Sensor cleaning fluid- is this ok OR Crazy

[eos-rob-uk]

Just a thought is ordinary methalated Sprit (purple) OK to clean a sensor i have used it to clean all my audio and video heads for years and wondered as it's leaves no residue could it be used for a sensor clean on a damp swab?

or am a I as daft as i look?? (no i don't drink it)

RoB B

[robertwgross]

Any liquid that appears to have a color to it is probably unsuitable.

I use ordinary lens cleaner solution.

---Bob Gross---

[tim]

I vote crazy.

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

[defordphoto]

Yeah. I'll go with crazy too. ;)

[joeseph]

Might be okay to clean windows, but you're looking for trouble using meths on a sensor.

[Tomsk]

depends on the quality of meths you're using
see this - http://astronomy.trilobytes.com.au/scope/fix-it.htm

I have access to meths (free from work) but i use Eclipse cleaning fluid.

[Dave Southall]

I use the Eclipse stuff. Perhaps there are other cheaper alternatives out there - but hell, it's only 6 quid a bottle. Bearing in mind that a £1000's worth of camera is at stake, I just ain't willing to take the risk to save a few pounds.

[Minky]

I seem to have some dust on the sensor, so can someone recommend good stuff? and how do I go about cleaning the sensor? cottom swab (like the stuff you stick in your ears?) etc

[Mitcon]

I vote crazy also lol, I would never use it to clean VCR heads either. I would suggest isopropyl alcohol for audio and video heads and use a microfibe cloth or leather chamois. For the Camera I would either send it in or use the copperhill method.

Minky,
Please don't use a cotton swab, they are bad for cleaning anything with, even your ears IMO lol. Try following the Manual first with a squeeze bulb blower and be sure not to put it too far into the camera. Hold the camera lens mount facing down when puffing the air into it. I would not use commpressed air either, just a blower. If it needs more than this try the copperhill method (I'm sure someone can post the link) or send it to Canon if you don't feel confident in doing this yourself.

[Minky]

definately be good if someone can tell me\post a link to the copperhill method!

[defordphoto]

definately be good if someone can tell me\post a link to the copperhill method!

You obviously didn't read the entire thread. The link was posted. ;)

[Digital Prophet]

You know, I just don't get why cleaning the sensor is such a hazardous experience. Now I am not saying that it isn't. I am fearful of cleaning mine. But this is what I don't get, if there is a glass IR filter IN FRONT of the sensor then why do we have to live in fear? What is the deal with that glass? Why is this such a huge issue and why hasn't someone resolved it.

Ok, I'm done.

- Digital Prophet -

[jimchapin468]

You are pressing your luck -- Stuff is cheap -- take no chances..... Use rocket blower first -- touch the sensor at last resort...

[defordphoto]

You know, I just don't get why cleaning the sensor is such a hazardous experience. Now I am not saying that it isn't. I am fearful of cleaning mine. But this is what I don't get, if there is a glass IR filter IN FRONT of the sensor then why do we have to live in fear? What is the deal with that glass? Why is this such a huge issue and why hasn't someone resolved it.

Ok, I'm done.

- Digital Prophet -

Some people get real squimish sticking stuff inside a 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 thousand dollar camera.

[tim]

What gets freeky is when things inside your camera move in a way you're not expecting. I've had plastic panels move, bristles fall off, and all sorts of related ****, but my camera still works. Hell some hinged plastic panel almost fell outa the thing, I shoved it back and it still works fine. If you're not an engineer send it to Canon, they're paid to poke it and see what happens ;)

[malla1962]

Just buy the right stuff from warehouse express.eclipse fluid (£8).:D

[eos-rob-uk]

Eclipse fluid it is then.

thanks guys

RoB B

[KelliShaver]

I'm about to take my first swipe at my sensor tonight. It's horrendous and needs is terribly. I wanted to come wander the forum for a bit and build up my confidence LOL. I figure I"m anticipating it being a lot worse than it actually will be. When I was cleaning it with the blower (which did very little) it looked pretty straightforward in there.

[tim]

Do the practice strokes recommended, take your time, be careful, and you'll be fine. Try not to poke around inside the camera more than you have to.

[KelliShaver]

Yah, that was refreshingly anti-climactic, and quite effective.

[ron chappel]

I've used all kinds of fluids (and i do mean all kinds!:)) to clean lens elements but simply would not use anything but those fluids that have been PROVEN to work.
The drama and cost of fixing even a slight non removable mark is incredibly high with sensors.

[dschwartz69]

Don't forget that the actual sensor is underneath a piece of glass - so you are actually cleaning the glass covering of the sensor and not the actual, highly sensitive sensor itself.

With that in mind, a minimal amount of the proper cleaning solution and a q-tip wrapped with lens tissue should be more than adequate. The fancy kits sold online for cleaning 'sensors' (eg. glass) are a bit much for me.

Of course, you are inside the camera, not scrubbing a filthy lens filter, so due diligence and much care is required not to break anything while you are poking around in there.

Just keep in mind you are cleaning glass, not a highly sensitive sensor.

David.

[tim]

The sensor can be scratched even by something as small as a hard piece of dust, so be careful.

[robertwgross]

I would re-phrase that by saying that the filter surface over the sensor can be scratched by anything hard. If you had some piece of hard dust stuck onto a sensor cleaning pad, that would do it. Sand would be about the worst thing.

I use a piece of cotton stuck to my elbow. ... just joking.

---Bob Gross---