Sensor Swab - Austin

[xc0oki3m0n5terx]

(Unsure if this should be placed here or in the Austin section)

I'm in search of the necessary cleaning tools to clean my image sensor. I'm leaving for a trip on Wednesday and I need to get this cleaned before then.

I have a Canon 350D (XT). I checked Precision and Wolf, and neither have them in stock. If anyone can help me out, I'd greatly appreciate it.

This is what I'm trying to correct:

Black dot.
[/QUOTE]

[johnastovall]

If Precision doesn't have them, I have no idea other than you might want to make a call to the Camera Exchange in San Antonio and see if they have any.

[danchez]

I know there are some videos on youtube on how to clean your sensor yourself. Not sure how comfortable you feel doing that, but it's an option.

[andyz]

You say swab, maybe they have an alternate method like the Arctic Butterfly? Otherwise, the swabs may be purchased elsewhere on the net Monday and overnighted? The fluids for cleaning have some restrictions on shipping but the swab shouldn't. Also, maybe you can get it cleaned at your destination, or you end up cleaning the shots in post.

[Angelo]

BillyG, I recommend you take a photo of the sky at f16 or f22.
That will show you more accurately how much dust you have on
the sensor. First get yourself a rocket blower (I have a Giotto).
That should blow off any dirt on the sensor. Follow these instructions:
1. Make sure you have a full battery charge on the camera.
2. Remove the lens and expose the sensor (follow instructions on
your camera manual).
3. Turn camera upside down so everything you blow out drops
out from the camera lens opening.

This should clean 99% of the loose dust.
Take another photo as before indicated and see if some dust still remains.
If so, get yourself a soft brush (I recommend you buy one for sensor cleaning
purposes).
If this fails then you'll have to wet clean the sensor, but not before you try
the above.
I hope this helps.

[xc0oki3m0n5terx]

Thanks so much for the help guys. I used a blower and believe I was able to get the dust off.

Many thanks.

[PIC]

Originally Posted by xc0oki3m0n5terx

Thanks so much for the help guys. I used a blower and believe I was able to get the dust off.

Many thanks.

That dark blob above looks more oil drop from mirror.
The only way to remove oil is wet clean with swab and sensor clean.

[Lupe Talamantez]

I have tried Copper Hill Images products. The only thing else you need besides a dry run is a Margarita(s). If I can do it, you can too.
http://www.copperhillimages.com/

It might be that Precision Camera has these products on their shelves. Camera Exchange in San Antonio does.

I had to do 3 cleanings before all the spots were no longer showing in my post-cleaning test shots.

[rbaldwin]

I personally would have let Precision clean it for you. They do a great job and you are not stuck with a junk camera.

[90 5.0]

Originally Posted by PIC

That dark blob above looks more oil drop from mirror.
The only way to remove oil is wet clean with swab and sensor clean.

I've had dust that looked exactly like that, I use canned air that you would clean you key board etc with and it works well.

[Angelo]

Robert, you've been lucky. It is not advisable to use can air sprays on the sensor.
You are safer using a blower that is specifically made to clean sensors.

[90 5.0]

Originally Posted by Angelo

Robert, you've been lucky. It is not advisable to use can air sprays on the sensor.
You are safer using a blower that is specifically made to clean sensors.

Well luckily there's an aa/ir filter in front of the sensor. I am careful when I do it and have had success with it for a couple of years now.

YMMV but it works for me ???

[Angelo]

I've also noticed that the shop that's cleaned my sensor has specifically told me to not use compressed air on the sensor. When I questioned him about the compressed air cans on his desk he replied that he uses them sparingly and very carefully. I laughed!

I would just hate to tell someone to use compressed air and have them damage the sensor or camera.

And you're right, they are not as sensitive as they make them out to be. BUT, I always err on the side of Safety.

[janikphoto]

I use compressed air, you just need to make sure you don't tilt the can... or, that nasty freon stuff comes out and freezes whatever surface you pointed the nozzle at. Luckily, the 5DmkII stays pretty clean on it's own... I've needed so little sensor dust maintenance on that camera, it's crazy!