Cleaning the sensor on my D40x

dberthia

The sensor on my Nikon D40x is in dire need of a cleaning. I've never attempted this before, and web posts I've read have made my eyes bleed with its apparent complexity. Do any of you have any concise, easily digestible advice on how I should proceed with this, or is it really that involved?

ziggy53

We have a number of threads dedicated to sensor cleaning which I recommend you read first, but then it really is fairly easy and fairly safe to clean your own sensor.

The main things to consider are not to use too much cleaning solution using the wet methods, and don't scrub too hard. Multiple passes are safer than too much scrubbing pressure.

The threads I recommend reading:

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=101443

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=49593

This is a terribly old thread but I still recommend it to understand that people have been doing this for a long time and there are a few different methods discussed:

http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=8350

Then this is a nice tutorial for the Copperhill wet method:

http://www.copperhillimages.com/index.php?pr=tutorials

dberthia

Thank you!

DsrtVW

I received the copperhill cleaning system for my D7000 it had a dark spot that was not dust that could be blown off.
It is daunting to take something and drag it across the filter over the sensor but it works well and is easy just read the instructions and go slowly. They good product and promptly ship.

Art Scott

I will second the Copper Hill Method...I do not even waste my time trying to blow crap off my sensor filter...just dive in with the kit from copper hill and it is done...just follow their instructions......can't go wrong......

dberthia

I purchased the Copper Hill system and gave it a try last night. I may have been a little tentative with it, but it seemed to do the trick. I still have a couple of spots I need to make a second pass at, but I'm a little more confident now, so it shouldn't be a problem. Thanks for the tip!

Scott_Quier

Here's something to think about:

I clean my sensor only when I need to (D'0h). So, how does one know when it needs to be done. If you don't see the dust bunnies, then you probably don't need to worry about them. Oh, and know that the dust bunnies will be come more and more appearant as you stop down the lens.

Sam

To repeat myself.............get a sensor loupe. You will not regret it!

Sam