TP: Cleaning the sensor in your camera

MichelvA wrote: According to the description of the set i have, you must first hover the sensor, after that apply the pads. Wet one first, followed by a dry pad to wipe away all the fluid. And with that any smaller particles.

Thanks very much, just what I needed to know.

When I use the wet method I just use wattenstaafjes/cotton tips (the thing you use to clean your ears).
In the case of the A100 I used pure alcohol (96%) and for the A700 Eclipse which is also alcohol based, only a different kind of alcohol. The cmos of the A700 doesn't seem to like normal ethanol. Don't know why.
It works like a dream.

For the dry method, I use the arctic butterfly which works well enough if the dust isn't sticky.

I'm always changing lenses in sometimes dusty situations and I'm quite used to doing it.
It is no big deal and you really don't have to be afraid doing it.

THANK YOU!!!!!! I'm glad i found this before i did something stupid to the sensor. very nice, clear istructions even i cant get this wrong now! haha

Just found this great resource on sensor cleaning. According to this source, the answer to PieterB's question about the A700 may have to do with the tin oxide sensor. Aparently, Eclipse E2 is the only wet method endorsed by Sony. This source also has a lot of great tips on how to make your own swabs, etc.

Cheers... Brian

Edited by bms44974 - 16 March 2010 at 14:55

Nowadays, I found the canned air duster - a very careful puff or two - works for me.

pegelli wrote: I think I've read somewhere that people also used a lenspen, but can't find the reference anymore. Anybody here has any experience with that ?

I used the round ended lenspen but it does not get into the corners. Other than corners it worked just fine.

There is a square one intended for camera sensors6

Let me add a few comments. As noted, one should be careful about using an air dusting cans (like one would use on a computer screen). The propellants may dissolve the coatings on the sensor, leaving permanant smudges or damage. Each manufacturer may use different propellants, which may be incompatible with your sensor. If you do use a dust can, be careful and make sure you hold it upright. Try not to tilt it downward or upside down where the propellants would come out.

Most wet cleaning solutions are comprised of various alcohols (ethanol, isopropal, mehanol or others). Be certain to use the correct type of solvent for your sensor. The wrong solvent could cause very costly damage to your sensor by dissolving the coatings on the sensor. Unless you know what you are doing, I would strongly recommend buying your cleaning solvents from a manufacturer.

You shouldn't need much pressure to wet clean a sensor, as it is the solvents that are doing most of the work, not the scrubbing. Also, be careful about how you clean the sensor with a pad or cotton swab. If you are not careful you may pull some of the lubricating oils from the internals onto the sensor, which could make your sensor worse.

All of that being said, I have wet cleaned my own sensors (only when dry methods have not worked) carefully for years. It is scary the first time, but after that you will be far less reluctant to do so. If you know someone else that has done so before, I recommend that you ask them to show you the first time.