Sensor cleaning

[Cutter]

I have noticed spots on my photographs and assume that my sensor needs cleaning, having looked at the methods available I dont have a clue which one is best. If anyone can give me a recomendation I would be pleased to here. Thankyou

[ap4a]

Recommendations would depend on how heavily spotted it is, and how wet the spots are. For a light clean I use a rocket blower, and that does me 80-90% of the time. If the spots are denser then I use an arctic butterfly. If the spots were wet then I'd use a wet clean (make sure you get the right type of Eclipse fluid for your sensor type), but you need to be careful to avoid smearing - you can send the camera away, or take it to some camera shops for it to be done if you're not happy doing this yourself.

[Cutter]

Thank for the advice, but I dont know how to tell which spots they are!

[ap4a]

Start with the assumption that they're only light and use a rocket blower. Then work up if that doesn't do the job.

When using a blower make sure that you hold the camera upside down, give a single firm blast from the blower and then allow anything shifted to drop out before giving a 2nd blast. Repeat a few times then check by shooting a white wall or the sky at a narrow aperture and check the resulting image. (Also make sure that you use a fully charged battery, to remove the risk of the camera shutting down while you have the blower nozzle inside the chamber.)

[chris-p]

There are loads of ways to do it.

Personally I start with a blower (just in case never use a can of compressed air - they have a habit of blowing propellant out and all over the mirror box). If that doesn't get rid of them I use a sensor pen which has always woked well for me and it's cheap.
I tend to do one pass with the sensor pen and if there are still spots I go back and do it a little harder.

Just to add that to check my sensor I shoot my monitor with a blank word document open - doesn't matter so long as it's a bright flat colour. As David says, just make sure the battery is charged and when you shoot a test shot manually focus as close as possible and stop the lens down as tight as possible.

[Cutter]

Great advice boys will give it ago. thanks

[matt wilson]

I went for the blower and Sensorclear by Lens Pen ..if in doubt there are videos all over youtube on sensor cleaning .

[chris-p]

Originally Posted by matt wilson

I went for the blower and Sensorclear by Lens Pen

Thats the name of it - I couldn't remember. Pretty cheap as well. I bought this which has a sensor pen, 3 spare tips, a blower, a microfibre cloth and a carry case for £35-ish.

[matt wilson]

I know people don't like Jessops but I got the whole caboodle from them very reasonably

[Cutter]

Failed with my rocket blower, it just seemed to blow the four spots into different places

Sensor pen then ?