D30 Sensor Cleaning...

[mflaherty]

I'm new to this forum. Only purchased my D30 a couple of days ago. It replaces an Olympus E10 which I enjoyed very much - just wanted something a little better. Anyhow, what is the real deal regarding sensor cleaning? Is it something that has to be done often? Is it difficult to do properly (I have read the manual on this subject and it appears somewhat straightforward)? Is the dust easy to see on the sensor?

Anyhow, I'd appreciate your comments. Thanks.

[Pekka]

For my camera it has been done only once, and then when the camera was brand new and I messed it up with dust when trying to clean a hair out from viewfinder. Lesson learned: never ever try to clean an SLR by ourself - you could get lucky but bigger chance is you ruin something and pay a lot for the damage. E.g. the mirror is covered with very thin silver, and is easily scratched even with a brush!

Canon offers a year of free cleanings, and here in Finland (small market) it takes a few days to get the camera back.

If there is dust you can see it if you take a shot of blue sky with f/22 and then change levels in PS.

[mflaherty]

Thanks, Pekka. I appreciate the informative answer and speedy reply.