Sensor cleaning "tutorials" and info

Digital Sensor Cleaning . . .

This section is for gear, evaluations and reviews et al. I have been having MAJOR stress with the little dirty specks that have been showing up on some portions of my photographs. I read regarding the Copper Hill method of sensor cleaning here and it seemed as though many of you have found it to your liking. I ordered up a full kit and it has been on my office shelf for about a week now . . . I have been afraid to use it. What in the world do I know of 'cleaning sensors?' I don't even like to take off and or change lenses. I once thought of leaving on the 100-400 all the time.

Today I read and then re-read the instructions on the net (link attached) and those that came with the kit. I looked at my early morning shot today and just could not take it any longer. I had to face up to the challenge, and do so today. I have attached a before and after, although not taken from the same place, they are high f/stop with plenty of blue sky. My method of looking for this 'bane' of digital shooters.

I am pleased to announce and provide the before and after shots and to say that it was VERY easy and I worried for nothing. The worst that happened is I saw a Nik*n in the web instruction sheet, lol. After a few practice strokes to get a feel . . . I got most of the dust on the first swipe. I still have some little ones on the lower right, (I think this is the top right of the sensor?) but will leave it for NEXT time. After the good experience with this product and the nice instruction sheet. (Follow it.) I can say that as best I know, this is the product I will use until they come up with self cleaning unites in a few years.

I thought that those of you whom are like me, a tad timid would benefit from my stressful experience . . . for nothing. Get it and use it.

http://www.pbase.com/c​opperhill/ccd_cleaning​/

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Well done, I'm embarking on the same task tomorrow night, I hope I get the same results as you did!

I know what you went through. It took me months to build up the courage.
When I finaly did it I thought " That was easy, what was I worried about?"
I clean the sensor every 1 or 2 months now.

Thanks for the input....I saved that link for future reference.

Brave man RJ! I went through the same angst. It really isn't as bad as the instructions make it sound, I'm sure they are just being cautious--CYA--. I'm not sure, but I think it is inverted as in a dental mirror, upper left is the lower right.

Yup, marko is right. upper left is lower right

There was a HUGE discussion/argument about this a couple of months back, the guy who is responsible for the copperhill method even got involved (after I asked him to give his opinion). It came down to which way you were looking at the camera from, the details are near the bottom of this page.

MarkoPolo wrote:

As the sensor sees it yes, but as you look at the sensor, from the front of the camera, upper left becomes lower left and vice versa.

Just got my first dust bunnies, so it's time to order that Copperhill solution..

Thank you, Thank you for this post!

I just noticed my first specks last night, so it's time to do it!

have noty done it yet but have the pec pad et al.....Canon cleaned mine PERFECT so I am dont for a while. I ahte checking with blue sky coause I KNOW I am going to see something and then it will naw at me!! Thanks for the post to calm my nerves!!!

Cheers

Your are welcome Cricket and et al . . . lol. Some good needs to come of my stress for naught . . .

Lets get out and clean them their sensors!

I noticed a smuge-like thing on my sensor last night... if you shine a flashlight on it you can tell there's a part not quite as reflective. Blowing on it does not get rid of it...

Yes, I think the bright light helps in locating dust pieces.

I have one very bright overhead light, so I can sit under it and open up the camera with it pointed straight up at the light. When staring at the sensor with the right angle, I can instantly see a dust speck. Without the bright light, I am only guessing.

---Bob Gross---

Yeah, it's amazing just how much dust is in there. Shining a nice light only serves to highlight how dirty they get

An excellent post for those worried about sensor cleaning !