If you clean your own sensor answer me this

[iCe]

how clean is clean... I've got about 4 types of super duper sensor cleaning swabs... super sensor cleaning juice... and a myriad of techno-gar-bagggg... and I still get little specs in the corners no matter how many times I swab the sensor with no matter how many different brands of swabs I use...

So how clean do you get your sensor when you clean it?

[JohnT]

I used to be very OCD about this, thinking I had to get every speck off the sensor. Now, I just use a Rocket Blower and sometimes a lightly-applied camel hair brush, and clone out in PP anything that shows up. The latter seldom happens because I seldom shoot at an aperture that makes dust apparent. Which reminds me, it's probably time to blast the sensor with the blower.

My two pesos, Señor. :-)

[David_3]

I pretty much get it all, but it usually takes me about a half dozen tries. Either it's not as easy as everyone says it is, or I'm really bad at it.

[Clint_Smith]

I did the cooper hill method on my 10D after it got back from canon for service...god they are some dust folks....but most of the time a rocket blower does me fine. I generally dont worry about cleaning unless I can see dust at f/8.

[aerosolcheese]

I am thinking about trying the Green Clean system which actually vaccums out the dust rather than just blow it. Has anyone else tried this solution? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...aning_Kit.html

[WLPelzmann]

Yeah, I haven't perfected a technique to get the corners and edges with the swabs.

However, I have been impressed with the results from DUST-AID.
http://www.dust-aid.com/the_product.html

When I first heard about the concept of an adhesive tape being used on a digital sensor, I was amazed that somebody would risk leaving sticky residue all over their $$$$ sensor.
However, the testimonials from friends who tried it convinced me. I'm sold. I find it quick and easy on a 1DsMk2.

Note, however, there was one thread on the Fred Miranda Forum that documented an instance where the adhesive actually delaminated a layer from the sensor assembly. Dust-Aid agreed to pay for the repair - so they stood behind their product.

Hey, another possible use for duct tape ??????

[Joe_Lorenzini]

Dust-Aid is what I've been using as well.

I agree - it's a scary concept and it took me over a month to get the nerve to try it.

But so far it has been the absolute best method at cleaning my sensor. The results are simply amazing. It's as clean as the day I took it out of the box.

If you break it down it's a bit on the expensive side (on a per-cleaning basis) but you can't argue with the results.

And just for an FYI, I have tried the Air Rocket, the Copperhill method and the Visible Dust products. None match what Dust-Aid can do on just the first pass.

_/oe

[srwatters]

If Joe uses it, it's the bomb.

I'm marking this for future reference...

[Joe_Lorenzini]

Originally Posted by srwatters

If Joe uses it, it's the bomb.

I'm marking this for future reference...

No lie on this one. I was shocked to see how clean my sensor was.

That said, the first time I did it, I lightly placed the pad on the sensor and when I pulled it up it made a ripping sound which tore through me like fingernails on a chalkboard.

I was fairly relieved to see the results...

_/oe

[Ahh!]

Reminds me to check mine again, now that we have some blue skies again! But I got a lot of practice at Archinal's first before taking it home and getting it all. I'm just using Eclipse and Sensor Swab. Pre-open the swab bag and place the swab back in the bag between swabbings. Then a drop on each side, and only use the swab 3 times, then trash it. Took me 2 swabs. But I do it at home where I have micro filters on the A/C and electrostatic air cleaners...you know, the funny Oreck guy's. Funny guy, good filters!

Archinal's shop was dusty and we could not get it clean there with the windows open...

[Jim Victory]

Most of the horror stories about the Dust-Aid removing coating from the screen were because it was installed incorrectly by the factory. The coated side is suppose to go toward the sensor.

I have found the Sensorclear to work pretty good for corners.

[skdupre]

Copper Hill with success after three to five different swipes.

My Dust-Aid came in about two months ago and I'm waiting another week to give it a try. But Joe has calmed my nerves. It has to be better than the whole sensor swipe routine. Anyway, I'm heading to Glacier NP next weekend and plan to go with a clean sensor...

If I have any issues with the Dust Aid I'll post them; otherwise, assume that I'm on board with the product.

[andyz]

I use sensor swabs with Eclipse fluid only after a rocket blower won't do it.

Based on this, sometimes a professional cleaning is warranted.
http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=52819

[iCe]

Cool... I thought I should be getting it all with one pass and it takes 3-5. I don't worry about it unless something shows up at around f/8. Sounds like I might want to add Dust-Aid to the pile

I tried a blower (I forget which one) and ended up with a lot more dust :shock: so I've been hesitant to try it again

[TxManx]

I use one of the sensorscopes, which is awesome, in my opinion...but the Dust-Aid is something I will definitely check out.