Sensor cleaning...?

I'll soon be the happy owner of an EOS 400D, but I'm not quite sure I trust the integrated sensor cleaning/dusting system.
So, since I imagine I'll need a back-up plan...
How do you clean your sensors when they get dirty/dusty?
Compressed air?
Manually pumped air?
Lens pen?

I'm open to suggestions!

Thanks,
BrewsterPilot

A rocket blower is the only thing I've had to use so far. Do not use compressed air on a sensor, it can leave a nasty residue.

Compressed air is not a good idea...can do way more damage than good. Stick to a rocket blower for starters...but don't sell the built in cleaning system short until you have tried it.

http://www.lenspen.com …roducts_id=DM-C1&tpid=146


This works great! (I will now get flammed by those who do not know any better.)

Canon tech says they use Lenspens to clean the sensors. I have used Lenspens for a number of years with good results. No flames from this corner.

I use a VisibleDust Sensor Brush. Has always worked great for me.

Woolburr wrote in post #2347254
Canon tech says they use Lenspens to clean the sensors. I have used Lenspens for a number of years with good results. No flames from this corner.

I can't remember which one, but I tried the Lens Pen recomendation of one of the moderators. It is faster and does a better job than any other method I have tried.

I just finished my first successful sensor cleaning on my 30D. I pickup a Returned 30D with Kit lens form Costco about month ago. The price was right. After extensive testing the only thing I found wrong with the camera was the sensor was very dusty.

I tried cleaning it with air from a mustard shaped bottle. The bottle was new and I also washed it very good. I use them in my business for holding different chemicals. It took some dust off, but not enough. So I purchased a sensor cleaning kit with the rocket blower from CleaningDigitalCameras​.com. Comes with the Rocket Blower and everything you need to wet clean the sensor.

I first blew off the sensor with the RB about 10 times. Then I used the sensor swab wrapped with a Pec-Pad and two drops of Eclipse. Took one swipe across the top half of the sensor flipped the sensor swap over and used the other edge and swiped the bottom half of the sensor. Put everything back together and took some test shots, Expecting to find a few spec's of dust left over. But to my surprise it was spotless. Clean as a Whistle. The whole kit cost me $37 shipped. They have extensive information on their web page on sensor cleaning. Another source for sensor cleaning supplies is www.copperhillimages.c​om I have not used them but have heard good things.

Jon III

I have yet to need to clean the sensor on my XTi but ust a lens pen on my 30D

I use an arctic butterfly it does a great job and its quick! http://www.visibledust​.com/products.php

I have a lens pen they are really good for dusting down the lenses and body... but I don't understand how you can use them to clean the sensor, can someone direct me?

Just manually pumped air through a rocket blower so far for me. That's kept it pretty spotless for 12 months.

I used the copperhill on my 10D and it really worked great. The website tutorial and information makes it almost easy to do.

It's dawning on me that there is no "one right way" to clean a sensor.

I blow first, then wet clean if needed.

My last shot of a shoot is of the clear sky (white clouds or plain light coloured walls will do) with the lens stopped right down. Then when I download my pics, I have one showing the condition of my sensor - if needed, it gets cleaned for the next shooting.

I've removed too many gray blobs from skies. Cleaning is quicker.

Sort of like when you're painting - keeping the paint spots off the carpet is easier than cleaning them off the carpet.

my question is how do you clean the sensor when it has the shielding over it for the self cleaning?