[nwbcc] Digital sensorcleaning

[Ray Cottrell]

Marilyn

When my sensor became so dirty I had to tackle the problem, I discussed 
with Tony the options for doing this and decided to have a go myself. I 
bought a cleaning kit from warehouseexpress.com which contains pec 
pads/spatulas, cleaning solution and a host of other cleaning stuff - I 
think a couple of different kits are available, one contains the whole 
shooting match (quite pricey) the other a slimmed down version 
(obviously cheaper).

At first I was pretty nervous about doing it, being afraid of damaging 
the sensor, but now I don't think twice if I need to do it. As Tony 
implied, you have to decide yourself if you wish to take the risk.

Just a note on how to minimise the amount of dust and dirt that is 
attracted to the sensor - switch the camera off each time before 
changing a lens; this will reduce the static charge on the sensor when 
exposing the inside of the camera to the elements.

Ray


On 2 Jan 2007, at 16:15, Tony Cropper wrote:

> 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/
>
>
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