TripleDelta From Croatia, joined Jul 2004, 1053 posts, RR: 7 Posted (6 years 6 months 1 week 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 2608 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW PHOTO SCREENER
Recently, I've had a number of dustspots appear on my shots, regardless of the lens I use - moreover, they're always in the same position in the shot. Since I've carefully cleaned everything else, I presume the camera sensor is dirty (I have a 20D).
I know of the "Sensor Clean" function that allows access to the sensor for cleaning. Now, I wonder what's the best way to clean it? I haven't tried anything yet, so I'm asking you guys/gals for suggestions. I've heard/read somewhere that one method is to squirt some air over the sensor with one of those small clear plastic pumps (lost for proper translation, those like ordinary plastic droppers)...
JeffM From United States of America, joined May 2005, 3266 posts, RR: 53 Reply 2, posted (6 years 6 months 1 week 1 day 9 hours ago) and read 2568 times:
I use Dust Off brand (and only the Dust Off brand) canned air. Never needed more then two short (one second) bursts.
I used to use the 'wet' method of eclipse and pec pads......never again. Sure, it works, but it takes longer and nothing touches my sensor.
Gary2880 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 3, posted (6 years 6 months 1 week 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 2563 times:
I also recommend the copper hill. May take a whole 3-5 minutes to do, from reaching for the pouch to putting it away again. That could possibly be too much for those with the attention span of a humming bird. However it work's perfectly, and gets your CCD spotless. but in the end its up to you, gentle pec pads or highly compressed canned air blasting through the insides of your camera
JakTrax From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2005, 4738 posts, RR: 8 Reply 4, posted (6 years 6 months 1 week 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 2557 times:
DON'T use compressed air - it can damage your sensor! Instead invest in a Giotti 'Rocket Blower', which is powerful enough to remove even stubborn dust without harming your kit.
Alternatively, you can send your camera to an approved service centre, where it will be professionally cleaned for about £30 ($50).
I would definately not recommend you do it yourself (with swabs, etc.), no matter how careful you are. It just ain't worth the risk!
JeffM From United States of America, joined May 2005, 3266 posts, RR: 53 Reply 5, posted (6 years 6 months 1 week 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 2540 times:
Quoting JakTrax (Reply 4): DON'T use compressed air - it can damage your sensor!
What a bunch of crapola....
You do have to have more then half a brain though. I've used Dust Off for over 2 years on my Nikon D100, Canon 10d, and Canon 30d with ZERO problems.
Quoting JakTrax (Reply 4): I would definately not recommend you do it yourself (with swabs, etc.), no matter how careful you are. It just ain't worth the risk!
Again..
Anyone can use the wet method, attention to detail is all that's required.
Wietse From Netherlands, joined Oct 2001, 3809 posts, RR: 57 Reply 6, posted (6 years 6 months 1 week 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 2521 times:
Quoting JakTrax (Reply 4): DON'T use compressed air - it can damage your sensor! Instead invest in a Giotti 'Rocket Blower', which is powerful enough to remove even stubborn dust without harming your kit.
How in the world will blowing air be more likely to damage your sensor than something physically touching it?
TripleDelta From Croatia, joined Jul 2004, 1053 posts, RR: 7 Reply 8, posted (6 years 6 months 1 week 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 2514 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW PHOTO SCREENER
Thanks for the answers everybody. A minor (sometimes) problem in my case is acquiring these products quickly enough, since goods from abroad sometimes take their sweet time in getting here . I will look into all of these you mentioned, especially the DustOff JeffM mentioned, sounds good.
In the mean time, I presume the licenced "service station" is the safest choice.
Fly747 From Canada, joined Apr 2005, 1497 posts, RR: 10 Reply 9, posted (6 years 6 months 1 week 1 day 4 hours ago) and read 2508 times:
I have been using the eclipse fluid and swabs on mine but have been thinking of switching to air since it is faster and easier. The swab sometimes takes more than one attempt.
CalgaryBill From Canada, joined May 2006, 686 posts, RR: 6 Reply 10, posted (6 years 6 months 1 week 18 hours ago) and read 2479 times:
Before you go touching the sensor you should try a blower first. Loose dust will easily come off with a couple puffs. If that doesn't work, then it's time to break out the PEC pads.
I would avoid canned air as it can push dust into gaps around your metering sensor, TTL sensor, prism, etc. The camera store I use has had several cameras come back with dust between the low-pass filter and the sensor, which requires a visit to the service shop to repair. The only explanation they got from the manufacturers was that high pressure air caused the problem. To each their own though - done carefully I'm sure it's quite safe, I'm just not willing to risk it.
JakTrax From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2005, 4738 posts, RR: 8 Reply 11, posted (6 years 6 months 1 week 7 hours ago) and read 2462 times:
Quoting JeffM (Reply 5): DON'T use compressed air - it can damage your sensor!
What a bunch of crapola....
Really? Then may I suggest you read your camera manual, which will clearly tell you that compressed air CAN damage your sensor. I know this is more-than-likely just an exit clause for the manufacturer should something happen but if it says 'DON'T' in the manual I'm certainly not going to try it just to prove a point.
In addition, I've read about canned air being bad in several photography magazines.
JeffM From United States of America, joined May 2005, 3266 posts, RR: 53 Reply 12, posted (6 years 6 months 1 week 7 hours ago) and read 2459 times:
Some brands can, others won't. It's the propellent and additives that cause problems. I use only one brand that has been tested and used by many camera stores. Dust-Off. I mentioned that brand in my post. I did not say 'use any canned air'. You can read all you want, I'm talking actual experience over almost three years and three different DSLR bodies.
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From Croatia, joined Jul 2004, 1053 posts, 
From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
From United States of America, joined May 2005, 3266 posts, 
From , joined Dec 1969, posts, 
What a bunch of crapola....
From Netherlands, joined Oct 2001, 3809 posts, 
From Germany, joined Jul 2004, 409 posts, 
. I will look into all of these you mentioned, especially the DustOff JeffM mentioned, sounds good.
From Canada, joined Apr 2005, 1497 posts, 
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