Mini Vac

[WI10DUser]

Has anybody tried using a mini vac for cleaning their sensor and focusing screen? What do you think of the following:

http://www.mini-vac.com/index02.html

One of the uses listed is cleaning photography equipment such as lenses. If the horse hair on the end of the brush wouldn't harm anything, I would think this would be the perfect answer. Especially for cleaning those hard to reach areas.

Any thoughts? Bad idea?

[Prox]

I would NEVER let that "thing" touch my camera sensor or lenses!
The sensor in the camera is extremely sensitive to scratches.

What you need is this: http://www.pbase.com/copperhill/ccd_cleaning

*edit: i just read through the entire website...and to be honest that is probably the most useless piece of equipment i have ever seen.

[robertwgross]

I think the idea behind the mini vacuum is this. Orient the nozzle so that it is about next to the opening into the camera. Not down inside the camera, but at the opening (where the lens would attach). Then, if you use a blower/brush, any dust that is disturbed will go floating around the inside for about one second before it is sucked up by the vacuum.

---Bob Gross---

[WI10DUser]

I'm not saying that the Mini Vac is the right answer. I think that the concept of a mini vac is the right answer to all sensor cleaning problems. If the right material were used for the end of the brushes, like the Sensor Brush fibers, this would be ideal. No canned air required, suction would take the dust off the sensor and the curved wand would allow for easy access. And no expensive Sensor Swabs to buy anymore. What could be more ideal?

[PetersCreek]

I dunno about using a vac. I just keep thinking back to the vacs I've used that would build up a static charge at the nozzle. Not so sure I want that near my sensor.

[WI10DUser]

I have never seen a static charge build-up on the end of a vacuum hose before, but I suppose it's possible. I doubt it would be a big deal on something so small as a mini vac. Besides, if you read the following information from visibledust.com, it shouldn't be an issue:

"Several layers of filters and a cover glass sit on top of the CMOS and CCD. The exact order may vary depending on your camera type. When cleaning your sensor you are not touching the CMOS or CCD, but the glass covering. The contact of the brush with the cover glass will not transfer any type of charge to the underlying CCD or CMOS. The combination of the filters and cover glass resemble an onion skin and only light passes through these layers."

If it doesn't work as a vacuum, it might be a very inexpensive source of air for blowing particles out of the camera. If the bag is not placed over the blower port it could be used as a forced air source. No more buying canned air.

Then again this thing may be the biggest piece of junk around for $19.95. I do like the idea though.

[PhotosGuy]

No more buying canned air. Canned air is another thing you shouldn't use near the sensor! It's not "air" at all!

[WI10DUser]

Canned air is another thing you shouldn't use near the sensor! It's not "air" at all!

I was misleading in my statement. Sensor Brush recommends canned air for use with their product. That is where I was referring to no more canned air. I would never use it inside the camera. The air from the mini vac should be sufficient to clean and charge the bristles.

[PhotosGuy]

Got it! Good idea!