Sensor Cleaning

I'm the poster child for what not to do with sensor cleaning...   On my first DSLR (Nikon D200) I inadvertently tripped the shutter closed while sensor swab was in the thick of it. A $300+ shutter repair was the result of my ignorance/stupidity. 

 

I'm now way more attentive and actually follow instructions. Have cleaned all of my DSLR's over the past 8 years with no problems since above one. I use Visible Dust sensor swabs and solution, also very conscientious about using the Rocket blower as often as possible when doing lens changes.

 

I also just had a Nikon factory service on a sensor oil spotting issue which has definitely helped with much less time spent in Lightroom cloning out the nasties.  When in the thick of it while shooting I change lenses frequently and sometimes in very dusty/windy conditions. Rarely will I try to avoid a lens change but on occasion will think twice if there is a lot of obvious dust in the air. Use my body to block wind, keep camera turned downwards and try to to the switch as rapidly as possible.

Edited by CraggyMan, 01 May 2015 - 07:16 PM.

My confession - In the 7 or 8 years I have owned my camera body the sensor has become so filthy that I am more proficient in Photoshop at cloning out the dots in the sky than any other Photoshop operation.  The squeeze bulb has minimal effect any more and I've been intimidated by wet cleaning the sensor.  I don't hang out much with any other photographers so I was able to sort of convince myself that dust was normal... until my son borrowed my camera recently.  His assessment was that the constellation of dots to which I had become so accustomed must be evidence that there were several small mammals living in my camera.

 

Yes I shoot mainly at small apertures and change often between my two lenses in less-than-pristine conditions. 

 

My redemption - I followed this thread carefully, which gave me the nerve to attempt further cleaning, and decided to order one of those gumdrop-on-a-stick sensor cleaners, which just arrived in my mailbox yesterday.  As of this writing all of the dust mites have been banished from my sensor after three go-rounds with the "eyelead" sensor cleaner.  I even cleaned up my mirror and prism with it!

 

So thank you all for the education.  And special thanks to pvstoy for mentioning the "gel pad on a stick."

I'm an early adopter of the sensor gel stick.  Moose Peterson, a well known Nikon Ambassador has also recommended it.  Takes about 5 minutes and is very easy.  Before getting this I did a couple of wet cleanings and was always a nervous wreck.  

 

I shoot a lot in Death Valley and change my lenses often.  I check my D800e sensor before each trip, and with the gel stick do not hesitate to do a quick cleaning if needed, its so easy to do.

 

https://photographyl...ensor-gel-stick

 

http://www.moosepete...red-sensor-gel/

Edited by DonC, 19 February 2016 - 05:05 AM.

I guess I haven't been paying attention, as this is the first I've heard of the gel stick. Looks interesting!

Before getting this I did a couple of wet cleanings and was always a nervous wreck.  

 

I shoot a lot in Death Valley and change my lenses often.  

 

I can identify.

That does look interesting. I use sensor swabs with good results but may have to check this out.

I think you will like it.  I take a look at my sensor with one of these

 

http://www.bhphotovi...nsor_Loupe.html

 

and if I see any dusk a couple of quick dabs with the sensor gel and its gone, just a simple straight up and down touch is all it takes, it is very sticky.  I've never needed anything more

I've heard of unsatisfactory sensor cleaning results from CPS. ... & they are supposed to be the best at it!

 

In the past, I've upgraded bodies before the sensors showed their age of dust.

 

Now that I have a pro series body, I'm going to take a chance on swabbing it myself if ever need be.

 

When I change lens, the body is laying flat on its back with a loose lens still in place (on camera but ready to pull off). I then take the cap off of the new lens and change them out with lightning speed.... putting the cap on downward facing, removed lens. 

 

I'd rather have dust in the body before my lens, 'cause we all know bodies come and go ...... but glass is fo'eva!

Edited by Bombsight, 19 February 2016 - 06:57 PM.