Sensor Cleaning?

Candid Arts

So I recently realized that I got a bunch of spots on my sensor on my 50D. What's the best, cheapest (free) way to clean the sensor off? Is it okay to use compressed air? I really don't want to send my camera out to Canon to get it done as I need it.

Any ideas? Thanks.

Art Scott

Copper Hill Sensor Cleaning Kit
I cannot think of an actual "FREE" way to do it......I suggest spending approx $30 for a CopperHill Kit .........it is a wet cleaningsystem that many on here use.........

Candid Arts

Art Scott wrote:

I cannot think of an actual "FREE" way to do it......I suggest spending approx $30 for a CopperHill Kit .........it is a wet cleaningsystem that many on here use.........

I'll look into it. Thank you.

Art Scott

Candid Arts wrote:

I'll look into it. Thank you.

you could use a blower bulb and very soft brush also just do not blow so hard it gets under the sensor filter and actually on the sensor.....if that is even possible I do not know.

Scott_Quier

Here's one way to clean the sensor:



but it might void the camera warranty

Seriously, I use the Copperhill Method when I need to clean the sensor.

Snowgirl

You mean you can't put it in the dishwasher??????

Actually - I'm terrified of cleaning my sensor. I bought the Butterfly kit but haven't used it yet - I keep spending WAY too much money taking it to my local camera shop (authorized Canon dealer) and getting them to do it. Even the technician told me I was nuts not to be doing it myself.

I have 2 cameras - a 3-year-old Rebel XT and a relatively new 40D. I think I'll practice on the Rebel and if I'm ok with that - THEN I'll try the 40D. Any suggestions gratefully accepted.

OH - and NEVER use canned air - there's a chemical in the propellant that will stick to the sensor and screw it up royally (I was told - that's not from personal experience thank god!)

Scott_Quier

Snowgirl wrote:

You mean you can't put it in the dishwasher??????

Actually - I'm terrified of cleaning my sensor. I bought the Butterfly kit but haven't used it yet - I keep spending WAY too much money taking it to my local camera shop (authorized Canon dealer) and getting them to do it. Even the technician told me I was nuts not to be doing it myself.

I have 2 cameras - a 3-year-old Rebel XT and a relatively new 40D. I think I'll practice on the Rebel and if I'm ok with that - THEN I'll try the 40D. Any suggestions gratefully accepted.

OH - and NEVER use canned air - there's a chemical in the propellant that will stick to the sensor and screw it up royally (I was told - that's not from personal experience thank god!)

No reason to be concerned / worried about cleaning the filters that rest on top of the sensor (you do know that you aren't touching the sensor, just a filter that lies in front of it - right?).

If you go the Copper Hill method (my method of choice now, I've had NO success with any other method, but opinions differ), be sure to read the tutorial before you get started. Lots of good information there. But, really it's a simple process and as long as you use clean materials and solvents, you should have no problems.

Candid Arts

Scott_Quier wrote:

Here's one way to clean the sensor:



but it might void the camera warranty

Seriously, I use the Copperhill Method when I need to clean the sensor.

Wow. I'm so glad I took a closer look at that and realized it's a PS job. I think I would have hunted that person down myself... I think might is an understatement...

I'll have to get that I guess. What could be some causes of getting so much dust spots on my sensor? I always have either a piece of glass mounted or the body cap cover thing. With the exception obviously being in between lens changes...

Scott_Quier

Candid Arts wrote:

Wow. I'm so glad I took a closer look at that and realized it's a PS job. I think I would have hunted that person down myself... I think might is an understatement...

I'll have to get that I guess. What could be some causes of getting so much dust spots on my sensor? I always have either a piece of glass mounted or the body cap cover thing. With the exception obviously being in between lens changes...

Yup - I did that on a day I was bored. It was fun and a bit of work to get the camera in the right location.

What causes dust spots - well, I think you nailed it. Changing the lens. D'oh. There are things that can be done to minimize the problem:

• Don't change lenses in dusty conditions (or under fallout from a volcano)
• Don't change lenses in the wind
• When you change the lens, do it quickly (but carefully, dropped glass hurts!)
• Try to keep the lens mount opening pointed down when it's not covered
• Before removing the lens, blow what dust you can from around the mount

These are just off the top of my head. I'm sure there other measures that can be taken as well.

ziggy53

If you do use a wet method to clean the sensor it may be important to use the proper type of fluid as some of the newer cameras with dust reduction systems use a conductive coating that is only a few molecules thick to repel dust. The wrong fluid may possibly damage this anti-static layer.

If in doubt check this chart and use the proper Eclipse fluid:

http://www.photosol.com/cameras_bymfg.html

Candid Arts

Last Updated March 27, 2009

Model SWAB# ECL or E2 MFG Approved

50D (FL)* 2 Eclipse N

*Fluoride coated sensor

So I'm guessing that maybe I shouldn't use the Eclipse as it says MFG NOT approved? Hmmm...I don't know...

Art Scott

Candid Arts wrote:

Last Updated March 27, 2009

Model SWAB# ECL or E2 MFG Approved

50D (FL)* 2 Eclipse N

*Fluoride coated sensor

So I'm guessing that maybe I shouldn't use the Eclipse as it says MFG NOT approved? Hmmm...I don't know...

When in doubt contact eclipse or copper hill............

Candid Arts

Art Scott wrote:

When in doubt contact eclipse or copper hill............

Good Call. Will do. Thank everyone for all your help and info.

Nikolai

Join CPS and send it Canon:-)

Candid Arts

Nikolai wrote:

Join CPS and send it Canon:-)

CPS?

Nikolai

Candid Arts wrote:

CPS?

Canon Professional Services

Candid Arts

Nikolai wrote:

Canon Professional Services

Gotchya. Yeah I don't meet many of the criteria for that. Note taken though for future use (hopefully).

SteveF

Hello,

I've had good luck with the Sensor Swabs from the Arctic Butterfly folks.

But, one thing that I've found most useful is a foot pump from Target that is used for blowing up rafts.

I put a couple of Pec Pads over its air intake to act as a filter.

Using it I get a much stronger blast of air than the hand held bulbs can generate.

I still have to use the wet methods occasionally, but it really does clear off most of the sensor dust.

Scott_Quier

SteveF wrote:

Hello,

I've had good luck with the Sensor Swabs from the Arctic Butterfly folks.

But, one thing that I've found most useful is a foot pump from Target that is used for blowing up rafts.

I put a couple of Pec Pads over its air intake to act as a filter.

Using it I get a much stronger blast of air than the hand held bulbs can generate.

I still have to use the wet methods occasionally, but it really does clear off most of the sensor dust.

That just scares me. I have mental images of the air catching an edge of the shutter and .... whoops, there it goes like sheet siding in a hurricane.

SteveF

Scott_Quier wrote:

That just scares me. I have mental images of the air catching an edge of the shutter and .... whoops, there it goes like sheet siding in a hurricane.

Seems possible, but after several years of doing it I have yet to see my AA filter fly across the room.

Actually it seems to be a similar force of air that the professional cleaning places use, although I of course have never measured either to directly compare them.

Scott_Quier

SteveF wrote:

Seems possible, but after several years of doing it I have yet to see my AA filter fly across the room.

Actually it seems to be a similar force of air that the professional cleaning places use, although I of course have never measured either to directly compare them.

Not so worried about the AA, but the leaves of the shutter. But, if you've been doing it for a while, I guess you've got it figured out.