DLSR Sensor Cleaning

Lord Vetinari

Not sure how many of you are using DSLRs but one problem with many of these is dust getting on the sensor. This tends to show up especially in macro shots or sky shots where you have a brightish monocolour bacground when using small apertures.
My has been getting worse over the last few months and I attempted to give it the gentle blower technique which basically did nothing. This morning I followed the recommendations I read somewhere on the web which involves getting a flat fine nylon haired artists brush (about 1/2" wide") washing it thoroughly. Dry it and visually check it looks clean. Then using the cameras instructions for locking up the mirror hold the camera upside down, give the brush about 10 blows with your blower and then gently wipe the brush over the sensor about 3 to 4 times carefully going from edge to edge but not pressing hard.
The flow of air from the blower apparently charges the nylon brush hairs which then attract the dust off the sensor. Anyway result of doing mine was to go from approximately 30 specks down to one.
Obviously if you are nervous or worried about doing this then don't- send the camera away for cleaning.

Brian V.

Khaos

I use the copperhill method and it works well.

John Mueller

Lots of info in the hall of wisdom here

blackwaterstudio

Copperhill also, just haven't had a chance to use it yet as it just got here Friday

Mitchell

I've used the copperhill method several times now. Once you get over the initial reluctance and anxiety, it is actually very easy and quite effective.

Mac Write

I bought Visible Dust brushes they worked like a champ (well since so much crap, I got it to two stops and haven't washed to brushes to finish the job). They suggest compressed air on the brushes and they do work very well.

Lord Vetinari

Re sensor brush
Whoops- didn't see that other thread. The method I used is just a cheaper rip-off off the sensor brush method. ie there isn't really anything special about their brushes.
Brian V.

ian408

Lord Vetinari wrote:

Whoops- didn't see that other thread. The method I used is just a cheaper rip-off off the sensor brush method. ie there isn't really anything special about their brushes.
Brian V.

The article you refer to details a process for getting a make-up brush to the
point it can be used for cleaning a sensor. Those who've used it say it works
just like a sensor brush.

As for the air, use a can of canned air (Dust Off is one product name) to get
the bristles charged enough to get rid of the dust bunnies.

Ian