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09/10/2007 02:06:41 PM · #1 |
I believe the Digi-age veterans hang here so I am going to bug them a bit more about some info on Sensor cleaning tools available out there.
I did a bit of research and have shortlisted the solutions provided by Photographic Solutions to be the most recommended. Their latest offerig the Sensor Swab seems to pretty convinient but a tad expensive when put against the Pec Pad + Eclipse + Sensor Swipe option. I know its only $4 a swab but they only sell in packs of 12. Till they released this most people including Copperhill method advised using the latter. My queries -
1. Have any of you used the Pec Pad + Eclipse + sensor swipe (or home made spatula) method? Is it effective enough?
2. When they say that Eclipse (or its new variant E2) is not allowed by air do they mean it cant be carried even in check in luggage? I was hoping a friend of mine could bring it with her when she comes from there.
3. Have any of you used this store calle MicroTools before? They are the only ones who have a good deal on these products and are able to ship it within 1 day. (Time is short for me).
4. Would you know of any walk-in store in SF, CA (near about Oak st.) where one could get the Eclipse and Pec Pads?
Sorry for the barrage ... but I dont think I'd get the answers anywere else :-)
Thanks in advance. |
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09/10/2007 02:34:17 PM · #2 |
Here's a partial answer for you anyway...
I used to use the Pec pads and Eclipse solution as my sole method of cleaning, and it always worked well (once I got over the fear of coming in physical contact with the sensor coating).
It is mighty expensive stuff, though. I bought a VisibleDust kit, and I've used it almost exclusively ever since then. If there's a really stubborn bit of dust, or a droplet of moisture or something like that, the Pec pads will get it where the VisibleDust brush won't. |
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09/10/2007 02:52:12 PM · #3 |
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09/10/2007 02:57:58 PM · #4 |
Thanks Alan and Doc....
I'm looking deeper into those options.
:-) |
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09/10/2007 03:20:09 PM · #5 |
I've used the Copperhill system (Pec Pad + Eclipse) and it works great. I use a bulb blower or a sensor sweep (brush) in combination (or sometimes instead of) the Eclipse as well. Sensor sweep works well for most everything but welded dust (i.e., specs that get "stuck" on the sensor and don't want to move).
Its really not that expensive, since the materials should last a fairly long time. (Like most, I tend to clean only when dust shows up in my exposures, and that seems to be about once every 750-1000 clicks for me). Like Alan said, getting over the initial fear that you're going to kill your sensor is the biggest hurdle. Now its pretty much a snap to clean.
You absolutely can't take the Eclipse on flights ... its highly flammable so they'll kick it out if carried on and illegal in checked bags. |
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09/10/2007 04:27:31 PM · #6 |
On our last trip to Mexico, I had a 2 oz. bottle of Eclipse in my camera backpack (carry on). I didn't mention it and nobody said a word about it, coming or going. The bag was 'inspected' several times too.
I've been using the Copperhill sensor cleaning method for years now. I made my own swipe from a small rubber spatula that my wife gave me. It works great and I've never had any problems.
BTW, Eclipse is nothing more than high purity ethanol (according to their web site, it contains less than 5 parts per million of contamination). You can buy pure methanol from several suppliers for a lot less money.
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