How often do you...... - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM

10/26/2004 08:31:36 PM · #1

So how often do you clean you sensor. Do you clean it only when it looks like you have snow in mid July or do you clean it regularly? I have some dust on my sensor. Not anything that can not be fixed in Photoshop. Should I risk cleaning the sensor or just let it be??
Please advise.
dc

hsteg

Fujifilm X-T20

10/26/2004 08:34:39 PM · #2

Well if you live in the southern hemisphere, when its july, its snowing in the northern hemisphere. Speaking of dust, my 20d has lots of it and it needs to be cleaned.

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Canon

10/26/2004 08:40:29 PM · #3

Good point. I often forget we are international here. Lets assume I live in New Mexico, USA where in July it is 100 degrees............
dc

ElGordo

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

10/26/2004 08:41:41 PM · #4

I clean the sensor on my DSLR anytime it exhibits spots on the image. There is some risk associated with this procedure on most cameras, less so with the one I have.
But at some point cleaning is inevitable and it is prudent to learn a good procedure for cleaning your camera. Some manufactureres will clean the sensor free of charge but some users have had less than satisfactory results from sending in their cameras.
There are several decent websites offering good info on sensor cleaning, just do a search on Google or Yahoo.

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

10/26/2004 08:50:20 PM · #5

Thanks once again ElGordo
dc

Jacko

Canon EOS-20D

10/26/2004 08:56:10 PM · #6

I've only cleaned my sensor 3 times ... twice with my 10D and once with my 20D. I'm now really comfortable with the procedure so I won't hesitate to clean it every month or two.

I use this very popular technique

alanfreed

Nikon Z9

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

10/26/2004 08:58:57 PM · #7

I've been doing it every couple months... that seems to be how often I start noticing the Dust Globs of Doom.

I'm still nervous about the whole thing, but it always makes a huge difference.

10/26/2004 09:03:36 PM · #8

Jacko thanks for the link. I guess I will bite the bullet and order a cleaning kit. I think I may have to have a cig and a drink afterward to calm the nerves.......

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

10/26/2004 09:04:43 PM · #9

Alan I have not talked to you since I first joined the site. I hope I can feel as comfortable as you about cleaning the sensor...
dc

zeuszen

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II

10/26/2004 09:06:44 PM · #10

Ellamay tells me that some of the Safari pros cleaned their sensors daily, as a matter of routine.

I've found that dust can accumulate rapidly, even if you do not change lenses. Minimal shutter friction may contribute to this. When the mechanics have been 'broken in', the dust on the sensor and in the chamber decreases. (?) If this is the case, older, regularly used dslrs should run cleaner, no?

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

10/26/2004 09:18:47 PM · #11

Thanks zues zen. I saw some of the same spots that I have on ellamays quick photos today. Made me feel a little better. If someone who can take photos like that has some spots what the heck am I worried about....
dc

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

10/26/2004 09:21:03 PM · #12

After 14 months and 8000+ exposures I've cleaned mine three times. I only clean when the dust bunnies start to be too much of a hassle to clean up in PS. I use the CopperHill method, with great results.

mrorange002

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

10/26/2004 09:22:50 PM · #13

I just cleaned mine today.
did it about a month ago, but have been shooting really heavy the last few weeks, and have collected a few dust bunnies.

ElGordo

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS for Canon

10/26/2004 09:22:56 PM · #14

I store my DSLR without a lens attached, using a plastic cover instead. But that is because I use the same lenses on several other film cameras.
Obviously, lens changes are a prime opportunity for dust to invade and most of us do not have a 'clean room' to make the lens change. A large plastic zip lock bag that is maintained for the purpose can help here.
Store all lenses and lens covers in dust tight containers or plastic bags. If you use a compressed gas duster, be extremely careful to keep the nozzle 10 or more inches from the surface of the sensor. Frost from the compressed gas can rapidly buildup on the sensor and cause an even worse problem!
My camera disassembles rather easily so I frequently use a duster to blow dust from the interior, but GENTLY. It is now very rare for dust particles to accumulate on the sensor.
As Zeuszen said, newer cameras may generate particles as they wear in. Careful cleaning is the only remedy.

Jacko

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

10/26/2004 09:25:10 PM · #15

Look at these beauties after only 2 weeks with my 20D and 7-8 lens changes. It looks like it was shipped that way.

This was my 10D after 18 months

Originally posted by kirbic: