey

[Jgeddes]

When I first got my 1D I had to clean the sensor three or four times. It was much worse than my D30. I think it may be attributed to showing off the 8 frames a second because it seemed to get dirty after I had done a demo of the feature. Regardless, I have not used any swabs or cleaners. Most material that enters the chamber is airborn and lightweight. I use a "canned air" product with a directional tube. I set the can upright next to the camera and insert the tube just above the sensor chamber. I inspect the sensor before doing this to see if any particals are obvious. I give the camera a LIGHT blast of air or two and then check the results by physical examination. I try to insert enough air to lift the particals completely out of the sensor area but not so much that it damages the sensor. This method has worked repeatedly for me with both the D30 and 1D. If something is so stuck on the sensor that it wont dislodge with air power, I guess I would figure that it is oily or contains a sticky substance that should require a service tech to clean. My friend has a swab kit and I was poised to use it once, however after the air treatment, it was not necessary.

Jgeddes

[defordphoto]

Be very, VERY careful using canned air!! Canon specifically advises not to use canned air because it can liquify and freeze your sensor causing permanent damage.

That aside in trained hands it's fine to use. ;) Just use ONLY poofs of air and not long sprays. If the can starts freezing stop and wait. A few poofs should dislaodge any dust present.

As for the swabs I do have them and the Eclipse cleaning solution. Under most circumstances they should not be needed, but if you do have to use them it's not that big of a deal to do it.

Just don't use alcohol or any of the crap you have around the house. Order the Eclipse cleaning solution AND the swabs. The swabs are ultra expensive, but I believe in using the right tools for the job. Especially in dealing with an expensive piece of photo gear.

Or.... you can always send it off to Canon Factory Service and let them have a go at it. People (including me) have had mixed results from CFS.

[wingnut1]

Canned air is a time bomb, moisture in the can gets propelled out with the air and can cause stains on the CCD filter. All canned air has some moisture inside, it's a fact of life. Sensor Swabs and Eclipse Solution is tha way for major cleans and in between this a vacuum clean, with the mirror up and the vacuum attachment held outside the lens mount. Works for me and hundreds of other folks that have posted in various forums.

[Jgeddes]

I only gently poof... I am aware of the dangers but appreciate you bringing up those concerns. I ultra small amount of air required AND keeping the can flat on the counter next to the camera eliminate many of my concerns. Also, the tip of the blow tube is a relatively long distance from the sensor.

I am interested in the swabs and the vacuum. Can you list the link for either or both. If not, we can search for the info given what you have provided.

Jgeddes

[defordphoto]

These guys sell the swabs and the Eclipse cleaner. Some places won't ship the cleaner at all cause it's hazardous. This store was awesome and I had my stuff in 1 day, but I'm just down the road from them anyway (SW Washington).

http://www.glazerscamera.com/

They have a toll-free # too. When you call, ask for the DIGITAL store (it's across the street from the main store).

[defordphoto]

These guys sell the swabs and the Eclipse cleaner. Some places won't ship the cleaner at all cause it's hazardous. This store was awesome and I had my stuff in 1 day, but I'm just down the road from them anyway (SW Washington).

http://www.glazerscamera.com/

They have a toll-free # too. When you call, ask for the DIGITAL store (it's across the street from the main store).

[Jgeddes]

thanks for the link... what's the vacuum and attachment?

[defordphoto]

Jgeddes wrote:
thanks for the link... what's the vacuum and attachment?

You're welcome.

I have no idea. I think they're just talking about a standard vacuum cleaner.