BigWooo
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How do you clean your CCD sensor?
Not too long ago I ditched my film SLR camera for a digital SLR. I knew that filming in the windy/dusty areas I visit in Baja would eventually
introduce dust onto the camera ccd sensor. It finally happened, despite how careful I’ve been while changing lenses or using the telephoto. I’ve got
a few nice black spots in the middle of my pictures.
I could take it to the local camera shop and have it cleaned, but since I plan to live in Baja in the not too distant future I think I should learn to
clean it myself. It doesn’t seem that difficult (I hope).
I’ve been researching kits to clean the CCD but can’t decide which to try. Right now I’m torn between the Eclipse 2 (tin oxide sensor) wet system (http://www.photosol.com/eclipse_e2product.htm) or the Arctic Butterfly dry cleaning system (http://www.visibledust.com/products.php).
Have you guys/gals with SLR cameras had this problem? Have any of you cleaned the CCD yourself? What did you use? Were you happy with the results?
Muchas Gracias.
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BigWooo
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I actually clicked on one of the ads that pop up above and it had a good article on cleaning the ccd sensor. Looks like they prefer the eclipse
solution cleaning method.
Sill like to hear from someone that has done this before though.
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mtgoat666
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Location: San Diego
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Mood: Hot n spicy
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BigWooo
I actually clicked on one of the ads that pop up above and it had a good article on cleaning the ccd sensor. Looks like they prefer the eclipse
solution cleaning method.
Sill like to hear from someone that has done this before though. |
I recommend you use a "rocket blower" (available in camera stores) to blow dust off the sensor. If you need wet cleaning, have the manufacturer or
local camera repair shop do it, so you are covered in case of a scratched sensor. My Canon gets cleaned for free at Canon's Irvine CA reapair center.
If you want to do your own wet cleaning, use pec pads and recommended solution (visit camera forum websites to find out what soluition is recomended
for your sensor (not all solutions are recommended for all sensors).
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Gadget
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I took my brand new Sony PC120 along for a 500 mile pre-run in 2003 in the jump seat of a buddys Bronco with almost zero dust proofing in it. We all
looked like powdered sugar donuts!
$450.00 damage to the camera, the silica dust shorted out a circuit and burned up a drive gear.
It goes in a big zip-lock food storage bag with a hole cut in it for the lens to protrude through.
No repairs since.
"Mankind will not be judged by their faults, but by the direction of their lives." Leo Giovinetti
See you in Baja
http://www.LocosMocos.com
Gadget |
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Acuity
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I use the precursor to the Arctic butterfly and have found it very effective - and safe. Wet solutions can be a recipie for mud and disaster.
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EMAM
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I normally use a few different things.
First and foremost is a good Rocket Blower. That will blow much of the dust and nasties that get in the shutter area.
If after doing that a few times it still isnt clean, I have a solution and some sensor swabs that I use. Much like the Artic Butterfly set up.
Rather than send the camera in to get cleaned which costs a bundle and leaves you cameraless for a few days, I'd rather do it myself and know it's
done right.
I once sent it in, and got it back and it still have a spot on the sensor!?! What was I to do, box it back up and be without it for a few weeks?
Learn to do it yourself and you'll be happy and will save a ton of money.
Just Google CCD Sensor Cleaning, or log onto www.photography-on-the.net/forum/ and search for Sensor Cleaning. You'll find tons of info on it there
Good Luck
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tripledigitken
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Acuity
I use the precursor to the Arctic butterfly and have found it very effective - and safe. Wet solutions can be a recipie for mud and disaster.
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Thanks for the tip on that product. It's just what i've been looking for.
Ken
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CortezBlue
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CCD/CMOS Cleaning
I am a photographer and I am a Nikon user and I am currently shooting with the D300. Most of the newer cameras provide a sensor cleaner built into
the camera and this will usually take care of most issues. However, if you camera does not support sensor cleaning, here is my opinion.
1. I DO NOT like any item that blows into the camera body onto the sensor. True, this is an easy fix, however the dust just floats around the inside
of the camera and will probably show up on your sensor shortly after due to static charges of the dust and the electronics.
2. There are a few brushes that are suppose to allow the sensor to be softly stroked and the charged dust particle will attach to the brush. Again,
a good simple fix, but I am not convinced that it will pull all particles from the cameras internal area.
3. Wet cleaning is what I try to use whenever I am going on a trip. There are several companies that provide fluid and foam pads/brushes that you
buy for your sensor size.
NOTE: There is a difference in these fluids. Some fluids are designed for CCD and there is a different fluid for CMOS. PLEASE KNOW WHAT YOU NEED.
Most camera stores will provide you with the correct combo.
Final thougths
It is important to make sure that if you are changing lenses during your photo trip try to make sure that you are sheltering your camera from the
wind. Also, if you shoot Nikon and maybe Canon and other cameras, there is software that allows a photo to be taken against a white paper and it will
map any specs on the image and it will fix or mask the dust specs. You can then batch process all of the photos that have specs and it will fix your
photos.
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BigWooo
Senior Nomad
Posts: 579
Registered: 1-2-2007
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Thank you for all the good suggestions.
Here's what I did:
First of all I have a Pentax K10D camera. It has a sensor vibrator that can shake off dust, but that didn't take care of a couple of the bigger dust
spots.
The K10D has a feature that lifts the mirror out of the way for cleaning. After moving the mirror I used the rocket blower that I just received in
the mail. It got off everything except one tiny spot:
That was fine with me, but I also bought the Photographic Solutions Eclipse-2 solution and the #2 swabs recommended for my camera. Figured I'd better
learn how to use them while in the States in case I screw up.
I raised the mirror again and used the swab to get the last spot off but...one of my eyelashes fell into the camera! Right on the sensor! I also
noticed some more dust spots, probably my doing.
I turned the camera over and exposed the sensor, fortunately I was able to blow the eyelash out. I cleaned the sensor with the eclipse again, but
still had a little streak in the middle of the sensor:
So now... do I quit while I'm behind, or try again?
I tried again and now it's clean, clean, clean:
I think the eclipse solution and swab is a great idea, but it takes steady hands and some getting used to. Next time I'll only use the blower unless
the spots are real noticable... and wear a hair net with tape over my eyebrows! 
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