Spots on photos, how do i clean it safely?

12/17/2006 10:05:26 PM · #1

Just as the title states, im getting some spots on my photos so im thinking its time to clean my camera, how do i do this without damaging my camera? How much do the required tools cost?

thegrandwazoo

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

12/17/2006 10:09:32 PM · #2

Copperhill sensor cleaning kit

Or the Depee Method "Scotch Tape" (I just can't bring myself to try it)

:-D

Message edited by author 2006-12-17 22:10:11.

fotomann_forever

12/17/2006 10:11:28 PM · #3

Clone tool and Healing brush work well for me ;-)

Copperhill seems to be the best option though

Edit: Leroy doesn't type well when intoxicated.

Message edited by author 2006-12-17 22:12:04.

thegrandwazoo

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

12/17/2006 10:17:52 PM · #4

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

Edit: Leroy doesn't type well when intoxicated.

Word up! Tonight I got a little Captain in me ... :-P

12/17/2006 10:18:53 PM · #5

Ouch $70...... that better be reusable lol, guess ill try to pick it up on payday. Is there no cheaper method lol? im low on cash as it is.

thegrandwazoo

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

12/17/2006 10:20:11 PM · #6

Originally posted by kawana:

Ouch $70...... that better be reusable lol, guess ill try to pick it up on payday. Is there no cheaper method lol? im low on cash as it is.

That was the full kit. They have just the sensor swab and smaller kits.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

12/17/2006 10:37:35 PM · #7

Hmm ok $38 is a little better says it should last 2-3 years so thats good, im scared to go near the sensor though :S

David.C

12/17/2006 10:50:35 PM · #8

Originally posted by kawana:

Hmm ok $38 is a little better says it should last 2-3 years so thats good, im scared to go near the sensor though :S

Well ... if it makes you more comfortable you will not be cleaning the sensor itself. What you will be cleaning is a flat piece of glass in front of the sensor.

If you are still nervous about it, do the full cleaning procedure on a piece of glass (mirror, window, coffee table ... whatever). It may help to see just what angle works best, and how much pressure is needed to make a clean sweep.

David

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

12/18/2006 01:11:21 AM · #9

Oh ok that does take some of the stress away, but like, how thin is the glass? I REALLY dont want to break it as i only have the 90 day warrenty on my camera lol I didn't have the $300 for the 3 year :( so im scared lol

David.C

12/18/2006 01:57:46 AM · #10

Originally posted by kawana:

It is fairly thin, but it is also not going anywhere. It is held securely in place so it's not likely to be damaged.

For example, a plastic CD/DVD can be bent and broken fairly easily, but if layed flat on a table or desk and pushed on its not going to be able to bend -- no bend, no break. The most that could happen is it gets scratched if it moves, but that can't happen if it is held in place.

The main danger in cleaning the hotmirror filter (what the glass is called) is scratching it by scraping hard dust across it while cleaning. As long as you use a sterile cleaning cloth (pecpad or whatever) that danger is small.

Using a bulb blower (Rocket Blower is good) to get the loose dust off first makes the chance of damaging the filter even less. You may even find the blower takes care of the problem.

Since most of the fear probably comes from the unknown aspects of it, perhaps a few pictures will help. LifePixel sells infrared filters, and this pages is a tutorial for replacing the hot mirror filter with a infrared filter [link]. The hot mirror, and how it is attached to the camera, are shown towards the bottom.

Of course, those images are only to help you understand what you will be cleaning, disassembly is not required -- although it would make it easier to get at the more stubborn spots. :P

David

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

12/18/2006 02:29:06 AM · #11

find luminous landscape (.com) and search for "the pixel sweeper" for good clear info, advice and pics.

fordmanf1

Canon EOS-30D

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

12/18/2006 02:33:42 AM · #12

Originally posted by kawana:

Try a bulb blower, far cheaper and safer, also most if not all spots on my photos have been attributed to dirt on my lenses, not my sensor, clean your lens before your sensor, works for me.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

12/18/2006 02:59:19 AM · #13

Hmm seems there are specks on my lens, is there anything that you'd recommend i do/dont use to clean the lens? is a little bit of windex on a lintfree cloth ok? or is that cleaner too harsh? If it is just the lens that would be a huge help as i need pretty much all my $$ for presents lol, but i know ill have to clean my sensor eventually so its still good info to know.

Message edited by author 2006-12-18 03:00:14.

fordmanf1

Canon EOS-30D

12/18/2006 03:29:00 AM · #14

Originally posted by kawana:

I use Zeiss lens cloths, Wal-mart has them 50 in a box for under $3.00. I've had my rebel xt for almost a year now, I change my lenses frequently and have never used anything on my sensor but a bulb blower.

Message edited by author 2006-12-18 03:32:06.

banmorn