Quick question on sensor cleaning

[Rjohn518]

Hey all

Just purchased my Sensor Swipe and Pec Pads from Copperhill. Never cleaned my 10D before, but dust is becoming a problem. In researching this forum on cleaning sensors, everyone describes the sensor surface as being "mirror-like" on the surface. When I lock up the mirror, I see what I believe to be the sensor, but it is not "mirror-like", rather it has a dark, dull surface. Is this the sensor? I have reservations about swabbing this surface since it is not at all like a mirror-finish. I definitely see the mirror flip up as I press the shutter button.

Can anyone give some input? I understand that there is supposed to be a filter screen over the sensor (is that the "low-pass" filter?), but I'm concerned that I may be looking directly at the sensor and certainly don't want to damage it!

Thanks for your help.

Bob

[Jon]

You need to set the menu to "Clean", not "Mirror lock up", and proceed with the directions in your manual. If you're just locking up the mirror, you're seeing the shutter and you don't want to use any pressure at all on that!

[robertwgross]

I agree.

Once the mirror is out of the way, and then the shutter must be open and locked, you can see the actual sensor. If you have a very bright overhead light, with the camera pointed up at it, you can look down into the sensor well and see it with all kinds of rainbow colors. If you get the light angled just right, you can see dust particles before you clean it. It only takes a minute to clean.

---Bob Gross---

[Rjohn518]

Thanks Jon and Bob

I guess this is where RTFM comes from...at least I'm glad I didn't clean the shutter!
Already did the cleaning with the Sensor Swipe/Pec*Pad plus Eclipse. Won't know how I did until I shoot some sky pics, but you're right, it didn't take long.

Thanks for the guidance.
Bob

[Rjohn518]

Just a quick update
After my first sensor cleaning, I took some sky photos, and checked them on the PC. At normal size, NO visible dust. When I enlarged the view to about 500%, there is one small dust speck, which is completely invisible at normal size. I guess I'm not too worried about it, as it certainly will not show on photos.
So, for any other newbs out there, it CAN be done!

Bob

[dsze]

Nice work! Rarely have I heard of people getting it done right on their first attempt. Usually, and in my own case, the first attempt at swiping actually introduces some new dust in addition to swiping some of the old dust. It really isn't as bad as it sounds. Do take your time with it though, and chose a quiet, stress-free time to do it as well....not with the kids running around or when you know you should be doing a hundred other things. I find that I get much better results the first time when I chose my cleaning-time wisely.

-daniel

[Rjohn518]

Thanks dsze!

I'm feeling pretty good right about now.:D

Actually, it speaks volumes about the huge knowledge-base that exists right here on this forum. I knew there was a reason I've been hanging around here!

So much info, sooo much to learn...

bob