I am about to touch my sensor - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

12/04/2006 05:27:34 PM · #1

Words of wisdom? After my method of kim wipes wrapped over qtips failed me this time, I went ahead and purchased Visible Dust swabs and fluid.

For some odd reason, I am more scared to use the VDust product over the kim wipes...LOL

bfox2

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

12/04/2006 05:45:07 PM · #2

Looks kinda like the copperhill stuff I use...I've never really had a problem with it, the sensors are pretty tough little things. Might take a couple sweeps to get it all the way clean though.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

12/04/2006 06:21:16 PM · #3

I've never tried any Visible Dust products, but I have used the Copperhill method many times on mutiple cameras without any problems.

The Copperhill method is probably used by more DSLR owners than any other solution. You should give it a try.

Pec-Pads and Eclipse are probably cheaper than the Visible Dust swabs too.

Just a thought.

violinist123

Canon EOS-6D

12/04/2006 06:23:49 PM · #4

You'll go blind!!!

Cutter

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

12/04/2006 06:27:43 PM · #5

Anyone have the links to the Copperhill Method? Thanks.

dv_rock

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Tamron AF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical for Canon

12/04/2006 06:29:29 PM · #6

Copperhill

Originally posted by Cutter:

Anyone have the links to the Copperhill Method? Thanks.

_eug

Nikon D50

12/04/2006 06:29:56 PM · #7

Originally posted by Cutter:

Anyone have the links to the Copperhill Method? Thanks.

Google is your friend... :)

//www.copperhillimages.com/index.php?pr=tutorials

Message edited by author 2006-12-04 18:30:34.

wavelength

Nikon D300

12/04/2006 06:48:42 PM · #8

You make it sound so dirty. bwhahahahaha. :P

I'm here all week, try the veal. ;)

_eug

Nikon D50

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

12/04/2006 06:50:02 PM · #9

Originally posted by wavelength:

I'm here all week, try the veal. ;)

You want her to put veal on her sensor? I don't think that'll help. ;)

Cutter

Nikon D700

12/04/2006 06:53:05 PM · #10

Thanks...I have had my D70 for 2 years and never cleaned the sensor...EVER! I am now to the point that is takes about 2 mins to remove all the spots in post...so I figure I might as well clean it now.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

12/04/2006 08:09:43 PM · #11

Originally posted by Cutter:

How are you checking for sensor dust? Normally, only a small percentage of the dust on your sensor will be visible in most photos straight from the camera.

Baxter

Nikon D500

12/04/2006 08:13:14 PM · #12

I use the Visible dust method, and have had no problems. Luckily I have only had to use the cleaning solution once. Very simple, the brushes I use almost weekly.

DustDevil

Canon EOS-70D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

12/04/2006 09:00:24 PM · #13

I am very violent with my sensor and my mirrors. Even though it isn't probrably safe I still do it. Haven't had any problems with scratching anything as of yet. I take a bluish/grey glass cleaning cloth from wal-mart and put it on the end of the pec pad spatula and hold it on with a small hair rubber band. I basically polish/push the dust off the sensor and mirrors. I also have 4 sensor brushes of various makes and sizes. I know I know...sounds bad to do but better than sending my camera everyone 3 months into Pentax to have it cleaned at $65.00 a pop plus s/h.

I also get a straw and duct tape it to my vacuum wand and yes you got it..suck stuff out. I know I could possiably suck something out that I may want but my sensor is generally 95-98% clean. I test with a 50mm F1.4 at F22 and shoot into the blue sky with what ever shutter speed to get the exposure right. Then open and edit with curves to find where they are if I need to clean more.

alanfreed

Nikon Z9

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

12/04/2006 09:03:01 PM · #14

Originally posted by DustDevil:

I am very violent with my sensor and my mirrors.

Heh... is that the reason for your username?

Cutter

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

12/04/2006 09:05:49 PM · #15

Originally posted by Mick:

How are you checking for sensor dust? Normally, only a small percentage of the dust on your sensor will be visible in most photos straight from the camera.

well, i know i have enough because I can see it! You know normal stuff...small aperture, solid background. I figure it doesn't hurt the camera/sensor, just sucks when you see it. So I see enough, so I think it is time to clean it.

JRalston

Canon EOS-20D

12/05/2006 12:40:49 AM · #16

I posted the results in this thread.

12/05/2006 02:13:08 AM · #17

Originally posted by Cutter:

Originally posted by Mick:

How are you checking for sensor dust? Normally, only a small percentage of the dust on your sensor will be visible in most photos straight from the camera.

well, i know i have enough because I can see it! You know normal stuff...small aperture, solid background. I figure it doesn't hurt the camera/sensor, just sucks when you see it. So I see enough, so I think it is time to clean it.

If you want a nice clear picture of sensor dust, try shooting a well lit sheet of white paper. A large sheet of white foam core works great. Turn off auto-focus and manually set the focus to infinity, then set the smallest aperture available for your lens. Make sure the foam core is nice and bright, then snap a shot or two. Open the photo in Photoshop and run auto-levels. You should be able to see even tiny specks of dust.

You're right though. A little dust isn't going to hurt the camera. And if it ain't broke, don't fix it. :D

12/05/2006 02:22:11 AM · #18

Originally posted by JRalston:

I posted the results in this thread.

What did you do to that poor camera? I've never seen a sensor that dirty before. Have you been trying to take dirty pictures? ;)

Anyway, you did a pretty good job of cleaning it. There's still a few spots, but it looks much better.

deapee

Kodak V803

12/05/2006 02:30:58 AM · #19

Tape, seriously. one piece two passes will clean your sense now matter how bad you messed it up.

JRalston

Canon EOS-20D

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

12/05/2006 02:46:13 AM · #20

Originally posted by Mick:

Originally posted by JRalston:
I posted the results in this thread.

What did you do to that poor camera? I've never seen a sensor that dirty before. Have you been trying to take dirty pictures? ;)

Anyway, you did a pretty good job of cleaning it. There's still a few spots, but it looks much better.

LOL. It was horribly dirty. I am usually pretty careful about changing lenses too. Who knows!

crayon

12/05/2006 02:46:19 AM · #21

how do u make a camera focus to infinite?

David.C