Sensor Cleaning and the Copper Head method

heatherfeather

Hi guys-
So my question is this: I am in bad need of a cleaning on my 5D... I got it in May and have already had it professionally cleaned once. I have done a bit of research on cleaning your own sensor and have read that the Copper Head method with the swiping wand is the best for a DIY. I would have already bought the system, but my problem is my location. I live in Alaska and unfortunately they don't ship to AK. I could have it shipped to someone in the continental US and then have them ship it to me, but that seems like a pain in the rear-hind.

So I guess my questions are these:

1. Have you used the Copper Hill method, and does it work for you?

2. Do you think that it would be just as easy to make a wand out of a spatula or something and forgo the pain in the __ of getting it here? Or is that too risky with my rather expensive camera?

3. Is there something out there that you like better for sensor cleaning?

4. Why in the world do they think that it is harder to ship it to AK? I have the same number of numbers in my zip code, and would be sooo willing to pay extra shipping since I am quite used to it.

Ok, you can skip the last one, it was more of a rant and a whine. But I would appreciate your opinions on the rest.

Thanks in advance!

aj986s

Regarding shipping, perhaps you could arrange for shipping yourself. See if its possible to purchase without shipping charges, but obtain the address so that you can arrange a shipper to pickup at their location.

cmason

heatherfeather wrote:

1. Have you used the Copper Hill method, and does it work for you?

Yes, very easy and works well. Best part is there are lots of good instructions, etc to make the first time easy..first time is tough, after that, you won't think twice about cleaning your sensor.

heatherfeather wrote:

2. Do you think that it would be just as easy to make a wand out of a spatula or something and forgo the pain in the __ of getting it here? Or is that too risky with my rather expensive camera?

Perhaps, but the critical bits are the PecPads (which touch the sensor), and the solution (which is specially formulated). You can buy the pads and solution directly from Photographic Solutions, but you only save about $8 for the spatula, and who wants the grief of the trial and error of doing that?

heatherfeather wrote:

3. Is there something out there that you like better for sensor cleaning?

No, everything else is much more expensive. I do have the CHI SensorSweep brush that I got from Copperhill, and I use that more than the PecPad and solution, as it is good for a quick swipe to make sure any big dust bunnies are removed. Stubborn stuff requires the wet method.

heatherfeather wrote:

4. Why in the world do they think that it is harder to ship it to AK? I have the same number of numbers in my zip code, and would be sooo willing to pay extra shipping since I am quite used to it.

I would call them. It may be the solution, which has to be shipped ground, perhaps there is some reason...though they do ship to Canada? odd

LiquidAir

heatherfeather wrote:

1. Have you used the Copper Hill method, and does it work for you?

Yes and yes.

heatherfeather wrote:

2. Do you think that it would be just as easy to make a wand out of a spatula or something and forgo the pain in the __ of getting it here? Or is that too risky with my rather expensive camera?

Even if you make your own spatula, I recommend getting the dry cleaning brush. Most of the times I clean my sensor I use only the brush and skip the wet cleaning. For loose dust I find the brush works better than a wet clean so even if the sensor needs a wet cleaning, I usually start and finish with the dry brush.

Scott_Quier

heatherfeather wrote:

Hi guys-
So my question is this: I am in bad need of a cleaning on my 5D... I got it in May and have already had it professionally cleaned once. I have done a bit of research on cleaning your own sensor and have read that the Copper Head method with the swiping wand is the best for a DIY. I would have already bought the system, but my problem is my location. I live in Alaska and unfortunately they don't ship to AK. I could have it shipped to someone in the continental US and then have them ship it to me, but that seems like a pain in the rear-hind.

So I guess my questions are these:

1. Have you used the Copper Hill method, and does it work for you?

2. Do you think that it would be just as easy to make a wand out of a spatula or something and forgo the pain in the __ of getting it here? Or is that too risky with my rather expensive camera?

3. Is there something out there that you like better for sensor cleaning?

4. Why in the world do they think that it is harder to ship it to AK? I have the same number of numbers in my zip code, and would be sooo willing to pay extra shipping since I am quite used to it.

Ok, you can skip the last one, it was more of a rant and a whine. But I would appreciate your opinions on the rest.

Thanks in advance!

Answering the last question first - they can't ship the kit to you because it's illegal. OK, now that you've unscrewed yourself from the ceiling - it is illegal to ship the eclipse fluid to AK because most (all?) such shipping is via air and sending flammable fluids via air is .... illegal.

But, you can build the kit yourself. The hardest part is going to be finding a source for the Eclipse fluid. If you have any decent photography/camera stores in Anchorage you should be able to find it there.

Getting the PEC pads is easy stuff; check out cmason's post for a clue where you can get them on-line. You can also get them via Amazon and any number of other on-line retailers.

You can build your "wand" as well. It's just a very soft spatula that's been cut down to a more appropriate size. Start with the smallest and softest one you can find. Cut the length and width with sissors or, even better, anvil style pruners. Now, cut a the tip to the appropriate shape - a "V" shape.

Is there anything better? Not that I've found, and I've tried a number of different "solutions." The Cooper Hill method has worked for me first time, every time. No muss, no fuss, No worries. And, it's not as "dangerous" as some would have you believe.

P.S. - Check your PM...