Sensor Cleaning Steps

[CameraBuff]

OK, I read all the posts I could find here on POTN and I will clean my sensor on my 40D next weekend. I have a large rocket blower, the sensor brush, sensor tool, eclipse and pec pads from Copperhill and the Sensorklear. I was going to use the blower 1st, than brush, than Sensorklear - check than wet clean if needed; however, now I am seeing posts saying not to use the rocket blower or you could blow dust up into the viewfinder?

What steps are you using!

[Rai33]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi6S3jHA21w

[ben_r_]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi6S3jHA21w
Awesome! Thank you for that post! Funny thing was that it was on a 5D which I have, and he used all the items I bought too! This video works out PERFECT for me!

[Rey.dos]

i got the same cleaning stuff without the scope...yet to get one..

[simplefoto]

I have tried the scope and really don't see any use with them. It can see the big dust particles but for the very small ones - you really just need to take a picture to find the dust.

I am a big fan of using the blower. It really gets about 90% of the dust off and often all you need to do. When using a brush and swab it is very easy to ADD dust particles or grease and so should only be done when necessary.

I do it in this order.
Use the blower - take a picture and see how the sensor looks
IF NECESSARY - use the brush - take a picture to see how the sensor looks.
ONLY if there is 'greasy dust' or I smeared grease on the sensor with the brush do I then use the wet method. You may have to use the blower again in the end to get any 'cloth dust' off the sensor. It is very hard to get 100% of the dust away and usually takes a few tries.

I have been using the copper hill method as well.

[CameraBuff]

Thanks - looks like I will use the blower first. I just read the copperhill instructions and in there is says that if it is the first time you are cleaning your sensor not to use the brush of sensorklear until after you do a wet clean since you may spread lube that may be on the sensor. It also says to look for any large items that may be stuck that could damage the sensor. I guess it pays to read the instructions!

[Nicholas R.]

OK, I read all the posts I could find here on POTN and I will clean my sensor on my 40D next weekend. I have a large rocket blower, the sensor brush, sensor tool, eclipse and pec pads from Copperhill and the Sensorklear. I was going to use the blower 1st, than brush, than Sensorklear - check than wet clean if needed; however, now I am seeing posts saying not to use the rocket blower or you could blow dust up into the viewfinder?

What steps are you using!

CameraBuff,

Just as the brochure describes, it's very important to wet-clean your sensor before using any dry tool. You don't have to expect great results as far as removing dust-bunnies, what you're doing is getting rid of the film of chamber lube. If you do see what looks like a fairly big stuck-on speck, this is the only case where it is advisable to use a pen or brush to dislodge it, if the brush picks up lube, it's very easy to clean it thoroughly.

I believe the D-SLR community is very much for blowing off the sensor as the first step, no discussion neded. A Rocket blower probably won't stir up the air with currents that bring the dust up to the prism area, but a more powerful blower might.

The video that was posted is pretty good for the most part. However, he does need to remove the E2 from his fluid choices and go with Eclipse for all sensors. But look at his swabbing technique at the end. He was most likely looking through his video recorder when he swabbed, so we'll give the guy a break, but his swab is all over the place on the second swipe going left-to-right. What this should tell you is that using a full-frame swab to cover the entire height of the sensor means you have to be very precise and wary of going up on the sidewalls. This may make strands of material come loose and it also may drag the lubricant onto the surface. We generally recommend using a smaller swab like an 18 mm. for people who have never cleaned their sensors. The full-frame swabs can be used by someone with a good amount of experience.

Nicholas

[CameraBuff]

Thanks - I will use the rocket blower than check for any big specks (if any try the brush) than wet clean, check and than brush or use the sensorklear.