Wet cleaning sensor steps - Pls Check!

[RJL2005]

Hi All

Since starting to use the mp-e 65mm macro lens I've noticed some irritating little dust bunnies I can't shift with the blower so am going to wet clean the sensor. I've got hold of a couple of VisibleDust swabs and the fluid but would like a check of the procedure before I start please

1. Put camera into manual sensor clean mode and expose sensor.
2. Use blower to remove any loose dust.
3. Add a couple of drops of fluid to swab and lightly drag across sensor, reverse swab and repeat in opposite direction (not sure about this though)
4. Replace lens and switch off camera.
5. Take test shot and repeat if needed.

Seems straight forward enough but some feedback would help the confidence

 

[david1701]

you should add hair pulling, attempted suicide and excessive alcohol consumption to the list

 

[RJL2005]

you should add hair pulling, attempted suicide and excessive alcohol consumption to the list

Done 1 & 3 already, that's why I'm going to try the wet clean and hopefully avoid the second Would still like a check on the procedure though

 

[phototuition]

Hi Rhod, You say you've been using a blower on the sensor. This is something I was always taught to avoid as it stirs up any particles that may be in the mirrorbox or on the frosted glass of the viewfinder prism.
I run 5 dslr bodies which frequently have outdoor lens changes by newbys and I've not yet needed a wet clean. We use the Arctic butterfly that uses a minute static electricity charge to pick off sensor particles.
So I can't really comment on the wet swabbing apart from reminding you to ensure your battery is charged up to prevent mirror dropping unexpectedly onto brush!!

John www.phototuition.net

 

[Peter_Hartland]

Personally I actually make sure the swab is quite wet especially if you have a self cleaning sensor as this means the dirt will be a little stubborn or worse oil from the mirror mechanism. I then ensure I thoroughly clean the sensor with a wet swab. Then I use a dry swap to clean the sensor by wiping first in one direction followed by a reverse swipe.

I then blow out the sensor with a puffer and check. Finally I use the artic butterfly. Then the in camera sensor clean. Works every time. This was shown to me by a professional sensor cleaner

 

[RJL2005]

Confidence slowly ebbing away.................

 

[RJL2005]

Hi Rhod, You say you've been using a blower on the sensor. This is something I was always taught to avoid as it stirs up any particles that may be in the mirrorbox or on the frosted glass of the viewfinder prism.
I run 5 dslr bodies which frequently have outdoor lens changes by newbys and I've not yet needed a wet clean. We use the Arctic butterfly that uses a minute static electricity charge to pick off sensor particles.
So I can't really comment on the wet swabbing apart from reminding you to ensure your battery is charged up to prevent mirror dropping unexpectedly onto brush!!

John www.phototuition.net

Personally I actually make sure the swab is quite wet especially if you have a self cleaning sensor as this means the dirt will be a little stubborn or worse oil from the mirror mechanism. I then ensure I thoroughly clean the sensor with a wet swab. Then I use a dry swap to clean the sensor by wiping first in one direction followed by a reverse swipe.

I then blow out the sensor with a puffer and check. Finally I use the artic butterfly. Then the in camera sensor clean. Works every time. This was shown to me by a professional sensor cleaner

Thanks fellas

Maybe buy a butterfly before I start!

 

[mr_pants]

Oil from the mirror mechanism looks a lot different from dust. It gives an almost doughnut-like shape. I had that on one of my cameras while in the Kuwaiti desert. I cleaned that with toilet paper. It was all I had available.

If you are going to wet clean, I would strongly suggest using an air blower on the wipe before you dampen it. I've just spent an inordinate amount of money replacing the sensor after scratching it while cleaning. The wipe I used came straight out of the sealed packet, too. This was the same camera sensor that I previously took a piece of toilet paper to.

Definitely have a further, extended, go with the blower first, though, would be my advice.