[nwbcc] Digital sensorcleaning

[Tony Cropper]

In article <BAY119-F950B2C0E15FFBD8845B71D0BA0 at phx.gbl>,
   marilyn adams <marilynadamswestbury at hotmail.com> wrote:
> Hello all,

> My digital camera sensor is in need of a clean to remove dust spots from 
> images - has anyone used a company they would recommend to do this? Glad of 
> any advice.

> Marilyn


Hi Marilyn,


Since first getting a digital SLR 18 months ago my sensor has needed
cleaning every month or so. Bearing this in mind and looking at sensor
cleaning in terms of cost and inconvenience I decided that, once the
camera's warranty was up I would get suitably equipped to do it myself.

Having looked at the advice available at the time on the internet I
bought a bottle of Eclipse optic cleaner and a pack of sterile,
lint-free Pec*Pads (both trade names). The other thing needed is a
flexible and softish spatula of a size which allows you to cover your
sensor in 1 1/2 or 2 passes.

The technique is to wrap the Pec*Pad around the end of the spatula
without touching it, apply a couple of drops of the Eclipse fluid and
wipe across the sensor in one movement. Turn the spatula around so that
the second pass uses the other side of the Pec*Pad which is then
discarded. One or two pads have always proved sufficient for the
purpose.

In the intervening time quite a number of new cleaning products have
arrived on the market. A google for Sensor Cleaning will show much of
what is available.

All the sites I originally found went to great lengths to emphasise that
CCDs could be damaged by rough handling which would invalidate any
warranties and that they would not be held responsible for any damage.
A scratch on the surface of the CCD would require its replacement -
expensive.

We all pay our money and take our choices. I would not recommend my way
but, on the other hand, it suits me and I will certainly continue with
it.

Hope this helps.

Regards and Happy New Year.

tony

-- 
tony cropper
Email: tony at acropper.com                                       bristol uk
Web:   http://www.acropper.com/