Dirty Sensor

I am getting specks on my camera sensor. Blowing the specks off of the sensor doesn't seem to help, so I try GreenClean wet/dry swabs. This just makes the specks worse. Any ideas on how to fix this problem other than sending the camera in? Thanks for any tips.

Raymond

Wish I did....I think I may have the same problem. I noticed it when I was up in the Arctic shooting pictures of polar bears (in Manitoba actually) and thought it might have been scratched somehow, but the lens was fine.

I would closely examine the sensor to see what the problem is. If in fact you have dust on the sensor, as a last resort before sending the camera in I would try Visible Dust products. They have three different solutions depending on the type of stuff you have on the sensor, several types of wipes that are sized precisely to your sensor, and they also have an assortment of dust brushes, intended more for maintenance. I have used their products with great success. But as a warning, if you are not careful you could easily be sending in the camera for a scored sensor rather than just a cleaning.

The first thing I would recomend is stay away from green clean. It doesn't dry fast enough and just makes the situation worse. I would concur with Gene's suggestion and go with the Visible Dust products or the eclipse from Photographic Solutions, Inc. This is what I've been using and it works very well if you need to do a wet cleaning. However, my first choice is to do a dry cleaning using the Arctic Butterfly by Visible Dust, it is usuall all that is needed.

Visible Dust products work very well. Remember just because it is "green" doesn't mean it is effective.

I second the Visible Dust Arctic Butterfly.
It uses electrostatic charged brush and I've had good results for particulates.

However, it sounds like you may have a liquid which is smearing. Might be a different deal...
Visible Dust is a bit pricey but portable with a carrying case.
the fisch

Visible Dust has a solution specifically for smearing - its worth checking it out.

Visible dust is outstanding..The swabs and cleaning fluid are a bit pricey but very effective. As is the Arctic butterfly!

Thanks everyone. I actually sent the camera in once, but it happened a second time. I thought the first time it was tree sap, but now I doubt it. Guess I'll check out visible dust!

I've found the a standard blower brush is all that is often needed.

However if something is a little more stubborn then I have found the Artic Butterfly to be more than sufficient. Only once have I ever had the need to use swabs and they were all by VisibleDust.

However, one word of warning about the Artic Butterfly, don’t get to near the edge as you may pick up grease and deposit in onto the sensor!!! Then you will really will be in a bind getting that off!!!

Check out the Copperhill system. Similar to Visible Dust but a bit less $$. Just be sure you know which solution you are using. Some of eh newer sensor covers cannot use the first generation solutions as the liquid may damage the coating on the cover. Read carefully and select carefully and you will be fine.