Digital Rebel CMOS Cleaning

I own an early model EOS Digital Rebel that needs to have the CMOS sensor cleaned. In reading the owner's manual, Page 34, it outlines the process to be followed to manually clean the sensor via the tools menu. I have gone to the screen where the "Sensor clean." option should be but it is not there. Some time ago I updated the firmware from Version 1.0.0 to 1.1.1. Could this have removed my cleaning option? Is there any way to return to Version 1.0.0?

If I remember correctly you need to move the top dial to P Tv Av or M then have a look at the menu, the software update won't delete that menu option. I have a copy of the undutchables Hack for the 300D on file - if you want it let me know and I'll email it over.
David

Eureka! The camera had been set for Fully Automatic shooting. When I changed to P the menu option appeared. Too bad Canon didn't bother to mention this small detail in the manual.

Thank you for your quick and accurate solution. The alternative was an hour and a half drive to the closest camera shop, a $75 service charge, and then a minumum of a week turn around time. I really appreciate the help. Also, although I am not familiar with the hack you mentioned I am always interested in learning and experimenting with enhancements and modifications. If it's not too much trouble I would appreciate getting a copy of the hack. Thanks.

You need to be very careful doing sensor cleanings.

If that camera's has never been cleaned before, you almost certainly will need to do a "wet cleaning".

Read up on cleaning sensors here... all of it... twice... before attempting to clean your camera.

It's particularlly important to have the battery(ies) charged up and work quickly enough that the camera won't accidentally shut down mid-cleaning. A fresh charge should give you 20 min. to half hour on most models, even with an older battery. You just don't want the shutter to close and the mirror to drop while cleaning. That can damage things.

If really unfamiliar with cleaning, it might be worth having it done by a professional. $75 does seem like a lot, though. You might call around and see if anyone else does it cheaper. But even $75 is a whole lot cheaper than doing damage and having to replace a mirror or a shutter or the entire camera!

I agree with Alan with regards cleaning, how bad is it?
David

Davinor & amfoto1,thanks for the warnings regarding the sensitivity of the CMOS. I had the sensor cleaned professionally a couple of years ago, but now it sounds like maybe I payed too much. Fortunately the problem I was experiencing this time was just a couple of dust specs on the surface that were appearing in shots with clear blue sky background. Using a squeeze bulb puff blower I was able to clear them off, once I was able to access the sensor area. I concur with the concerns that if the actual surface needs cleansing it's probably a good idea to have it done by a pro.