Posted by Ken Henke on October 5, 2012 at 12:34 AM
Just curious on any recommendations for sensor cleaning devices. I had used Dust-Aid swabs in the past with decent results. However, this time around I have some real stubborn spots I can't get rid of.
Posted by Ron Bailey on October 5, 2012 at 2:45 AM
You and me both. I'm shooting with the 5D II and have one spot that is driving me nuts. I suppose I'll have to send it in....or?
Posted by Jody Grigg on October 5, 2012 at 9:01 AM
FYI - Englewood Camera does in house cleaning, they have cleaned my 5DMkII twice now. I am very happy with the service plus its a quick turnaround.
I use Visible Dust and rarely do a wet clean. Usually a dust clean with the camera, followed by the Arctic Butterfly does the trick. The swabs and cleaning fluids are great - 2 drops and one or two swipes and I'm all set.
Posted by David Kingham on October 5, 2012 at 12:09 PM
I've never had any luck cleaning my own sensor of stubborn spots so I always send it to Pictureline in SLC. Usually only need to have it professionally cleaned about once a year. Dust-Aid does a great job on the stuff that isn't welded on.
Bret, you expressed what I am experiencing. Some speck that is immune to swabs! Didn't believe anything could stick to the sensor except dust, but clearly it can. I did find a camera repair shop closer to me in Loveland called Shanklin. Any of you NoCo photographers have any experience with them? One would hope they can conduct a cleaning well.
That said, after I get this speck from hell removed, I will have to consider a better system than I was using for the typical dust. Glad to hear some favorable reports on the Artic Butterfly. Also, will have to check out Photographic Solutions. Thanks, David. I had read others using their products will good success.
I also use an Arctic Butterfly but have found it only good for getting loose stuff off. I usually follow with a wet cleaning which works really well.. You have to be careful with the AB brush though. I somehow managed to touch some grease with the bristles somewhere on the inside of the sensor/mirror box and smeared it on the sensor. Saw it after downloading a couple of cards that night. About 6 wet cleanings solved it (I was being a bit anal, probably could have done it in 2-3 but wanted to make sure, since I was in Iceland at the time, and it was only day 3 of a 2 week trip.)
Posted by Richard Olsen on October 6, 2012 at 1:58 PM
I'll echo the thumbs up for the Arctic Butterfly and 2nd Don's caution of keeping the brush on the sensor. They also sell sensor swabs with 2 different solutions for cleaning. I've yet to have a spot I couldn't get off.
Mikes camera of Boulder, did an interior clean on my 1D MkIII and did an excellent job for a reasonable price.
Discussion
10 repliesThat said, after I get this speck from hell removed, I will have to consider a better system than I was using for the typical dust. Glad to hear some favorable reports on the Artic Butterfly. Also, will have to check out Photographic Solutions. Thanks, David. I had read others using their products will good success.
Mikes camera of Boulder, did an interior clean on my 1D MkIII and did an excellent job for a reasonable price.